I was planning to write about restaurant week. I checked out the menus and was pretty unimpressed. A few years ago, you could get a great deal and sample some of the best dishes at each restaurant. Now it seems you are confined to a very limited and overpriced menu that doesn't even include the restaurant's most popular dishes. When you arrive and order off the restaurant week menu, waiters tend to treat you like a second class citizen and hurry to get the dishes out. The chefs don't seem to be paying much attention because I've eaten at a few restaurants I know to be amazing (and consistent) and they quickly serve you some lackluster food so they can turn the table for the next restaurant week reservation.
Ok, enough complaining. The only exception is a good steakhouse. If you can get a nice app, filet, side, and dessert, the $30 or $40 price tag is usually worth it. I think Capital Grille & James Burke have decent dinner menus.
This year I decided to forgo restaurant week and write about some restaurants (and recommended dishes) I recently visited that were exceptional.
If you had a great experience at a Chicago restaurant week, please let me know! I'd love to hear about it. Maybe it'll change my mind for next year :).
Bub City (River North) - Went here with some girlfriends the other night. Young vibrant crowd. If you don't like loud and crowded, avoid this place on a Friday night.
- fried pickles
- shrimp cocktail (loaded with shrimp)
- pulled pork sandwich with tater tots
- cowboy wedge salad
Greek Islands (Greek Town) - This has and continues to be the best restaurant in Greek town. Great before a Hawks or Bulls game. Always packed.
- saganaki (flaming Cheese)
- fried zucchini (be careful of the garlic spread)
- avgolemeno (lemon chicken & rice soup)
- chicken shish kabob (with rice & potatoes)
- seabass (whole fish, they will fillet it for you)
- lamb chops
- horiatiki salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, feta)
Ada Street (Noble Square) - My husband's friends rented this out for a private dinner for about 40 people. The chefs and bartenders were the friendliest people in the world. I think the menu changes regularly, but these were a few to remember.
- chicken liver mousse (I know, it doesn't sound so good. But it was oh so good)
- fried brussel sprouts
- cavatelli, duck confit
- brioche donuts (can you say heaven?)
- her majesty (lemon vodka drink, made me feel like a queen)
Little Goat (West Loop) - Stephanie Izard's new place next to girl and goat (she was even there working the kitchen - so cool to see). Not one healthy thing on the menu. Diner style. Great lunch or hangover spot.
- the fat club
- los drowned
A Tavola (Ukrainian Village) - Small Italian spot. Super romantic or a great place for older people who like things a little quieter. The gnocchi are supposed to be their #1 item, but I thought they were too soft and lacked flavor. If you like your gnocchi like a pillow, go for it. Nice Italian wine list. Had a nice Borolo.
- cured meats (how can you say no)
- grilled portobello mushroom
- braised lamb ragu
- braised beef short rib over saffron risotto
- lemon tart
No comments:
Post a Comment