Tasting Tour in Chicago

At the beginning of last week my wife, Jaime and I were deciding whether we should go to the eastern shore or possibly the jersey shore for the weekend.  During this discussion we received an airfare alert for a very reasonably priced ticket to Milwaukee.  I know what you’re thinking, unless I’m picking up a new Harley at the factory, which I wasn’t unfortunately, why go to Milwaukee?  First reason that’s where one of Jaime’s sisters lives and second, which was my true motive, is that Chicago is only about an hour or so south.  So the plan was set, we would have a quick afternoon visit with the Joan and then head to Chicago to reconnect with some friends and eat.

Saturday night we hooked up with some friends from my last restaurant in Denver.  Drinks and frites, pork rinds, headcheese and house made pretzels first at a great American gastro pub style establishment called Publican.  Here they truly pay great attention to the craft of beer making as well as the hog.  Next up more snacks and great cocktails at Gilt a great place where the gin smash would have lived up to its name if it wasn’t for my 9:45 reservation at L2o.  At L2o a very highly refined and beautifully appointed setting, we eased into our seats for what would be a two and a half hour dining experience that would focus on the perfection of seasonable ingredients being everything they could be. The service was impeccable, the wine delightful and the food delicious.  Among my favorite dishes here was the tai snapper with flavors of green curry, the chocolate surprise for dessert was an explosion of flavor as well.

Sunday morning still feeling the effects of last night, I somehow managed to get a quick workout in before brunch at North Pond.  Zucchini muffins, poached farm egg, roast leg of lamb and peach tart.  All this and overlooking North Pond, I can’t think of a better way to start a rainy Sunday morning.  After brunch the rain had stopped and the skies cleared nicely.  What to do next, its only 3 in the afternoon and dinner isn’t until 8:30.  Luckily for us there is a Calder exhibit going on at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  After spending a few hours looking at great works of art I’ve realized two things, first, I would really love to have a Calder mobile in my home and second I have a strange desire for a sazerac, so back to the hotel.  As I recline into the very comfortable chairs of the lounge and await my cocktail I can’t help myself from noshing on the olives and cheese sticks that are oh so appealing.  Now that I’m thoroughly relaxed its time to get ready for dinner.  Off to Alinea our destination for this evenings’ dinner.  Tonight’s meal wasn’t as mush dinner as it is an all consuming alternate reality.  Where throughout the meal you are called upon to participate while the entire time you are encouraged to have fun.  This was a three hour roller thrill ride that you didn’t want to end.  The meal kept you guessing what’s next? How could he top that? I didn’t think that was possible, finally when can I come back?

Chicago is a delicious town and I can’t wait to taste some more.