Saturday, February 25, 2012
Bistronomic
Another high energy location ( the table of girls and table of guys across from us were swapping phone numbers), but at least we weren't the only ones over 50 . We ate later at Bistronomic than usual since we went after a great rendition of Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Midsummer's Night Dream. Service was very attentive. My husband was very tempted to order from the regular menu because it included a lot of his French favorites but we kept with the Restaurant Week menu since the offerings also sounded good and were only $33. The starters were lovely: parmesan gnocchi with rock shrimp in a lobster tarragon emulsion and the duck terrine with fig marmalade , mizuna salad and roasted hazelnut was especially good. My coq au vin wasn't traditional but it was delicious. The duck was fried separately and then added to this wonderful red wine reduction. My husband also loved his fish dish. We paired it with a nice sparkling rose brut. The desserts were fine, especially the Blanc Manger, but we intend to try one of their fantastic sounding cheese courses next time. The good news is that they have extended their Restaurant Week menus through March 4, so there is still time to try these specials. To learn what other restaurants have extended their deals check out the Chicago Tribune article. We are off to another Restaurant Week dinner tonight.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Restaurant reservations are easy to snag on Super Bowl Sunday
Restaurant reservations are easy to snag on Super Bowl Sunday, provided the restaurant doesn't have a big screen TV visible from the dining room. We wanted an early reservation after a matinee show. We chose Boka Restaurant Group's GT Fish and Oyster http://gtoyster.com/.
We sat in front of large windows which I think must open on the sidewalk in better weather. We got our own show that way. Four girls from some college pushed a large rolling laundry basket into Binny's and eventually came out with it full of ice. We watched as many 20 somethings struggled to get their beer and food out of taxis and into the nearby apartment building for Super Bowl parties. And a homeless man stole the valet's energy drink outside while the valet waited inside to stay warm. The street scene would be even more interesting in the summer. The dining room itself is very dark and sleek. The bar area is brighter and has long, high tables for groups who want to come and share the food. There is lots of on street, pay at the box parking and also a valet.
As for the food, it was wonderful. It is served tapas style. However this is not the place to take a date that eats light. I am pretty sure there wasn't a green salad on the menu that night and the vegetable dish we had was coated in chick pea flour. It is a very fish, meat and carb centric menu. You can definitely come in under the Bib Gourmand $40 maximum by choosing wisely but we went way over in order to try more things. My husband had oysters which were half price that night (I don't eat them) which was a treat for him. Other dishes included bigoli (pasta) with clams, scallops with green tea soba noodles and a miso broth, cauliflower with chick pea and yogurt coating, duck confit with chickpea harissa stew and BBQ eel with wasabi, potato and octopus salad. It all went well with the delightful California Albarino we ordered. We probably ordered one dish too many and didn't have room for desserts that are reportedly great. As you can see from the descriptions the flavors cross many cuisines (Japanese, Italian, Moroccan, French) and all are executed well.
My only gripe is that they don't provide serving utensils with the dishes. If your main concept is plates to share, then you need to provide serving utensils. Even the scallops dish with the wonderful broth didn't come with a spoon and spoons aren't a part of the table silverware. However, needing to ask for more silverware is a small annoyance when the food is this good.
We sat in front of large windows which I think must open on the sidewalk in better weather. We got our own show that way. Four girls from some college pushed a large rolling laundry basket into Binny's and eventually came out with it full of ice. We watched as many 20 somethings struggled to get their beer and food out of taxis and into the nearby apartment building for Super Bowl parties. And a homeless man stole the valet's energy drink outside while the valet waited inside to stay warm. The street scene would be even more interesting in the summer. The dining room itself is very dark and sleek. The bar area is brighter and has long, high tables for groups who want to come and share the food. There is lots of on street, pay at the box parking and also a valet.
As for the food, it was wonderful. It is served tapas style. However this is not the place to take a date that eats light. I am pretty sure there wasn't a green salad on the menu that night and the vegetable dish we had was coated in chick pea flour. It is a very fish, meat and carb centric menu. You can definitely come in under the Bib Gourmand $40 maximum by choosing wisely but we went way over in order to try more things. My husband had oysters which were half price that night (I don't eat them) which was a treat for him. Other dishes included bigoli (pasta) with clams, scallops with green tea soba noodles and a miso broth, cauliflower with chick pea and yogurt coating, duck confit with chickpea harissa stew and BBQ eel with wasabi, potato and octopus salad. It all went well with the delightful California Albarino we ordered. We probably ordered one dish too many and didn't have room for desserts that are reportedly great. As you can see from the descriptions the flavors cross many cuisines (Japanese, Italian, Moroccan, French) and all are executed well.
My only gripe is that they don't provide serving utensils with the dishes. If your main concept is plates to share, then you need to provide serving utensils. Even the scallops dish with the wonderful broth didn't come with a spoon and spoons aren't a part of the table silverware. However, needing to ask for more silverware is a small annoyance when the food is this good.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Back to Bib Gourmand
Life got complicated but back to blogging about Bib Gourmand. Kicked off Chicago Restaurant Week with dinner for four at Gemini Bistro in Lincoln Park. Husband and I got the $44 dinner and our friends got the $33 dinner. We both had short ribs with sort of scalloped potatoes with squash: excellent and perfectly cooked. I started with a mushroom risotto that was delicious but a bit too filling for a starter. Other starter were beet salad and tomato soup: all enjoyed. Our friends had roasted salmon with cabbage and bacon and short rib ravioli: both were decreed great. Of the desserts, the creme brulee got the rave reviews. Wine was good with nice selections by the glass. It's a pretty young crowd at Gemini Bistro but we felt comfortable there. They do have valet parking but no sign for it because they are on a corner. We have three more restaurant week reservations at Bib Gourmand restaurants, so stay tuned. I will also try to catch up on other restaurants we tried while I went dark
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Fashion Update from Paris: Dispatch 2
Lots of black leggings but only with tunic length tops.
As it has warmed up here, camel is the new neutral. Also more beige and brown.
In the stores for the young: a lot of ivory and dusty pastels. Don't really like the dusty colors and haven't seen many wearing them.
Very few ear buds, almost everyone wears headsets, many in cool colors.
We were in a different neighborhood yesterday and all the men were wearing grey or black suits with light blue or lavender shirts. Suits were not as expensive looking. We think it was a government building area.
Except for children and young teenagers, no one wears t-shirts with writing or graphics.
Almost no one wears hats except for some eccentric looking guys who appear to be part of the art scene (e.g., also wearing red velvet jackets).
Many more people wear glasses but only cool, trendy glasses, even the 70 year olds. The frames of my glasses are from France and that seems to be enough for storekeepers to assume I am French and start talking to me non-stop in French. Never happened to me before given my blond hair.
One strange trend: pants with harem trouser bottoms. These are made out of every imaginable fabric, including what you would use for a pin stripe suit. And being worn by stylish looking women of all ages. They aren't everywhere but around enough to be noticeable.
Have been busy shopping. Clothes still very expensive here and hard to find my size. Found some good discount shopping areas so all is not lost. Haven't bought harem pants so not to worry.
As it has warmed up here, camel is the new neutral. Also more beige and brown.
In the stores for the young: a lot of ivory and dusty pastels. Don't really like the dusty colors and haven't seen many wearing them.
Very few ear buds, almost everyone wears headsets, many in cool colors.
We were in a different neighborhood yesterday and all the men were wearing grey or black suits with light blue or lavender shirts. Suits were not as expensive looking. We think it was a government building area.
Except for children and young teenagers, no one wears t-shirts with writing or graphics.
Almost no one wears hats except for some eccentric looking guys who appear to be part of the art scene (e.g., also wearing red velvet jackets).
Many more people wear glasses but only cool, trendy glasses, even the 70 year olds. The frames of my glasses are from France and that seems to be enough for storekeepers to assume I am French and start talking to me non-stop in French. Never happened to me before given my blond hair.
One strange trend: pants with harem trouser bottoms. These are made out of every imaginable fabric, including what you would use for a pin stripe suit. And being worn by stylish looking women of all ages. They aren't everywhere but around enough to be noticeable.
Have been busy shopping. Clothes still very expensive here and hard to find my size. Found some good discount shopping areas so all is not lost. Haven't bought harem pants so not to worry.
Fashion Update from Paris: Dispatch 1
Big news here is that high heels are out for daytime, except for short boots or if you are wearing a skirt suit with a very short skirt. Heels come out at night again with short skirts. Hose and tights are in; bare legs not so much except with sandals. Many colors and textures. But also plain. Even many boots are flats right now.
Every woman, almost, wears a scarf. Rectangular only. All types of fabrics, plain and patterns. Most men also. However, they tie them differently.
Coats are really cute with interesting details. Fabulous collars, belts, embroidery and silk inserts.
Jewelry is either modest (gold, silver, pearls) or big ethnic style pieces.
See a lot of shorts with tights. Many of those who are wearing them shouldn't be.
Lots of patterns in tops and dresses. For juniors, it is small florals and ethnic. For women, more geometric prints, large florals and ethnic. White with horizontal blue striped tops are everywhere.
Color of note is dark melon.
Lots of layering but under layers are generally not longer than outer layers.
Black is always in.
Jeans are skin tight. Vans (shoes) are everywhere. More skirts and dresses than in the states.
Women my age (50’s) wear a lot of blazers/jackets that are very well tailored.
Men’s suits are generally dark blue with subtle external stitching. Lots of purple/lavender ties. White shirts.
Young men wear narrow long jackets, with lots of pockets, with everything.
Very few hats on men or women. Handbags are pretty similar to the U.S. - Big and slouchy with gold trimming. Attractive tote bags (to carry your baguettes).
Speaking of baguettes, time for breakfast.
This dispatch also posted on http://www.womanroadwarrior.com/, with me as guest author.
Every woman, almost, wears a scarf. Rectangular only. All types of fabrics, plain and patterns. Most men also. However, they tie them differently.
Coats are really cute with interesting details. Fabulous collars, belts, embroidery and silk inserts.
Jewelry is either modest (gold, silver, pearls) or big ethnic style pieces.
See a lot of shorts with tights. Many of those who are wearing them shouldn't be.
Lots of patterns in tops and dresses. For juniors, it is small florals and ethnic. For women, more geometric prints, large florals and ethnic. White with horizontal blue striped tops are everywhere.
Color of note is dark melon.
Lots of layering but under layers are generally not longer than outer layers.
Black is always in.
Jeans are skin tight. Vans (shoes) are everywhere. More skirts and dresses than in the states.
Women my age (50’s) wear a lot of blazers/jackets that are very well tailored.
Men’s suits are generally dark blue with subtle external stitching. Lots of purple/lavender ties. White shirts.
Young men wear narrow long jackets, with lots of pockets, with everything.
Very few hats on men or women. Handbags are pretty similar to the U.S. - Big and slouchy with gold trimming. Attractive tote bags (to carry your baguettes).
Speaking of baguettes, time for breakfast.
This dispatch also posted on http://www.womanroadwarrior.com/, with me as guest author.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Chicago Restaurant Week: Boka
Boka during Chicago Restaurant Week: $33 for a three course dinner at at one star restaurant. Can't beat that deal. Of course, my husband had the foie gras upgrade so his was $44. Also got to use our Open Table certificate. Once you achieve 2000 points on Open Table, you can have a $20 gift certificate sent to you which can be used at any Open Table restaurant. In case you aren't aware of Open Table, it allows online reservations at restaurants in many major cities.
For an appetizer, my husband had the Main Diver Scallop , plus the added fois gras. I had the Amish chicken thigh. Both appetizers and main course included a variety of vegetables, purees and sauces. The flavor combinations are subtle but tasty. I know our combinations varied a bit from the menu on the Chicago Restaurant Week site, but the effect was similar. For the entree, my husband had braised pork belly with deep fried oysters. I had sliced angus sirloin with a mushroom croquette and braised cabbage. Portions are not huge but we didn't go away hungry
For dessert we had a ginger kulfi with a flourless chocolate cake that was more like a dark mousse. I really like the kulfi but my husband wasn't as impressed. We both loved the cake which had a kick of spice in it. I thought the dessert was the most interesting.
We tried four different wines by the glass and all were intriguing. The best were the White Night Viognier and the Arista Pinot Noir. The Viognier was full bodied and minerally, not floral. The Pinot Noir was very lush, full and mellow.
For an appetizer, my husband had the Main Diver Scallop , plus the added fois gras. I had the Amish chicken thigh. Both appetizers and main course included a variety of vegetables, purees and sauces. The flavor combinations are subtle but tasty. I know our combinations varied a bit from the menu on the Chicago Restaurant Week site, but the effect was similar. For the entree, my husband had braised pork belly with deep fried oysters. I had sliced angus sirloin with a mushroom croquette and braised cabbage. Portions are not huge but we didn't go away hungry
For dessert we had a ginger kulfi with a flourless chocolate cake that was more like a dark mousse. I really like the kulfi but my husband wasn't as impressed. We both loved the cake which had a kick of spice in it. I thought the dessert was the most interesting.
We tried four different wines by the glass and all were intriguing. The best were the White Night Viognier and the Arista Pinot Noir. The Viognier was full bodied and minerally, not floral. The Pinot Noir was very lush, full and mellow.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Gilt Bar and As You Like It
We needed an early reservation before going to As You Like It at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Also wanted to try another Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant and needed a location that wasn't too hard to get to with the construction going on in Chicago. Ended up at Gilt Bar (don't click on this link at work unless your sound is on mute). Before my Michelin crusade I probably wouldn't have thought to try it.
We arrived literally as it opened at 5:45 and they rolled up the metal door. Expected to use the valet but he wasn't there yet. Ended up in a lot around the corner for only $10 for the night. Great deal. Needless to say we were seated right away. At most restaurants outside of the theater district, we would have been on our own for the first hour, but here people were swarming in. Most were in their 20's or 30's and most had come with reservations, to eat. An hour later the place was full! It definitely has a bar feel with an eclectic music track (country, indie, you name it). High energy but not so noisy you can't talk. Not sure why this attracts a younger crowd so early. We are used to leaving restaurants about the time the 30 somethings start arriving. But we didn't feel out of place all the same. There is a club/bar in the basement but it was empty while we were there.
This time it was only my husband and me so we didn't get to try as many items, but it was one of my favorite meals this year. I started with a pear and blue cheese salad that was out of this world. The server told us the blue was from Wisconsin. It was outstanding and was balanced well by the other ingredients. For a light eater this could be a meal. My husband had a simpler salad of endive and frisee with preserved lemon and dijon vinaigrette that was also well executed.
My main dish was pork belly with braised lentils. Ever since hearing Anthony Bourdain and Tom Colicchio rave about pork belly, I was determined to try it. I have had it recently at both Girl and a Goat and the Publican, but I think this is my favorite preparation. Think high end pork and beans. My husband had the special which was a striped bass, perfectly cooked.
The server had explained that all the plates were shareable. We thought that meant more like tapas. He just meant that everything was easy to share. With two salads, two main courses and a vegetable side, we had more food than we could finish. Our side was roasted brussel sprouts with bacon. Very good but we left that rather than the main dishes. The wine selection by the glass was great. I had a great rose. We were too full to try dessert but we plan to go back again.
Our adventure that evening was that we decided to walk from the restaurant to Navy Pier. There was a big show there that day and we had been warned that the traffic might be crazy. It was a long, brisk (make that very cold) walk. But it helped work off potential sleepiness from the food. We have subscription tickets to Chicago Shakespeare (the one subscription we kept when life with two kids got too full for more than one). So we are big fans, but this performance of As You Like It was one of our favorites. It is a comedy and a very silly one at that. The timing and the acting along with the regency era costumes made it feel modern. If you like period romances like Emma or Pride and Prejudice, you will probably enjoy this production.
The long walk back was even colder but it was fun to see the city still hopping despite the hour and the cold. Plus we felt virtous for only spending $10 for parking.
We arrived literally as it opened at 5:45 and they rolled up the metal door. Expected to use the valet but he wasn't there yet. Ended up in a lot around the corner for only $10 for the night. Great deal. Needless to say we were seated right away. At most restaurants outside of the theater district, we would have been on our own for the first hour, but here people were swarming in. Most were in their 20's or 30's and most had come with reservations, to eat. An hour later the place was full! It definitely has a bar feel with an eclectic music track (country, indie, you name it). High energy but not so noisy you can't talk. Not sure why this attracts a younger crowd so early. We are used to leaving restaurants about the time the 30 somethings start arriving. But we didn't feel out of place all the same. There is a club/bar in the basement but it was empty while we were there.
This time it was only my husband and me so we didn't get to try as many items, but it was one of my favorite meals this year. I started with a pear and blue cheese salad that was out of this world. The server told us the blue was from Wisconsin. It was outstanding and was balanced well by the other ingredients. For a light eater this could be a meal. My husband had a simpler salad of endive and frisee with preserved lemon and dijon vinaigrette that was also well executed.
My main dish was pork belly with braised lentils. Ever since hearing Anthony Bourdain and Tom Colicchio rave about pork belly, I was determined to try it. I have had it recently at both Girl and a Goat and the Publican, but I think this is my favorite preparation. Think high end pork and beans. My husband had the special which was a striped bass, perfectly cooked.
The server had explained that all the plates were shareable. We thought that meant more like tapas. He just meant that everything was easy to share. With two salads, two main courses and a vegetable side, we had more food than we could finish. Our side was roasted brussel sprouts with bacon. Very good but we left that rather than the main dishes. The wine selection by the glass was great. I had a great rose. We were too full to try dessert but we plan to go back again.
Our adventure that evening was that we decided to walk from the restaurant to Navy Pier. There was a big show there that day and we had been warned that the traffic might be crazy. It was a long, brisk (make that very cold) walk. But it helped work off potential sleepiness from the food. We have subscription tickets to Chicago Shakespeare (the one subscription we kept when life with two kids got too full for more than one). So we are big fans, but this performance of As You Like It was one of our favorites. It is a comedy and a very silly one at that. The timing and the acting along with the regency era costumes made it feel modern. If you like period romances like Emma or Pride and Prejudice, you will probably enjoy this production.
The long walk back was even colder but it was fun to see the city still hopping despite the hour and the cold. Plus we felt virtous for only spending $10 for parking.
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