Before we went to see Billy Elliot while we were in Chicago we wanted a nice dinner. now nice restaurants and Chicago go hand in hand, however, I was a bit at a loss - when we were last in Chicago I don't recall any wonderful dinner spots in the theatre area. I am sure that there must be some but I always worry that they are like the theatre area restaurants in Toronto - somewhat sad and kept afloat by the fact that desperate theatre goers who don't know any better will flock there for mediocre food.
One site suggested eating at the Park Grill - the restaurant firmly anchored by the 'Bean' sculpture in Millennium Park. It is widely praised for its views and the food doesn't seem like an afterthought.
I read that it was the source of considerable scandal as well. The exclusive location, the lucrative contract terms, the investor list, and a close personal relationship between a managing partner of the restaurant and the Chicago Park District's project manager led to a formal ethics investigation, court litigation, and extensive press coverage, and ranked among the most prominent scandals of the administration of Chicago Richard M. Daley in 2005. The more than 80 investors include some of Daley's friends and neighbors. One of the most financially successful restaurants in Chicago, the Park Grill remains exempt from property taxes after a multi-year litigation which reached the appellate courts in Illinois.
View. Good food. Scandal.
We were THERE!
We started with an interesting wine - a pink sparkler from New Mexico. Yes, I did say New Mexico. I was shocked to discover that it was brilliant. Who knew?
I ordered an heirloom tomato salad comprised of burrata cheese, smoked sea salt, heirloom cucumbers, aged balsamic to start off the meal.
Paul decided on the traditional summer gazpacho served with pickled cucumber and jalapeno relish.
I was torn over what to order for my main course . . . there were a few things that I was interested in. The one thing I was NOT interested in was the burger. Our server told mem that I really should try it because it had recently be judged as one of the best burgers in Chicago. Sold! The peppercorn crusted Kobe burger that was served with gorgonzola, balsamic grilled onions and grain mustard on a pretzel bun it was!
Oh my. This was not diet food. What the heck I thought . . . I am on vacation!
For his main course Paul was more well behaved. He ordered dill crusted Great Lakes walleye served with garbonzo bean succotash, and a meyer lemon vinaigrette.
We both enjoyed our meal so much that we ordered dessert. Paul a mangocreme brule . .
I decided to enjoy the last of the seasonal strawberries with a strawberry vanilla bean shortcake.
It was a great meal from start to finish! If you happen to be in Chicago and are looking for a good spot for dinner you won't go wrong here. Come for the view, ignore the scandal (it is Chicago after all), enjoy the food . . .
Wine from New Mexico? Who knew! But I trust your wine judgment, so I would certainly try it!
The food looks great!
Posted by: nancyhol | July 28, 2010 at 01:26 AM
Oh my word all this looks fun and delicious. Now I have to go and look up burrata cheese as that is a new one on me...I always learn a lot over here, thanks.
Posted by: Kayte | July 28, 2010 at 09:06 AM
Looks great. Wonderful review. On my list.
Posted by: Barb Cabot | July 29, 2010 at 09:39 AM
We were shocked as well Nancy - I guess that it must be produced in the mountains.
Kayte - I can't believe that there is a food trend that you don't know about! I was late to the burrata party myself.
You won't go wrong with a trip to Chicago Barb!
Posted by: JDeQ | August 02, 2010 at 10:59 AM