Aviary

One of the best places to have innovative cocktails in Chicago, no scratch that – the country – is Aviary. We all got that memo and most likely waited on line to snuggle into the glamorous booths, drink menu in hand. On the many trips I have made there, my favorite surprise was their version of The Hurricane. Brightly layered with cranberry, passion fruit and rum, it reminisced of a stroll down Bourbon Street in The Big Easy, without the overly sweet aftertaste. And no, you can’t keep the souvenir glass. Oh and yes – that is an umbrella. Our server’s pic for us to try on the BITES menu – POTATO. With malt vinegar chips and chopped chive. She described it as a fancy tater tot, and she was right. The custardy bites had some crunch, but more lovely and intricate flavors. So Hurricanes and Tater Tots at Aviary? Surprise! And worth the trip! PS – Apologies for the photo quality – no flashes allowed at Aviary …

Aviary's party series kicked off with a bang - El Bulli style, and I'm so glad I was there!!! Champagne to start, then pear & gin concoctions - which is funny, because I didn't think I liked gin, until that day! My favorite of the night was the whisky sour with passionfruit foam, it had just the right balance of sweet and bite for me. Yum! More alcohol, and the funniest conversation with a guy who played in a bell choir; which I have done in point of fact, for a few years! lol Tons of fun, and I even sat next to Nick Kokonas at one point. Too bad I was still fangirl-geeking out, cuz I should have introduced myself! hehe... Cannot wait to go back! ;)

Wanna be a cool kid, or just feel like one? Try a drink at the Aviary, and you'll at least feel like one. I went for NYE 2011, and it was a great party. Like, drunk girl in the corner puked on herself, and poor Marlon was left cleaning it up - kind of good. Hahaha... A great time was had by all in attendance, except for Ms. Pukey Pants, that is!

I know this is really a bar but I could seriously eat dinner here every single night! The drinks are of course amazing. The two turtle doves come in a box, both are rich and creamy and one has orange and the other has macadamia nut in it. Fantastic. A great dessert drink. The Two in One drink was an interesting mix, combining the two was the favorite way to drink it. The canteen is visually great to look at and gets stronger as you drink it. It is a great drink to start with. The Oolong is amazing and comes in a very unique presentation. It is a hot drink but excellent. The In The Rocks is a take on an old fashioned. A dinosaur egg that you snap open and the drink comes out. Very strong to start but a great drink. Now the bites in order of favorites and they are literally one bite each: Scallop - one of the best scallops I have ever had. In one bite it takes like you just ate a ceviche dish. And a good one! Foie Gras - incredibly rich and amazing. Wagyu - also incredibly rich and amazing. Salmon - light and excellent flavor Crab - light and excellent flavor Potato - I liked this one but it was not as much flavor as the others. Great texture though. Even though the food is only bites, I would go back and order enough to make a meal out of it. It is that good!