K C.
About
I LOVE FOOD and trying out new spots. I am always up for trying unique and interesting foods, restaurants, and beverages.
Recent Reviews
Upgraded, but still the Four Seasons
Restaurant: Allium
I finally visited Allium after being a relatively frequent guest at the Four Seasons dining room and lounge. I was apprehensive as I've always loved the service and food at the Four Seasons.
I was pleasantly surprised with the new decor - I was concerned that it would be too "modern" (read, cheap looking), but it was still somewhat traditional, but spruced up and there was definitely more color in the room.
The food was still amazing (pulled chicken - wow!) though pricey. Portion sizes were good, yet not overwhelming and everything was delicious.
The wine list seems to have expanded price-wise, so my only watch out is that this spot isn't for the faint of heart in terms of spending...
Service
Wonderful
Decor
updated,casual
Dishes
Pulled Chicken, Burger, Hot Dog, Grilled Chicken Salad
Pricey but with a great view
Restaurant: NoMI Kitchen
So...when I read all of the articles of NoMI Kitchen, what with their 'approachable' dining, 'casual' atmosphere and new pricing...I figured I'd stop in. Not only that, but I brought a work group with me.
I had visited the original NoMI and loved it - but it was definitely a fine dining spot. This time, I was expecting a bit less fancy, and a bit more homey. I wasn't exactly wrong...but some notes:
- still really expensive (which is fine, I just hadn't expected it with the 're-vamp' of the restaurant).
- better atmosphere - more young and hip versus stuffy, and still the awesome view
- Food was really delectible, but portions were quite small
- Service was high quality as before
So, in my opinion, this is still a fine dining spot, not really a casual eatery as many of the write-ups were leading me to believe. It offers a superb view of the city in a relaxed, dressy atmosphere with excellent service and food to match.
Service
Excellent
Decor
Dishes
Delicious sushi
Wonderful Spot!
Restaurant: Avec
I visited Avec on a Sunday evening and found a lively, fun atmosphere. The menu, while not monstrous, was filled with too many things I wanted to try! Everything was delicious there - and I also recommend something nice from their really well priced wine list!
The atmosphere is great - really lively - and also interesting...if you are sitting at the end of a communal bench table, you may be asked to move to seat others (I found it charming!).
Defintely a great spot - but if you are in a hurry to dine, don't visit here as there are no reservations and you may have to wait.
Oh - and visit with a group so that it's easier to try more food!
Service
Decor
Dishes
Everything!
Fab
Restaurant: Ruxbin
This is my favorite restaurant - hands down. It is not only adorable on the inside (reclaimed seats as lighting, seatbelts as the back of a bench! Very awesome!), but the food is excellent and the service is wonderful.
The only negative is the wait. Ruxbin doesn't take reservations and only will seat tables of 4 or less on the weekends (I learned this the hard way). However, they are BYO, so bring some wine and hang out a while.
I especially like the trout, but the mussels are also quite good, and if they ever put the chicken and waffles back on the menu - definitely try it!
Check out the bathroom as well...one of the most unique bathrooms in the city!
Service
Excellent
Decor
Dark,cozy
Dishes
Trout, Mussels
All around wonderful
Restaurant: The Publican
I really love the Publican. I have now tried almost every menu item and none of them have disappointed. Each dish is flavorful and beautifully presented. My advice - go with a group - and try one of everything!
Service is great (aside from one moderately cranky bartender in the waiting area...).
I love the communal table, but I was also able to sit in one of the 'jails' as we called it. It was so much fun to also sit in one fo the booths as you feel like you are part of a fun party, but can talk to your group and spy on the scene at the restaurant.
This is a great spot to take out of towners as well - to give them a good feel for the unique Chicago dining scene.
Service
Excellent
Decor
Lively
Dishes
Everything
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