This is How Trump Does It in Chicago @ Sixteen

Calm down! We're not talking politics, we're talking food. With Mother's Day coming up, I found myself reminiscing about that one Summer Monday that my mom told me to be like Bueller...take a day off! In keeping with the Ferris Bueller theme, we traipsed around like tourists ( my mom is technically a real life Chicago tourist now) and of course, it wouldn't feel completely touristy without a meal in a hotel restaurant. Sixteen at the White House (hahaha) Trump Tower Chicago got the vote.

Six course tasting menu it is, because Muma said so! My worry about the tasting menu is that I might be leaving hungry. Read along to find out if we ended up getting a deep dish pizza after...

To start, the chef sent out the amuse-bouche: it was a sweet corn tasting scoop, with a sliver of green apple to add brightness and make you feel all summery. It definitely  amused.

Let the courses roll in..

Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho with Summer Squash and Avocado: Everytime I say gazpacho, I think of Samuel L. Jackson when he said "hotspatcho." There is such a thing as too cold or to luke warm...this one was just right!

Was this the palate cleanser? 

Dover Sole with Roast Cauliflower , Green Chickpea, Almond and Green Garlic Panisse: Adding the theatrics of the finishing touches in front of you really makes the meal feel special. Bonus points on her nicely manicured nails. I wonder if that's a uniform requirement.

Prime Hanger Steak with Charred Brassicas, Onions and Maitake Mushroom: 

No words, just chewing and wanting to lick the slate. 

Roast Medallion of Foie Gras, Onion Marmalade, Endive, Walnut and Fig: Oh PETA don't hate me, but I just love foie gras! I hope the ducks felt like they had a really good meal as their livers got fattened. Ok enough gross mental images. Just look at that beauty waiting to melt in my mouth!

The cheese plate with black fig compote and frisse. I could not tell you what kind of cheese it was, but supposedly it was of the domestic and imported variety. It's cheese people! it's delicious!

DESSERT TIME!

We were given a choice between Black and White Chocolate Cake ( you can see what it looks like on the blurry side) or my pick...

Raspberry Shiso Coulis with a cannel of  ice cream
I wish there was a better way to say "YUM." I guess I could just ask the chef.."Please chef, may I have some more?" I'm always disappointed when my desserts are smaller than the size of my hands, but my disappointment quickly dissipated with every bite. It was a dainty spoonful of gargantuan flavor! 

This dessert part due is compliments from the chef. We must have been very good eaters that the chef rewarded us with even more sugar! Macarons and chocolate truffles. 

If you're counting, you're math skills are correct because it definitely was more than 6 courses. The chef sent out a few surprises. I was geeking over every course they brought out, and the service was way above my expectations. The servers and this butler looking guy almost looked like they were doing a well choreographed dance. My spirit was clapping inside me. It was a truly amazing experience...and I was actually satiated. No 4th meal type deep dish pizza needed here. I'm glad Bueller took the day off...I guess Momma knows best. I'm ready to go back! Who wants to come with me?

And this view is also delicious...

I should have written a shorter blog, that just said " It's amazing and it's a can't miss; must try experience!" Trump has my vote...on food. Bravo! This deserves...

10/10 lbs!

Meat Perfection @ Cherry Circle Room

There's something between me and hotel restaurants. They just draw me in. That being said, I saw that the much awaited remodeling, restructuring, re-everything of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel was completed. Unlike it's past where it was a men's only sports club, they've opened their new soul to the public! That means ME!

I hurriedly grabbed a reservation to the Cherry Circle Room before the masses get a whiff of it.

The journey to Chicago Athletic Association hotel was an adventure in itself, thanks to my faulty  spot hero QR code and my bad case of the LBS (low blood sugar.) Over the humps and through the concrete woods, TGD and I found ourselves finally inside the hotel. And another adventure starts...Where is this restaurant?! A gentleman guides us to go up the stairs to the second floor. Stairs?! Let's just say my shoes were not meant for walking. So beyond the front desk, past The Game Room, and hidden in a corner....

...a tiny entrance with a neon sign CCR emerged.

Courtesy of Google

We're here!!!

A dimly lit, wood laden room welcomes us. Although this was not part of the original hotel design, the walls and the atmosphere gives a nod to it's old men's club feel; complete with  old timey sports banners. I felt that I was breaking the "no girls" rule. Ha!

Prior to making reservations to CCR, I perused the cocktail menu and saw  "Tableside Cocktail Cart Available. Ask your server to signal for a visit." Let's just say that asking the server about this magical cart were the first words out of my mouth. I could not contain my excitement when his highness, The Bartender, graced me with the cart and his crafty hands. I actually clapped like a child! I was given the choice of  a few cocktails, along with a create your own gin and tonic. In keeping with the old timey vibe,  Gin and tonic was a clear choice! It was a mix of Haymans Old Tom Gin and Fentimans Tonic. I was initially skeptical and expecting an overly pine tree sipping experience, but it was far from that. It was pleasantly refreshing! No pine fresh here!

Time to fix our LBS problem... 

TGD ordered the Chateaubriand. From my understanding, it's basically a beef fillet with with a wine and shallot reduction sauce. Seeing that this meat was cooked rare, I was apprehensive about tasting this. Yes, you may burn me at the stake (pun!)because I like my steak nearly charred. In the name of blogging, I braved taking a bite, expecting a gush of this cow's last juices of life. Whoa! There was none of that at all! It was a nice tender bite of meat gushing with flavor! I would eat this rare piece of meat again. TGD commented "They could've given the onion rings more importance." Which I agree with, it was a little forgettable. Accompanying this meat is a trio of condiments, some buttery lemon sauce, some brown sauce that tasted like a reduction of wine and delicious meat dripping, and some salt.

I decided to get my pork on to really put this place to the test. Presenting the 12 oz Duroc Pork Chop, Its party is joined by farro, artichoke, and clam casino sauce. Pork dishes can sometimes get too grossly greasy, but not this. I nearly forgot that I was eating porky. Along with the faro, and the clam, it made for one magnificent bite ( my mouth is literally watering writing this!)

So with all these meaty goodness, the show stopper for me was the Buttermilk and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! I know, the simplest of things. It was beyond creamy, I was not sure if I was actually eating it. It just melted in my mouth and filled it with it's warm, buttery, flavor bomb. If you think your dish does not need a side, you need this side!

Let's end this meal with an exclamation. Dessert! Carrot Cake.  Looking at this deconstructed food art, I must admit I was disappointed that it wasn't a barbaric slice of cake. The disappointment quickly dissipated as the amalgamation of flavors did it's magic. It's carrot cake bits, with pineapple ice cream...Small size, big flavor!

Despite all the pre-dinner hullabaloo, the food and service quickly changed my LBS mood. I went from huffing to clapping even before the drinks. I did not even fuss about the fact that getting to the bathroom to wash my hands required even more stairs and a maze of hallways. Instead, I felt like  Alice in Wonderland traversing through the magic of the rabbit hole. 

Like the magic of wonderland, this place got me to eat rare meat with delight, hence this place deserves...

8 out of 10lbs!

                                   

                                                             

A Quick Escape to Atwood

            Alas! They found me! By "they" I meant the government. The government cordially invited me to the Daley Center for jury duty. Yippee! Not! Upon receiving the letter requesting my presence, I quickly went through the list of why I can't. Unless I was diagnosed with something or elderly, the there was no easy way out. My friend, the Honey Badger (HB, this character appeared in my Takito Kitchen adventure) put it into a poop of rainbow type perspective, and made it sound as though it was a privilege that not everyone gets to experience...and I bought it. 

So I find myself anxiously sitting in a court room full of the chosen few, hoping that I don't get the privilege of having to come here for the rest of the week. I heard the case I may be a jury for will take several days. I need to go back to work and make enough money to keep Noshing! As much as I like the view...

No, just NO! 

I decided to quell my anxiety by spending the whole time, skimming through restaurant menus that are a skip away from me. Rumor has it that lunch is one and a half hours long. Tick, tock, it's past 12:30, did they forget about lunch?! The monster in the belly was getting mad. Then finally, at 1pm they called lunch time. I traipsed happily out into the sunshiny 60 something degree Chicago day, towards Acanto for some Duck Egg Spaghetti but then I was distracted by this sight...

The Atwood in Hotel Burnham, or for the Architectural sect, the Reliance Building ( Atwood, Burnham, and Root were the Architects. Get it?) Hotel plus history plus architecture, sold! Hotel dining somehow reels me in. I guess I like being surrounded by the hopeful and adventurous vibe tourists emit. Instant staycation!

What kind of vacation does not include some libation? This one! In the event that I get chosen to decide my fellowmen's fate, I would like my decision to be fueled only with coffee and fatigue. I take civic duty seriously! But here's a list of what I said no to. I deserve a medal!

Speaking of coffee...coffee! Now! Ok no, I asked politely, specially that I had to be all difficult about wanting it iced. My happy waiter was nice enough to fix my caffeine to my liking. Thanks ( ahhh I forgot his name! Sorry!)

That coffee was just what my sleep deprived self needed, but let's get some food in my belly monster. I saw the word boursin cheese in one of the dishes. At that moment I had no idea what it was. Feeding off the adventurous vibe, let's go with it. Lamb Cheesesteak it is.

The lamb was snuggled in with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, arugula, and boursin cheese. Oh, I nearly forgot that it came with fries, since I was so hungry, I inhaled it. As I worked my way through the sandwich, I remembered what boursin was! It's a soft cheese more commonly seasoned with garlic and herbs. The components of the sandwich, along with the tender lamb, created a nice buttery textured bite. The arugula gave it a refreshing end, just priming my mouth for the next bite. I think I finished this sandwich in record time. I need to spare time for dessert! My staycation would be null if I can't indulge in the best part of the meal!

I was torn between the Citrus Pavlova, which had lemon curd, fresh berries, and mint, vs the Chocolate Espresso Pot De Creme. Since it was such a spring-like day, I was in the mood for something citrusy, but my happy waiter had high praises  for the Pot De Creme. He sold me when he said "candied lemon zest." As if I wasn't anxious enough with my government duty and my 3rd cup of coffee, charge me up to overdrive with this velvety pudding mouse decadence! I wish I had 2 hours to eat this. With every bite, my tastebuds soaked up the coffee infused chocolate. The candied lemon surprised a bite here and there with it's crunch and zing. As I looked down at my clock, it was time to inhale the pot!

           










As I left my impromptu vacation and speed walked back to reality, I had a pep in my step, not from the heart stopping amount of coffee and sugar that I ingested, but the overall meal and service made me believe I was on vacation. Thanks happy waiter! Citrus Pavlova, be ready for my return!

Here's a glimpse of Hotel Burnham's Interior. I could spend all day taking pictures of every tiny detail, but duty calls.

Courtesy of Google

                                   

The Lyric Opera vs Bar Takito

What shenanigans has me waking up at 6  o'clock in the morning? Shopping...at the Lyric Opera! Last September 6, 2014, the Lyric Opera once again opened it's vault of costumes. It had been a decade since the costume vault did such a thing. The possibility of obtaining a ridiculous cape and ball gown to wear as I clean my living room, shouting out "The Queen of the Night Aria" from the Magic Flute Opera by Mozart, was something I could not miss!

Dull eyed and disheveled tail, I envisioned rows of velvet, sequins, chiffon, and whatever man made materials have been created. I'm so excited I could literally smell that waft of moth balls in the air! I started my trek to the Lyric to meet up with Karla Fantastic, who shares the same  affection for early morning shopping insanity.  Hey, the early bird gets the worm right? 

Courtesy of Google

Wrong! We were not early! We were late, we were very late for this important date! The line was 5 people deep surrounding the city block! Eh...I'll just clean my living room wearing sane people clothes. Let's go eat instead!

Look at the bridge closely. Those are people in line!

The velvety lining to my shattered operatic dreams was the fact that Bar Takito is open for brunch to feed the hungry monster in me that had been belting out baritone sounds of "FEED ME!" 

Upon arriving, we were greeted by a bright and sunshiny space and a friendly host, who convinced me that it's not that early in my world. An empty Bar Takito was a refreshing contrast to the pandemonium I just witnessed. I guess it was that early that we practically opened this place. KF and I couldn't help but play pretend VIP...the only VIP we can afford. Ha!

Feeling the need to get in our vitamins and minerals, we were looking for something fresh. Our bright eyed server Steven recommended  "Aji," to which I quickly exclaimed, "oh fish!" No! It's a sauce made with spices, it almost tasted like an elevated salsa verde.

Next up, Tacos!

Coffee Braised Beef Taco: Beer tortilla,queso Oaxaca, pickled squash, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and peanuts. I bit in to this thinking that I would get a second cup of coffee. It was far from that. I almost could not tell that there was coffee, but at the same time, there was a nice earthy warm flavor that just envelopes your senses...maybe that was the coffee. I was not disappointed at all!

Pork Belly Taco: Turmeric tortilla, smoked queso fresco, aji amarillo, pickled jicama, arugula, pepitas. The only thing I can say about this taco is..."get it!" The pork belly says it all!

For the big finish...

I can't remember what the chocolate square looking dessert was called! How horrible! In any case, it reminds me of  a tres leches cake soaked in chocolate milk. Delicious! The floral dessert that looks like a Hawaiian vacation is  the Popcorn Butterscotch Mouse, which is sprinkled with almond crunch. I just had a nibble of this, and I do get the popcorn butterscotch flavor, but I vote for the chocolate square; whatever it's called. Just show the friendly folks at Bar Takito this picture and point to it!

As early as it was, the food and the great service at Bar Takito was a winner, the whole experience was like a good morning greeting accompanied by a mariachi band. This early bird turned out to have gotten the worm after all, but it would have even been better if I was wearing the garb I was imagining I would find in the vault.

Oh Karla Fantastic says..."Hi Steven!"