Magnificent Mile » Chicago Bites

NoMI: Restaurant Week 2013

Posted by Tammy

Feb 112013

Longing for more of this soup…

NoMI was my only lunch pick for Restaurant Week this year. I had to squeeze it in between meetings, and I’m so glad it worked out! If you’ve never been, you should spoil yourself with a lovely view of the Chicago Water Tower and Michigan Avenue and gather up some of the refined elegance of the dining room and posh service.

And the crunchy, smooth mac-n-cheese

A like-minded co-worker and I happily divided and conquered the $22 prix fixe menu. This fabulous meal started with smooth, sweet Butternut Squash soup, drizzled with a bit of red curry oil. It was delectable and while I could have eaten bowlfuls all the live long day, the proportion was actually good for lunch. The Farmhouse Bowl was a refreshing mix of greens and raw, thin slices of seasonal vegetables. The salad was good, but really had nothing on the soup.

And another bite of sammie…

Somewhere in the depths of the kitchen, I imagine a mad genius surrounded by pasta acolytes who one day pray to be worthy of the Mac and Cheese that comes from this restaurant. I hope this is the case because the world would be a better place if all kitchens could produce the balance of creamy smooth Gruyère laced sauce, crunchy truffled topping and bits of broccoli rabe. Not that the Roasted Mushroom Panini with a side of house-made chips lacked anything — but the Mac and Cheese simply blew me away. I’ll be back. Oh, I’ll be back.

Chocolate! More, please!

We upgraded one of our desserts from the Park Cookie Box to the Bolivian Chocolate Mousse. It was a beautiful presentation with luscious chocolate and crème fraîch, but I actually preferred the Fromage Blanc Parfait. Butterscotch wins, what can I say? The textures were more interesting, too, with layers of sponge cake, butterscotch and praline flakes creating a satisfyingly sweet high five to the meal.

It was great to be reminded how great NoMI was. Now I just need to remind myself to go more often!

NoMI
800 N Michigan Ave
Phone:(312) 239-4030

Allium: Restaurant Week 2013

Posted by Tammy

Feb 102013

Flaky and sweet, this tarte tatin satisfies

Unlike other Restaurant Week spots, Allium did not have a set menu. They let dinners select from the snacks & breads, small and large plate sections and existing dessert menu. I actually prefer this approach versus the confining prix fixe menus because it encourages exploration of the menu versus deciding between one or two options.

I zeroed in on the 24 hour Onion Tarte Tatin, which was delightfully prepared sweet onion served atop a crisp pastry with goat cheese and a hint of apricot. Delicious as it was, I believe my dining partner got the better deal with the Autumn Squash Salad — fruit, endive and crispy croutons. We spotted the showboating Cheese Lavosh at other tables, but I know how good it is already — and R.W. is about trying new things, right?

Creamy risotto with scallops

I’ve been to Allium a few times, but haven’t explored their large plate selection fully. I was tempted (and will be back for) the Spaghetti Carbonara and Wagyu Sliders, but on this trip the Suckling Pig Flatbread and Risotto with Scallops won. And what a win. Paired with apple and cranberry relish and a bed of greens, the pig was supported perfectly with the crackery crust. It was like an open face sandwich, only better. I love risotto and scallops, and the texture and preparation of both were perfect in Allium’s rendition. The pork chips added a little saltiness to the overall dish and some crunchy texture.

Carrot-y dessert that Bugs would love!

When it comes to dessert at Allium, my weakness is the Miso Butterscotch Shake. I have to have it! It’s my sweet & frothy addiction. My dining partner had no previous experience with the menu and was able to order a perfectly yummy carrot cake. It came with multiple forms of carrot-as-dessert in candied, sorbet and cake form. Delish. But if you go, get the Miso. You won’t regret it.

A quirky touch of quack to the formal dining space

Will I go back to Allium? You bet. Restaurant Week was just a convenient excuse to visit an favorite spot in the middle of the week. I’ll need to find another excuse soon!

Allium
120 E Delaware Pl
Four Seasons Hotel, 7th Floor
(312) 799-4900

Try Allium at 90 Degrees

Posted by Tammy

Jul 052012

If you’re like me, it’s hard to think about cuisine when crushing heat has Chicago in its grasp. However, I did find a worthwhile excuse when I learned Allium, Kevin Hickey’s restaurant at the Four Seasons, planned to offer everything on their draft beer and specialty cocktail menu at half-price if the temperature hit 90 degrees. I quickly snagged a reservation and dashed from the safety of my air conditioned cocoon.

Try the Cool Cucumber! My new personal fav!

The cocktails here range from fruity concoctions like the vivid Purple Haze with lychee and candied hibiscus to the Cool Cucumber with its balance of basil, ginger beer and vodka. The drinks are inventive, refreshing and definitely worth the price. However, if you come for the beer selection, be warned that it’s rather small and lacking in adventurous local choices. I personally feel a nice pour of Daisy Cutter would go well with the richness of the menu (hint, hint).

The small plates are worth exploring.

If you’re truly hungry, order a Chicago Style Hot Dog or Aged Ribeye from the entrées. You won’t be disappointed by the quality. However, if you want to explore the range of flavors in Hickey’s farm-to-fingertip menu, then choose from the snacks and smaller items.

The warm burrata cheese and crab fritters are already favorites of mine, but on this trip I decided to start with a golden beet salad topped with kale and silvers of smoky chilies. The salad was joyous mix of texture and tastes that satisfied without filling me up. The gnocchi mixed with chanterelle mushrooms, freeze-dried corn and bits of crab, provided spoonful after spoonful of savory sweet fulfillment. I got greedy with the addition of cheese curd mashed potatos — they had a stick-to-the-ribs goodness that would work better on a cold Winter’s night.

The toppings change on the Lavosh, but it’s always served vertically.

The Lavosh is a must-order item at Allium. It has a fun presentation, you’re repeatedly encouraged by staff to make a mess when eating it, and it hits that balance of savory fulfillment and caloric lightness. The first time I had Lavosh here, it was dotted with toasted pepitas. The toppings shifted for Summer to a salty Kickapoo Cheese with herbs from the rooftop garden. I like both versions and look forward to more seasonal changes.

Miso Butterscoth Shake

Allium offers small, bite-sized portion of dessert for a few dollars per item. I wish more restaurants would do this because I’m often too stuffed to consider sweets by that point. The macaroons are excellent as are the pretzel caramels, and I’m more than a little intrigued by the bag of donut holes. However, I was told you really haven’t been to Allium until you’ve tried the Miso Butterscotch Shake. I agree. Salty and sweet have never been so happy to co-exist as they have in this cool, frothy and sophisticated classic. The dollop of real whipped cream on top? Pure decadence.

Keep an eye on the thermometer! Allium is offering their 90 degree special throughout the Summer. Daily announcements are made on the @AlliumChicago Twitter account.

Allium
120 East Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611

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