Agnes04

Agnes04

Overview:

North Pond has been my top 3 favorite restaurant in Chicago, not only for spectacular dinners but also for a truly amazing brunch.

Last Sunday we went for brunch with another couple. It was a gorgeous day out. We sat in the front room that offers amazing views of the pond, park and downtown skyline.

Our server, Shannon, is probably one of the best we ever had...we always request him when dining at North Pond. He is knowledgeable, personable and shares our passion for food and wine. Truly an all around great guy.

We started off with hand crafted cocktails...a take on summer sangria - made with fresh strawberries that have been soaked in late harvest riesling...so good!

The restaurant offers a 3 course brunch for $33...with 4 choices in each category...you can't go wrong...

I had the Crab/Avocado to start (peekytoe crab with avocado mousse, mint, radish, carrot broth) very refreshing...great starter

Also had the Cucumber/Salmon (chilled cucumber melon soup with cured salmon, pumpernickel and serrano for the touch of heat) great take on a gazpacho

My main dish was Shrimp/Asparagus (shrimp a la plancha, asparagus, beets, gnocchi,hazelnuts) also a perfect summer dish.

For dessert we ordered one of each...my favorite was the Rhubarb/Orange (citrus rhubarb tart with oatmeal crumble and orange blossom ice cream! How cool is that...

All the entrees were seasonal; just perfect! Bruce Sherman is a very talented chef and I've never had a bad dish there. I'm always surprised with the creativeness that goes into every plate that he puts out.

We enjoyed ourseleves and will definitely be back to try the summer menu.

Thanks again North Pond!

Special Dishes:

Crab/Avocado Cucumber/Salmon Whitefish/Fennel Shrimp a la plancha Grassfed Beef/Potato Rhubard/Orange

Agnes04

Overview:

I love this place for both breakfast and lunch.
Food is solid and service polished.
Great for al fresco dining.
Great for people watching.
Perfect European cafe (extension of the Peninsula)
Awesome croissants and baguettes
Perfect egg dishes, salads and daily soups

Special Dishes:

Mushroom and Asparagus fritatta Beet Salad French onion soup

Agnes04

Overview:

Went to Frog n Snail on a Tuesday night...great atmosphere...got a table by the window...no wait.

Our server was friendly and offered a good insight to the menu. We ordered the mussels with pickled fennel and absinthe broth...side of frites. Mussels were great...the broth reminded me of my mom's pickle soup (polish)...it was great! The paprika frites were interesting...never had that flavor profile before...but it works.
For main course I ordered the Baramundi (french beans, cherry tomotoes, kale with caper beurre blanc)...nice dish (just a bit too many flavors going on)
My bf ordered the Chicken Kiev (nice take on a classic...served with lima bean succotash...just needed a bit more salt)
Dessert - trio of profiteroles (banana, vanilla and pistacchio) very good...
French press - amazing...they use LaColombe coffee (Haiti) great, creamy flavor.
I'd give Frog n Snail 4/5 stars. (service needs a bit more polishing / food needs a bit more seasoning)
Overall, a very good experience.

Special Dishes:

Mussels, Baramundi, Chicken Kiev

Agnes04

Overview:

Sunda is my go-to restaurant for Sushi/Asian.
Cool vibe, great cocktail program headed by Nahm, solid food.

My favorites include:
Caterpillar Roll- nice balance of sweet, crunchy
Brussels Sprouts salad - very creative
Rock Shrimp - big pieces of shrimp tossed with walnuts in a honey aioli sauce.

Try the Lychee or Ginger Snap martini.

Special Dishes:

Caterpillar roll, Brussels Sprout salad, Rock Shrimp

Agnes04

Overview:

Went to Charlie Trotter's on 4/17/12 to celebrate my bday...great gift from my boyfriend.
The restaurant setting is very classy, homey.
The staff is beyond wonderful and welcoming.
The restaurant offers 2 menus: 8 course Grand Menu and 8 course Vegetable Menu.
We both chose the Grand Menu. I chose wine pairings (my boyfriend is a non-drinker). To our surprise, the kitchen paired non-alcoholic cocktails with each of the dishes for him. Amazing, creative cocktails...very nice touch.
The menu started off with tuna, unagi...followed by halibut, rabbit, antelope (first time eating that), finishing off with pear/st.germainst.germain sorbet, toffee financier cake, and criollo cake.
The server even brought out a couple of the vegetarian dishes for us to try (with more wine/cocktail pairings)
After an amazing meal...we toured the kitchen and the wine cellars. What an experience...crazy wine selections...some bottles date back to late 1800's.
5 hours of the best dining experience I've ever had...Would love to go back before they close :(

Special Dishes:

Charred Skipjack with aged soy and english peas, alaskan halibut with marcona almonds and acorn-fed iberian ham, toffee-glazed banana financier with candied hazelnuts and date jam.