CaviarCookies

Overview:

This West Loop spot is more than a greasy diner. There’s a great vibe that hits you as soon as you walk in and are greeted by the hostess. She takes down our name as we make our way to the bar for a drink while we wait. There’s a cocktail server that comes around so we don’t have to fight for a spot at the bar.

There’s some classic rock playing from an old school music reel and the aroma of scrumptious greasy food carries through the open kitchen. There’s an extensive beer list in which we order from, and before we know it, we are being guided to our seats.

There’s a row of booths that line the wall, and we get situated at a table for two. It takes us a while to look at our menus, but I’m overly excited once I do. I wanted to try everything. This seems to be a reoccurring problem for me. We ask for a few recommendations and decide on three dishes. Each was served on antique dishes that were charming.

We started off with foie gras and scrambled eggs. It was so rich and decadent. I have no shame in admitting my obsession with foie gras. It was served with sherry and toast points on the side. Every bite melted in my mouth. I can still taste it.

Our second dish included bone marrow and beef stew. Gilt Bar is known for their bone marrow so I was happy to see the dish make it onto Au Cheval’s menu with a little twist. The bone marrow was perfectly cooked and slid right out. The stew that accompanied it was delicious with tender chunks of beef.

We ordered a round of shots of the homemade whiskey. It had a nice oaky flavor that I wanted to sip on all night. Oh yes, I’m a whiskey drinker. It was a great way to break up all the eating before our greasy cheeseburger came. It was served with a giant knife stabbed through the middle of it. I think the cheeseburger was screaming, “Eat me!” It was a classic and a hit. The double patties were topped with cheese oozing out of the bun.

I’m pretty sure I was already in a food coma, but I had to try dessert. I had seen this giant creation on many table tops so I had to find out what it was. It was a mille feuille, and we were not disappointed. There were layers of vanilla custard betweens flaky puff pastry. It was just as rich as the rest of the meal and paired perfectly with the dark coffee.

Au Cheval offers a twist to the classics. I cannot wait to go back! This menu is not for shy eaters. Come with a big appetite and good company!

Special Dishes:

foie gras & eggs, bone marrow & beef stew, cheeseburger