First up: The July Chicago adventure featuring Sweets and Savories and Chef David Richards' modern take on classic French cuisine.After being delayed one day due to nasty weather which forced the closure of O'Hare International Airport (imagine that...problems at O'Hare), I finally arrived in the Windy Cindy for a little adventure with my friend Andrea. We descended upon a quaint French spot called Sweets and Savories in Lincoln Park.
Once inside, the petit restaurant glowed with pink and brown tones and an upscale Parisian bistro feel (complete with vintage French tunes). Paul, the General Manager, announced "there's no menu tonight. Is there anything you cannot eat?" Oh boy, a Chef's tasting!
And what a Chef's tasting indeed--beginning with the soon to be banned seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras topped with caramelized pineapple and chocolate sauce--it literally melts in your mouth. (Unfortunately the Chicago Council has since banned the sale of Foie Gras. Damn those PETA people!)
The Foie Gras was followed by a curried potato leek soup with green apples and olive oil paired with the Alain Roy Montagny 1er Cru Burgundy (light, crisp, with notes of green apple, lemon citrus and mineral undertones).
Each subsequent course seemed better than the last: fennel and orange salad; seafood ceviche; pan roasted Alaskan Halibut with heirloom tomatoes, roasted corn butter, lobster velouté and baby cress; and finally, grilled beef tenderloin with sauce Perigord, haricot verte and lobster mashed potatoes.
After six courses, I couldn't stuff in another bite. And then...The 'sweets' arrived--Bartlett pear sorbet and their infamous blueberry cream soda, two amazing treats not to be wasted. Seven courses and three hours later, I ordered an eighth course: fresh wheelchair served with side of assistance back to my hotel.
Sweets and Savories
1534 West Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
773.281.6778
Photo courtesy Sweets and Savories
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