Chicago – 1/2/15 – Nico Osteria, the lounge @ Sixteen, and The Berkshire Room

Nico Osteria
How completely predictable to find myself back here again. But when you have friends who haven’t been it’s the perfect justification.
Madai snapper – kohlrabi salsa verde, nasturtium

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Endive salad – butter lettuce, hazelnut, pear, ribiolina

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Bar Harbor Mussels – vermouth, almond butter

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Rigatoni -northern ragu

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The lounge at Sixteen
Sixteen is at the top of my to-do list as soon as spring hits Chicago and it is warm enough to at least set foot on the terrace. But even in winter this is the best view in Chicago. The absolute perfect evening to be enjoying a glass of Dom Perignon with the best possible view of one of my favorite buildings in Chicago. Thank you Doug for taking such good care of us!

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Cheese

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Berkshire Room
Definitely one of my Chicago favorites! A great evening catching up with friends old and new!

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Chicago – 12/31/14 – Little Goat and Sepia

Little Goat
I finally, finally ordered something other than the parathus burrito. I may have a new favorite….seriously awesome salad!
The chickpea – kale, chopped veggies, montamore cheese, tzatziki, chee vinaigrette, chicken

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Sepia
After a last minute change in NYE dinner plans, we found ourselves dining at the bar at Sepia. Of course it being NYE there was a set 4 course menu. The squash tart and sausage were both course 2 and of course both desserts are represented in the photos. Overall a lovely start to the evening. And that rabbit sausage was to die for!
amuse

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kona kampachi ceviche, smoked jalapeño, coconut milk

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kabocha squash tart, multigrain sable crust, brown butter

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rabbit sausage, black truffle, celery root, truffle jus

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beef short rib “au poivre,” yukon gold potato puree

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pear, chestnut, caramelized fennel, olive oil jam

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chocolate date cake, creme fraiche, hazelnut, honey

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And a big thank you to Greg for hosting, and Michelle and Brian for organizing, an amazing NYE party!