A casual twist on a Sunday afternoon date found me in a wonderful explosion of color and flavor nestled in the Blackstone Hotel on Michigan Ave. Mercat a la planxa. I heard many wonderful things about Chef Jose Garces unique blend of flavors and seasonal Sangria it seemed the perfect afternoon stop before a walk through Millennium Park. While I don't consider myself much of a Sangria gal, I couldn't help but sample the light flavor of this sparkling goodness with cherries floating and bumping into the ice adding a delicious sweet flavor with every swirl. No doubt, this girl was hungry, so as always I started with a light appetizer. Arroz a la Cazuela, which translates to Chicken, Chorizo, and Tiger Shrimp soup with artichoke salad and piquillo aioli (true...a lot of fancy words which undoubtedly will fill my little blog up just in translation alone!). However, this soup was more than light, and certainly more than good. It was outstanding.
Known for my appetite and uncanny way of handling even the largest of portions I ordered the Australian Sea Bass with smoked pine nuts, celery root and basil emulsion, and the Setas Al Horno (wild mushrooms, con fit potatoes shallots & parsley). Disappointed at first by the small and artsy portions (admittedly, really hungry), I took a moment to admire the artwork. After a one second pause it was without hesitation that I devoured the light, flaky sea bass as each bite swirled through the celery root and emulsion. I was also delighted with the rich buttery flavor of the mushrooms and potatoes.
A strange, yet cautionary note from my experience...beware the almost pitch black bathrooms. Yes, I realize this is odd to remark, but I was both intrigued, and a bit lost in the black stalls with single shining headlight. Thank goodness I only had one Sangria or I would have had to leave a trail of popcorn to find my way out!
A location definitely fit for a light and lovely date.
Mercat a la planxa is located at 638 South Michigan Ave. 312.765.0524
Labels: blackstone hotel dining, dating and dining in chicago, south loop dining
A casual twist on a Sunday afternoon date found me in a wonderful explosion of color and flavor nestled in the Blackstone Hotel on Michigan Ave. Mercat a la planxa. I heard many wonderful things about Chef Jose Garces unique blend of flavors and seasonal Sangria it seemed the perfect afternoon stop before a walk through Millennium Park.
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