"About Last Night..." Triple G...Gaga...Gia...Graham

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

WHO is that hot blonde? Ahhh simmer down, it's just me, Gia, in a mood to be Lada GaGa for a night. Why not right? It was a night to remember for sure. The festivities kicked off at a most desired restaurant, Graham Elliot appropriately located in the Gallery District. If you've never heard of this place you must Google it immediately because A. the website is very cool, and B. it's AMAZING. Housed in a 19th Century printing warehouse the vibe is hip, relaxed but buzzing with ultra cool people (Gaga included). As Graham puts it, the menu is a juxtaposition of four star cuisine with humor and accessibility. When our server mentioned that the Chef was once known to crack up Altoids and Cheezits out of the vending machine to complement various meals I knew I was in the right place. Truly, this is Chicago's first "Bistronomic" restaurant.

Ordering almost an entire side of the menu I sat back and awaited the meal to begin with a delicious glass of Chardonnay and to my surprise a basket of popcorn? Indeed, like nothing Orville could create. This had garlic and truffle oil and I was horking it down like I was in a movie theatre. Not my best idea as there were crumbs lining the front of my shirt like I hadn't seen food in a decade. Regardless, I swished it off and resumed my position for this gastronomic experience. The portions were small but there were many of them. Nothing was done in typical fashion. Each piece was done like a painting on a canvas. Caesar salad, Beet Salad, Bisque, Macaroni (more garlic and truffle oil), Scallops, Beef. They were all exquisite! The flavors and presentation were all very unique and tasted rich, yet subtle as you could easily move through all the courses without feeling like you've overeaten (not that I would know of course). The desert plate was a chocolate combination of Guinness/malt/cocoa, which I enjoyed with a glass of NV Pineto, Brachetto, Piedmonte from Italy. It was THE best desert wine and complemented the chocolate deliciously.

Though not an inexpensive start to the night I would say it is a PERFECT date night. Especially if your date is picking up the tab and they happen to be a VP, Surgeon, or Entrepreneur - you get what I'm saying, not a first date "we'll see how it goes" kinda night.

Needless to say, blonde wig in tow the night kicked up quite a bit and ended in a strange twist of events. From Crobar to Spy Bar I just couldn't keep the blonde thing up and ended up in my a la natural self....a little wiser...and as always...a little crazier.

Next week I cook on lava rocks. Stay tuned!

Graham Elliot is located at 217 W. Huron St. Chicago, IL 312.624.9975

In these photos: Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess and unnamed super cool guy!

Labels: Chicago dating and dining, dating and dining, new restaurants

"About Last Night..." Bingo Bango Bongo

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

I had a dream. Well, it was something like that for this little establishment on Milwaukee Ave. called the Bongo Room. Someone had a dream that the current owner had a restaurant named The Bongo Room, so there you have it. If it were my dream, I would have embellished a little for dramatic affect, but then again, I'm the writer, not the restaurant owner.

A day of hooky. No work, no cell phones, just the plain enjoyment of a day off from the world. It began here, at the Bongo Room. I must admit, I was not on a traditional date. He was much younger, yes, younger than my normal twenty-something crowd. He was a little less educated, and didn't have his career in line yet, but no matter, it was our special day.

The Bongo Room is pretty. It has fresh flowers, beautiful art, and seats at the counter, which I always find the most interesting. I love to pull up a swivel chair and have a conversation about life, what not. I couldn't help but notice the amount and variety of alcohol stacked high on the shelf. "Umm, excuse me, aren't you only open for breakfast and lunch?" I asked inquisitively. "True, but we get a lot of early morning Mimosa and Bloody Mary requests". Ahhhaaaa....I must make a mental note to self that if ever rounding the early morning near this fine place I must stop in for a cold beverage.

The menu had a variety of fresh choices. I wanted three or four things, and well, I usually do, but opted to try the Chicken and Avocado Club, and the Omelet with feta, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. And....a delicious Cappuccino whilst waiting. The food arrived and looked like art. Fresh, edible art.

The Avocado Club was amazing. The baguette was crispy and warm and the sandwich sang in great harmony with the cilantro lime mayo. Muah. The omelet boasted just as much flavor. The egg portion was actually wrapped around the ingredients, so you could really taste the individual flavors. The portions were generous. The service was delightful and I have to say that the conversation was as stimulating as any date I've been on in awhile, traversing topics such as XBOX Call of Duty 4, the difference between magma, and lava, and the ever increasing selection of Nerf guns.

What could be better than that?

The Bongo Room is located at 1470 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 773.489.0690

Open only for Breakfast and Lunch (and cocktails!)

Stay tuned for next week - Lady Gaga meets Graham Elliot

Labels: Chicago dating and dining, dating and dining, new restaurants

"About Last Night..." Gia Enjoys Hot Chocolate in the Summer

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

"Duh..." was the expression that came to mind (and face) when the hostess at Mindy's Hot Chocolate asked me if I wanted desert.  Strolling along Damen Ave. on a beautiful summer night we almost walked right past this spot.  As soon as I saw the packed house and delicious deserts going by I basically did the moonwalk and backed right up into this cool little place.  So...in case you're wondering, Hot Chocolate is NOT just deserts.  Though the creepy, dripping font makes you think of hot fudge and running chocolate you can find so much more on the menu.

At 9pm, this place was crowded, so plan ahead.  Even the comfy benches out front by the window (sorry, could not post pics), require a reservation.  The music is loud and the conversations are buzzing. People are just talking and talking and food is moving around constantly.  But for me, tonight was going to be different.  I was doing desert...first...and last.  Though the menu offered a wide range of options including octopus, Ahi Tuna, Walleye, Rabbit, Lamb and Chicken.  I was tempted by the Macaroni & Cheese with Gruyere and cheddar, but I kept my eye on the prize...I stayed focused.

We cozied up on the benches in front to watch the busy street traffic, until our waitress served us a little bit of heaven.  Hungry gal that I am (thank God for Bikram Yoga), we narrowed our choices to S'More...and More, and A Tribute to the Malted Milk Ball.   Each came with a little shot glass of drinky goodness (I love to use unofficial foody words).  S'More came with a rich chocolate and cream soda phosphate, and the Malted Milk Ball came with a coffee/cocoa chocolate milk shake.  As for the deserts themselves I can tell you this.  The S'More treat was creamy, chocolaty, with a delicious buttery crust.  The Malted Milk Ball had a brownie type texture with a smoky almond meringue.  Our forks were clanking and swirling around the plates to get every last drop.  AMAZING!  The coffee was a spectacular French Press from Uncommon Grounds called "wild ass blend".  I mean honestly, I'm pretty sure this coffee was named after me.

In this photo:  Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess 

Hot Chocolate is located at 1747 N. Damen, Chicago, IL 60647  773.489.1747

Labels: chicago nightlife, dating and dining, deserts in chicago

"About Last Night..." Gia finds the things magic is made of

Monday, June 29, 2009

Otherwise known as Mana Food Bar on Division. The cool summer breeze was perfect for an evening at this delightful Polynesian food bar. I was wearing a gorgeous halter dress, courtesy of BCBG (though others next to me were in shorts and flip flops), and the buzz in the air was not from bugs, it was from the magic of this tiny secret. However, I should warn you...all dishes are served sans meat. That's right...no beef, no chicken, no nuthin.
Minimalist comes to mind when you walk in. Large wood bar chairs await you but what comes to mind is the feel that even if you are indoors, you feel outdoors...strange huh?
We opted for outdoor seating, what with that great breeze and all.
A novice at the veggie menu I solicited some Mana 101 to understand all the wonderful choices. But first, as always, a well chosen cocktail. Known for it's selection of sake I opted to try the cucumber sakerita, which is like a margarita but different. It was tangy, and refreshing with thin slices of cucumber. I also loved the naked bottle of water that awaited each patron. No label, no ice, just water.
It was time to dig in. We ordered almost the entire menu. Pickled vegetables, and Hummus with to start. The hummus was the best I had ever eaten...great texture...amazing flavor. From the noodle dishes we chose the lasagna, a bit traditional with eggplant, peppers, mozzarella and basil. It was good, but not the best choice as it lacked the uniqueness of the other dishes (but my date insisted so, ya know). Moving on to the hot dishes....Baked goat cheese with tomato sauce and toast...tangy, warm, soft and creamy. Bi Bim Bop (which really just makes me want to sing the Black Eyed Peas...Boom Boom Pow), and the most famous menu item...the Mana Slider. White Castle....MOVE OVER. These little goodies take about fifteen minutes to make so order early. Tiny little brown rice and mushroom burgers with a spicy mayo on a warm little bun that have a wonderful texture and extremely delicious taste. I could have eaten at least three, but I must remember to be a lady on a date, and truthfully, there was so much food I was beyond full. We had to cancel the order for the Spanikopita (which secretly I think is the coolest word ever...think I'll name my next dog Spanikopita).
An amazing night...Thank you Nick - you cook a good meal.


Mana Food Bar is located on 1742 W. Division 773.342.1742

Labels: dating and dining, vegetarian restaurants, wicker park dining

"About Last Night..." Gia Finds Love

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

If you love her...tell her to put on her prettiest Little Black Dress and take her to one sixtyblue. Ask for Chef Michael, and tell him I sent you for an amazing night.  Start with a Dirty Martini, THREE blue cheese stuffed olives, and sit back and let this old pickle factory work its magic.  A stylish West Loop establishment, yes...but so much more.  

The earth tones set the warmest glow, and the soft candles are perfect for that lovely romantic evening.   The music is not overpowering and the tables are set close enough to feel modern and stylish yet you can steal a kiss in between courses...if the mood strikes you.

Chef Michael prepared an amazing array of vibrant seasonal dishes, which began with two delicious soups.  A light but creamy potato leek combined with baby ramps (which is an onion for us non-chefs), and a Shrimp Broth favoring ginger, Hijiki seaweed, Edamame and shrimp dumplings.   Enter...Dirty Martini #2.

This was followed by Gulf Shrimp encrusted in rice flakes with a mango sauce, and slow cooked pork belly with a tangy tangerine reduction.   Everything had a unique combination of flavors and boasted the freshest of seasonal foods.  I felt certain the Chef made a special trip to the market prior to my arrival...professional bloggess and all.

HOLD...no more martinis

AS IF I had room for more...the Colorado Rack of Lamb with red curry emulsion (which truly, I was not sure you could do to food), and the Grilled Flat Iron steak with a variety of fresh vegetables begged me to believe the LBD may not have been the best choice of clothing.  (I always seem to find myself in this situation).   The sampling of deserts that concluded this entourage of yummy goodness was almost a blur (NOT because of the Martinis) but because it was all so remarkably good, and I was so remarkably full.

I fell in love with one sixtyblue...convivial indeed...as for my date...time will tell.

one sixtyblue is located at 1400 W. Randolph  312.850.0303

Labels: dating and dining, seasonal food, west loop restaurants

"About Last Night..." Gia finds Beaches & Margaritas

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

FRESH and TASTY was all that came to mind after my first sip of the Adobo Margarita made with 100% Blue Agave tequila, and the guacamole prepared tableside at Adobo Grill on Wells. Still sporting the sun and sand from crushing the volleyball at North Ave Beach all day, it was time to sit back and take that first, and perhaps most dangerous sip of this famous Margarita. Not much of a tequila fan (unless done in shots...much later in the evening) I was hesitant, but curious about the taste of this potent concoction.  My lips were smacking after the first sip. Our waiter had me at "Blue, as in Agave"...not sure how the evening would go I simply motioned "keep em coming".   

Adobo Grill was hopping.  The red and orange walls were vibrating and the artwork and lighting were brilliant and inviting.  An avid art fan, I especially appreciated the Frida Kahlo portrait hung at the bar.  But I digress....

The guacamole was bursting with fresh lime and cilantro, and the chips were served with four different salsas, each with distinct flavors.  An entree with both a unique and robust flavor was Arrachera Adobada, which is grilled flank steak in a tomato based sauce with refried beans, grilled tomatoes and onions.  All dishes come with homemade tortillas so anything can be wrapped and devoured.  The entire meal had a common theme of lime, cilantro and the juiciest of tomatoes and smoky flavors.  Another smart choice was Cochinita Pibil, which was marinated pork roast in a banana leaf, with black beans and a Mexican BBQ sauce...mmmmm tangy.

Indeed those Margaritas kept coming and though I was still dusting off sand, it was time to put that Blue Agave to good use and get a little Salsa going....sans the date if he couldn't keep up!

Adobo Grill is located at 1610 N. Wells St. 312.266.7999 or 2005 W. Division St. 773.252.1834

Labels: blue agave tequila, dating and dining, mexican cuisine