Got Date? Go Here!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sooo many restaurants to try and sooo little time to try them. In-fact, most of us get so caught up going to the same restaurants week after week that we forget about the fine dining options that the city has to offer. One particular example is Aria, located in the Fairmont Hotel. The New World Asian restaurant offers a contemporary twist on conventional dining. Chef de cuisine Ronnie Aleman prepared a meal that was memorable and that deserves to be revisited.
Aria’s culinary team brings a diverse ethnic influence to the menu. From the start of their “amuse” to their “dessert flight” the cuisine boasted flavors and spices that prompted an eagerness to take the next bite and to try another course. The following menu items is a guide to Aria’s New World Asian experience.
Amuse:
“aria spiced” grilled shrimp, sweet summer watermelon, cilantro basil cucumber broth
Appetizer Flight:
Hot and sour baked rock shrimp, sweet and sour chili glaze
Spicy citrus calamari, lime zest, scallion
Shrimp and pork potstickers, ponzu
Aria “sushi poppers” (created by Ronnie Aleman)
Salad:
Organic Heirloom Tomatoes, sherry marinated shallots, English cucumbers, brioche croutons, extra virgin olive oil, organic green and opal basil, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
Fish:
Soy and mirin glazed Black Cod, organic pea puree, sugar snap peas, hon shemedji mushrooms, organic pea tendrils
Meat:
Wagyu strip steak, butter glazed organic carrots, summer baby squash, wild mushroom demi glace
Dessert Flight:
“Banana Split” sorbet: banana, strawberry, chocolate, pineapple sorbets
Take Five:chocolate cheesecake, savory pretzel crust, peanut butter ganache, caramel sauce
Banana Bread Flan: spicy oaxacan sorbet, candied walnuts, banana bread tuille
Ambiance and service at Aria is what to be expected from a fine dining environment. The service is attentive, detailed and knowledgeable. The rich colors of the restaurant makes it a comfortable and warm place to dine with friends or a significant other. The Aria Bar is an upbeat diversion from the main dining area and is highlighted by an illuminated sushi bar. Communal style tables make it easy to share dishes or meet new friends. It’s a perfect place to meet for sake or a glass of wine from their extensive wine list. In 2008 Aria’s Bar received an award for “Chicago’s Best Date Spot”.
Aria is on the ground level of the Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Dr. For more information visit www.ariachicago.com. To get an inside look and a review of the newest and best restaurants in Chicago check out Fete Select TV.Labels: aria bar, aria restaurant, chicago restaurants, chigago dining, dating, dc crenshaw, downtown chicago, fairmont hotel, fete select tv, fine dining, new asian cuisine, ronnie aleman, sushi
"About Last Night.." Small Bar meets Goose Girl...by Gia Claire
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I recently became aware of a significant menu change at “Small Bar” on Division. With burgers named "Lawnboy, Bacon B' Looza, and Hellfire". I was in. While I do love to fancy up to a dirty martini in a sexy LBD, the test of true love, or at least a good date can occur in a place like this.
So I'm walkin into Small Bar, enjoying the comfort of my True Religion jeans, and flip flops feeling just the right amount of bass to drown out the game on the plasma, sorry guys. I'm admiring the wait staff adorned in tattoos, and piercings, and they all appear to be having fun...I like this.
I'm starting to think that if the date goes South, I could stay, show my tattoo for entry into the "fun club" and finish out the night.
Most impressive about "Small Bar" is the GINORMOUS amount of micro brews. With complete lack of knowledge or interest in hops, I make selections based on names...much like I might choose a team based on colors. "Flying Dog Doggie Style"…"Skull Splitter"...and "Brewdog Punk", and the most dangerous burger on the menu..."Hellfire". Bring it on.
This burger boasted hot pepper cheese, pickled jalapenos, fried onion rings and a spicy sauce. Alas my brews…and while the server explained the ingredients, and YES they all tasted different, I must say, not for me. I was sporting a slight warmness from the beer when the Hellfire arrived. Delicious. Hot.
I realized that the tingle of the beer combined with the spice of the Hellfire made for neither a fancy date nor a meaningful conversation due to the fire on my lips and the vast amounts of water I was gulping down. I cleaned the plate. No apologies. But next time…no skinny jeans.
Small Bar is located at 2049 W. Division, Chicago, IL 60622 773.772.2727Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dating, microbrews, small bar, west division
New Relationship Game Launches in Chicago
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Labels: authenticity, dating, games, men, relationships, women
Sooo many restaurants to try and sooo little time to try them. In-fact, most of us get so caught up going to the same restaurants week after week that we forget about the fine dining options that the city has to offer. One particular example is Aria, located in the Fairmont Hotel. The New World Asian restaurant offers a contemporary twist on conventional dining. Chef de cuisine Ronnie Aleman prepared a meal that was memorable and that deserves to be revisited.
M.A. Mckenna Bryan said...
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