"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 773.772.2727

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dating, microbrews, small bar, west division

3 Comments:

M.A. Mckenna Bryan said...: Small Bar sounds great, the food sounds delicious but it appears as if you would have more fun hanging out with a girlfriend and taking in the view of the waitstaff and other diners! Great spicy review!; May 13, 2009 4:20 PM
Anonymous said...: Ooh, my mouth is watering just thinking about that spicy burger and a frosty mug. Can't wait to go - thanks, Gia!; May 13, 2009 5:10 PM
Anonymous said...: I have driven by Small Bar and wondered about it. Thanks to this fun, detailed and amusing review. My husband and I will be there this weekend!!! Thanks Gia for the review! I can take the beer and smell the burgers already.; May 15, 2009 7:24 AM

Week 3 Menu for "Dine With D.C."

Monday, May 4, 2009

The first two "Dine With D.C." private dinners have been amazing. Please join us for the third of four private dining series featuring Executive Chef Jordan Spritz of Jordan's Food of Distinction. The "Dine With D.C." dinner is hosted at the JFOFD intimate private kitchen studio (1551 W. Thomas St.) and only allows up to 20 guests. At $65 per person, the menu is below and includes unlimited cocktails and wine. Please RSVP to dc@efete.net to reserve a seat at the table. Please inform us if you have any food or allergy restrictions.

Amuse-
Fresh Ginger Scented Honeydew Melon Soup with Spicy Candied Pineapple and Creamy Hawaiian Farms Goats Milk Feta Cream

1st
Hand Made Miniature Marinated Rock Lobster Tortellini with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Poached Baby Organic Leeks and Saffron Scented White Wine - Shellfish Broth

2nd
Spring Tribute
3rd

Crispy Pancetta Crusted British Isles Monk Fish Tail with Caramelized Parsnip Fondue and Lemon Citrus Scented Edaname

4th
A Study in Caramel
Warm Milk Caramel Custard Tartlet with Mediterranean Sea Salted Burnt Caramel Ice Cream and Miniature Crispy Fried Cactus Honey Caramel Tortellini

Labels: celebrity chefs, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fine dining, jordan spritz, jordan's food of distinction, private dining, west division

0 Comments:

"Dine With D.C." Menu for Wednesday April 29th, 2009

Monday, April 27, 2009

Please join us for the second of four private dining series featuring Executive Chef Jordan Spritz of Jordan's Food of Distinction. The "Dine With D.C." dinner is hosted at the JFOFD intimate private kitchen studio (1551 W. Thomas St.) and only allows up to 20 guests. At $65 per person, the menu is below and includes unlimited cocktails and wine. Please RSVP to dc@efete.net to reserve a seat at the table. Please inform us if you have any food or allergy restrictions.

Amuse
Norwegian Langoustine Cream Cappuccino with Herb Foam and
Crispy Apple Wood Smoked Bacon

1st
Japanese Hamachi Yellow Fin Tuna with Toasted Coriander Scented Pickled Red
Onion Emulsion and Spring Pea Shoot Oil

2nd
Deep Water Tropical Skate Ray with Slow Braised Stinging Nettle Puree and
Organic Baby Candy Cane Beet Terrine

3rd
Confit of Niman Ranch Prime Beef Strip Loin with Olive Oil Poached Shallots
Murray River Sea Salt and Black Turnip – Yukon Gold Asiago Pave

4th
A Study in Rare Spices
Withered Frankincense Tear Frozen Ice Cream
Toasted Black Cardamom Frozen Ice Cream
Vietnamese Cassia Cinnamon Frozen Ice Cream
Chilled Spicy Pasilla de Oaxaca Broth

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, fete select tv, jordan spritz, jordan's food of distinction, private dining, washington dc, west division, wicker park