Dining Out

Ada Street

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Tonight we tried three year old, Ada St. restaurant near Elston and North Avenue in an industrial park in Chicago.  When you step out of the cab and look to the south you will see the Hancock, Trump and Sears Tower in plain view.  It seems like the most hidden restaurant we have found in the city.

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The two hostesses were very friendly, greeting us in a dark hallway that left us wondering where exactly we were headed.  As on of them walked us to our table we passed the wine storage hallway with carefully displayed, very moderately priced wine.  She pointed out that the music being played in the restaurant was all vinyl records that we could peruse, pick out and hand to our waiter to be played.  We chose one of the first records we came across, “Hot Legs” by Rod Steward in memory of my cousin’s favorite song.  image-12

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As we entered the main dining room filled with probably 10-15 tables we noticed the kitchen was small and the bar big.  There were 4 sous chefs and one head chef working in unison in the tiny kitchen.  We ordered a bottle of wine from Sonoma that hit the spot.  The entire wine list is very reasonably priced, with the most expensive bottle in the $70 range.

image-10Our waiter Spencer was a true delight. He was full of excitement for this hidden gem and was excited to create a wonderful first experience for us.  We ordered a variety of small plates and a dessert. Everything was flavorful, thoughtful and enjoyable. The atmosphere, service and food puts Ada St. at the top of our list of great Chicago restaurants. Definitely a must try this winter for all our Chicagoan friends!

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We recommend…

Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings with a Cucumber & Daikon Salad
Braised Pork empanadas with a Tomatillo Creme
Pan-Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Lemon, Chiles and Garlic
Orcchiette, spicy Merguez Sausage with Rapini Pesto and Parmesan
Wagyu Hanger Steak served over Potato Puree and topped with Baby Arugula
Chocolate Genache with Tuscan Olive Oil, Sea Salt and Toast

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Top Chef Restaurant – Mexique

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Last night we tried Mexique for the second time and were once again blown away by the incredible cuisine. Chef Carlos Gaytan of “Top Chef” fame opened this hidden West Town gem in 2008. Last year, Mexique was awarded a Michelin star for its award winning Mexican-French fusion cuisine.

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The space is very understated, but the service and food are both exceptional and at a great price-point. For $75 you can do a six-course tasting menu or order a variety of small and large plates to share. What really stands out here are the sauces – both flavorful and exotic. The presentation of the food is artistic, but filling, with just the right portions. Here’s a few of our recommendations.  Head over to Open Table and make a reservation for your next night out with friends!

photo 2-3 Trio of Sopes
Escargots & Chimichurri Butter,
Fried Shrimp, Agave Nectar, Avocado
Sweet Plantains, Young Coconut, Xico

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Asada
NY Steak, Spicy Tomatillo Goat Cheese Fondue and Truffle Root Vegetable Puree

photo 1-2Enchiladas
Crepes Filled with Chocolate Ganache, Toasted Walnuts, Ancho-Chile Chocolate Fondue served with a Creme Anglaise Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

XO,
Amber

{Some photos courtesy of Yelp Reviewers due to my husband being a bad photographer during dinner}

Favorite Chicago Date Spots

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As a kid, I remember that a couple of times a month Mom would hire a fun, teenage neighborhood babysitter so that her and Dad could spend a few hours out with friends.  They enjoyed their time with my brother and I, but always remembered to spend time together.  Having time without the children might be one of the reasons that today they are celebrating 32 years of marriage!  My husband and I try to do a date night a few times a month so that we can enjoy one another and have some good conversation. Here are some of our favorite go to date night spots.

The Bristol is our favorite date night spot.  We belly up to the bar – a glass of wine for the Mrs. and a whiskey concoction for the Mister.  Its a given that we start with their amazing garlic dill butter monkey bread.  The atmosphere is dark, small and friendly.  The menu features small and large plates perfect for sharing a salad, appetizer and an entree. If you don’t believe me that its pretty darn tasty, check it out on The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants List.

Mastro’s bar area is our favorite downtown date night spot.  The bar area is lively, the service exceptional and of course, the food is the amazing. The wine is served at the right temperature and the crab legs chilled just right.  Perfect to enjoy an appetizer and end with their famous butter cake.

Summer House Santa Monica is a LEYE restaurant that looks and feels like you are dining in sunny California. Its a great spot for Chicagoans to escape to in the winter months because of its glass roof, palm trees and warm feeling. The menu is a great mix of seafood, Italian and American cuisine. Don’t miss the roasted cauliflower with jalepeno pesto and parmesan and the fresh burrata on house made bread. The menu is so diverse that you can go back over and over and find new favorites.

Find time once a month or once a week if you can to get an hour or two out with your spouse for a drink, appetizer or dinner.  Or if all else fails, I’ve never turned down a date night invitation to Dairy Queen with baby and dog in tow.

XO,
Amber