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I've decided to start a blog (despite the fact that I've never understood why people would want to blog). But I find myself repeating the same restaurant recommendations (sometimes down to the table to sit at and which dishes to order) again and again and just want to share this with as many people who are interested and who might google search for this kind of thing. The way I see it is that restaurants charge a fortune (sometimes rightfully so and sometimes NOT) and dinners these days can easily cost $100 or more per person. If you're going to be spending that kind of cash, it's good to have some guidelines from just a regular person with just regular taste buds.
My palate has become somewhat refined in recent years--I now know why I like certain wines (ie. ooh, that wine is really velvety...or ooh that wine is really chalky) but I am not even close to being able to pick out distinct flavors. I do know that food means so much to me that I will always be a size 6 instead of a 4, I work out only to keep eating and that I once cried because I thought I wasn't going to be able to keep a dinner reservation. I also know what's good and what's not...so here goes!
We ate at Table 52 tonight, February 15th. I made the reservation on October 13th--nearly 4 months in advance! This restaurant is seriously popular, especially after it was endorsed on the Oprah Winfrey show. Art Smith, Oprah's once personal chef, is behind the restaurant. The food is Southern comfort food and it sounds amazing on the menu! Between 4 of us we tried all of the following: Deviled Eggs topped with paprika, goat cheese-parmesan dipped biscuits, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes with olive and sundried tomato tapenades, the stuffed pork chop special, the halibut special, pistaccio-crusted chicken. the mac and cheese and the french fries with manchego and paprika. Of all of these choices, the only notable items, I mean really really really good ones, were the the mac and cheese and the halibut special. But note that the halibut was only really great for the first few bites. But that mac and cheese was ridiculously good. It rivals the mac and cheese at Tavern on the Park--it was that good. Cheesy, rich and golden and toasted on top. It was seriously good, extremely rich and one dish was plenty for the four of us. We had the pecan pie for dessert, which was the best pecan pie I have ever had in my entire life. It is a combination of a shortbread crust and candied pecans, which are just like a sugary heaven, basically. And there are kumquats on the side, which I've never had before. A kumquat (I learned) is a cross between an orange and a grape and they are really exotic and interesting! We also had a bottle of the only Malbec on the menu and then the Red Zinfadel (I can't remember either of the names, unfortunately). We spend $90/person, including tax and tip.
Bottom Line: Most items we tried on the menu are pretty mediocre and not really worth the $95/person, especially in a city like Chicago where there are so many food choices! If I were ever to go back, it would only be for an order of that mac and cheese, a piece of the pecan pie and a glass of the Red Zinfandel.
Other things I loved include the fact that they pour bottled Fiji water all night into your water glasses, without asking you that annoying questions, "Bottled or, ahem, Tap?" I also loved the tile work in the downstairs bathroom. I think it is so beautiful (mud set, I believe) and just gorgeous to look at and to touch.
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Posted by gourmetgirl on 2008-02-16 01:22:11 | Rating: | Views: 68
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Welcome to the fold:) And, nice to see you, cuz(cousin)(email me if you want an explanation:P). So, just as I was encouraged to report on movies I see, you have a knack for food? Good on ya:) But, be careful what you eat...moderation? Sounds like you are prone to gaining weight. You may love food, but it may not love you. If it allows you to inform the world and inspire positive change, more power to you. But, if you suffer in the process...well, I'd be a lil more careful. Perhaps I will get something out of your reviews too. I admit, you sparked my interest by not just supporting an expensive restaurant charging so much. I sure hope you don't go to restaurants that expensive...what is the point? Advice or not, I am not paying so much for food. Food is a necessity. And, sure, there are wizards out there who can really cook. Allow me to tip them or thank them for that. But, to charge me a standard cost so high for food? Just doesn't seem right. Or is it just self confidence?
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-02-16 03:07:47
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