Fab Happenings: Top 5 Restaurants I Ate at During Restaurant Week 2017

Every year, I look forward to Chicago Restaurant Week (which is actually two weeks long) as many restaurants offer special prix fixe menus for a great price. Some of the restaurants even create unique dishes just for those two weeks (January 27 – February 9, 2017). Sadly, today is the last day.

This year was the 10th annual Restaurant Week and for the first time, certain restaurants offered a prix fixe brunch menu. The prix fixe menus were $22 for brunch and lunch and $33-$44 for dinner.

After exploring various restaurants for two weeks, here are my “Top 5 Restaurants I Ate at During Restaurant Week 2017″…

5. Steadfast

Steadfast is an upscale, chef-driven restaurant located inside of the Kimpton Gray Hotel. Towards the back of the restaurant you can see the open design of the kitchen and the food being prepared.

The Chicken Fried Quail was served with lemongrass caramel and Korean chili threads on top of grilled frisée. It was crispy and crunchy with the right amount of spiciness.

The Egyptian Spiced Mussels were in a delicious and savory sauce that was reminiscent of curry. It was served with Calvados cream, pickled fennel, and compressed apple along with a side of sourdough bread.

There were a few desserts to choose from, but my favorite dessert was the creme brûlée. The Coconut Creme Brûlée was creamy with a subtle coconut flavor. The pressed pineapple, candied mango, and passion fruit added an extra bit of sweetness and fresh fruit flavor.

FAB TIP: Happy Hour menu available.

{Location}
Steadfast
The Loop || 120 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 801-8899

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

4. Beacon Tavern

Beacon Tavern was in an easy-to-miss spot behind the Wrigley building on Michigan Avenue and next to the river. I’ve been wanting to try this restaurant for a while so when I saw they were offering a brunch prix fixe menu, I knew I had to go.

The Panna Cotta was made with creamy yogurt and fresh raspberries, strawberries, and oranges. It was topped with basil and shortbread. The tartness of the oranges mixed well with the sweetness of the yogurt. It was also topped with crushed grapefruit ice, which added a refreshing citrus flavor.

The Stuffed French Toast was on the indulgent side. It was topped with plenty of Nutella, blackberries, and powdered sugar. The inside was stuffed with blackberry jam. This dish was a tad too sweet for my preference, but I did enjoy the pairing of the Nutella with blackberry jam.

The Lemon Tart was served with hazelnut praline ice cream and topped with airy meringue. It had a tangy lemon flavor and crumbly crust.

FAB TIP: Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. and features food and drink specials.

{Location}
Beacon Tavern
Gold Coast || 52 W Elm St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 573-4000

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

3. GreenRiver

GreenRiver is a restaurant on the 18th floor with all around great views of the city. They offered a brunch, lunch, and dinner prix fixe menu during Restaurant Week. I have been to GreenRiver for lunch and dinner, but never for brunch so I was especially excited about this meal.

The Trout Rillette had crème fraîche and herbs, which made it absolutely delicious. It was served with toasted brioche. The brioche was a little burnt on one side, but that didn’t make this dish any less appetizing.

The Shrimp & Grits was my favorite dish and I will definitely be going back to order this off the regular brunch menu. The shrimp was served with cheddar grits, cherry tomatoes, and lobster sauce. It also had a subtle hint of lime, which I loved.

The Cinnamon Roll was served with cream cheese icing. The bread itself was a bit dry, but it still had a tasty cinnamon flavor.

FAB TIP: Check out their ingredient-focused cocktail bar, Annex.

{Location}
GreenRiver
Streeterville || 259 E Erie St, Chicago IL || P: (312) 337-0101

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

2. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is a farm-to-table restaurant by Chef Art Smith (formerly Oprah’s personal chef). The space has a rustic feel to it as well as a garden patio for the warmer months.

The Three Cheese Mac & Cheese was creamy and very cheesy. It was made with orecchiette pasta and a lot of cheese. If you love cheese, you should definitely try this dish.

I recommend the Fried Chicken Sandwich, which is one of their signature dishes. It was served with lettuce, tomato, pickled onion, and pimento cheese. The chicken was very crispy and juicy. It also comes with fries and garlic aioli.

I’m not a huge fan of dark chocolate, but I was pleasantly surprised by the cherry and blood orange purée, which makes the dessert sweeter. The sweetness of the purée balances out the bitterness of the dark chocolate.

FAB TIP: Get a half sandwich with a half salad or cup of soup during lunch for $15.

{Location}
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
Gold Coast || 52 W Elm St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 573-4000

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

1. Ēma

Ēma is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. For Restaurant Week, you have the option to choose a spread served with pita bread, mezze (small plate), and a lunch plate. I was very impressed by the selection because everything I ordered came out as a full serving. Some restaurants served smaller portions during restaurant week so I thought Ēma’s portions were an excellent value.

My favorite dish was the Crispy Halloumi. The halloumi cheese was crispy, but not too heavy. While the dates did make the dish sweet, the marinated chilies added a nice touch of spice.

The Lamb and Beef Kefta Kebab was served with rice, cucumbers and tomatoes, and Tzatziki sauce. The kebab was perfectly grilled and extremely flavorful.

FAB TIP: Rotisserie Ēma is a grab-and-go lunch spot located next door. They feature a hummus bar, rotisserie chicken, and more on Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

{Location}
Ēma
River North || 74 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 527-5586

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

Where are some of your favorite restaurants that you ate at during Restaurant Week this year? Share below.

Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette

Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.