On recent trip to Chicago I had the pleasure of eating out in Alinea and L20 both of which were amazing meals, Michelin seeing the rise of amazing restaurants in Chicago today released the guide for the city awarding both these restaurants with 3 stars. For me the meal I had at Avenues with Curtis Duffy at the Helm was the standout, and for me worth a detour, even from New Zealand. Michelin say 2 which is awesome , I think 3 is more deserving.
Walking into the Penninsula hotel in itself a special place, you cant help but soak in the luxury, making your way to the Restaurant and into such beautiful dining room which just oozes luxury is a treat. The Dining room may be a little old school, in a spectacular way, but the food is out of this world. I was sat at the Bar by the kitchen watching service as it unfolded, the Chefs never missed a beat.
The meal started with some great one bites amuses, then progressed through an extended menu with highlights such as Duffys Alaskan King Crab with Kalamansi, Trout roe and Lemon mint, the best dish I had in Chicago, to stunning Tom Kha Gai soup with finger limes, Lemongrass and coriander blooms.
You can see that nature and seasonality take a firm footing in the chefs food philosophy and is something that I have taken away with me as a true inspiration. the use of fantastic herbs throughout the menu, with a fine balance of technique and flavour.
Desserts also stood out, very fresh, a seemingly limited use of sugar let the flavours shine, bridging the gap of savoury and sweet was Curtis Duffy's Sudachi Bite. with Togarashi and horehound mint cleansing the palate straight away, then moving on to delicate Crab apple dessert with peer Jacques, croissant and sage.
If I had spare time I would have been back here the following day for a meal, the only other restaurant I have done that is at Quique DaCosta in Denia, Spain, for me these two restaurants are on par my favourites.
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