First off, I’m sorry it’s been too long since I’ve contributed.
I’ve missed writing about all of my foodie adventures, and mostly I’ve missed cooking in my own kitchen and trying out new recipes to share with y’all. But that should change soon. I’ve had a whirl-wind of business travels and projects going on so I just haven’t had the time, but I’ll finally be back in town for a while, and I’m hungry to get back in the kitchen.
The past few weeks have taken me to the east coast, across the desert and mountains, and through the midwest. There were great meals at every city, but the most memorable meal was the dinner we had last Wednesday at the Signature Room in Chicago. Located on the 95th floor of the Chicago landmark – The Hancock building.
Now normally you would not find me at such a touristy hot spot, but this was a special occasion for our friend who was leaving the next day and probably not coming back to Chi-town for a long time. So we just had to seize the opportunity to bid bon voyage to this city we love from way up in the sky at the top of the Hancock Building.
We started in the Signature lounge for cocktails which gave us the perfect view of the sunset from the west side of the building. Then we really lucked out with our dinner table, which was set facing Navy Pier. Every Wednesday night throughout the summer months they have a fireworks show at the edge of the pier, so our table was set for a perfect view.
We started out with a seafood tower from the raw bar for the four of us to share. Complete with half a Maine lobster, colossal buttery shrimp, muscles, king crab legs, and oysters on the half shell. It was delightful. For my main entree, Vero and I split the Butter Poached South African Lobster Tails. This was a presentation of lobster I have never seen before. They came completely removed from the shell, except for the fin left at the tail end for presentation. I’ve heard the South African lobster described before as the “Rolls Royce” of lobsters, this dish certainly lived up to it’s reputation. I have to say, the atmosphere certainly enhanced the meal. I’m willing to bet that they try to time this – as soon as our entrees were placed in front of us the fireworks show began down below at Navy Pier!
For dessert our waiter recommended their signature White & Dark Chocolate Mousse cake, along with their summer Creme brulee. The mousse cake was light and airy, but rich a the same time, and the creme brulee was very surprising. Quite traditional upon first glance, but it came paired with a rosemary shortbread cookie that really made the dish for me. A very unexpected juxtaposition of flavors.
Great conversation, excellent food, and a view like nowhere else in the nation – this was definitely a highlight from my recent dining travels.
