I’m glad you all enjoyed my 2012 book list! Looking forward to crossing off some stellar reads.
My weekend was filled with a lot of writing (some new thoughts and direction on my book have me very excited). On Saturday, Bobby and I took a break from our to-dos and visited Crofton On Wells.
We heard about this restaurant through a deal on DailyCandy and further recommendation from Bobby’s co-workers. As the name suggests, it’s located in the city on Wells and Grand. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with a varied menu and accommodations for every type of diet.
Including, of course, the specialty cocktail diet. 😉 I couldn’t resist starting out with a Crofton Margarita, made with Patrón Silver, agave nectar, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. I’d say this was more like a martini in terms of strength when compared to the margaritas I’m used to, but even without the salt and “rocks,” it hit the spot and was very refreshing.
We started by ordering an appetizer to share. While we waited, the server brought out fresh sourdough.
The wild mushrooms took a bit longer in the kitchen than anticipated, but we joked with the server that it must be because they were so incredible. By the time they arrived, we realized this wasn’t far off the mark. Served with house made bacon, cracked black peppercorn and brioche, we couldn’t get enough of the great flavor these brought out in the mushrooms, especially when paired with a creamy sauce.
For my entrée, I went with the Amish chicken: herb and chile-dusted chicken breast, buttermilk fried chicken thigh, waffle and ancho-honey butter. Bobby’s co-workers had recommended it and wow, I was not disappointed! The chicken was melt-in-your-mouth good, and the fingerling potatoes it was served over were perfectly cooked. I need to try making ancho-honey butter at home now.
Because of our wait with the mushrooms, the server was kind enough to offer us a complimentary dessert. Who were we to say no? 🙂 After looking over the options, we decided on the banana cream pie, served with fortified chocolate sauce, salted caramel and macadamia nut brittle. From the description alone, I think you can deduce that it did not take very long for us to clean our plate.
Overall, the food and service were excellent. It’s easy to get in the habit of visiting the same restaurants over and over, but we were glad to break out of our “usual” for the evening.
What new restaurants have you tried and/or are hoping to try near you?
I hope you all had wonderful weekends and that your Monday is off to a great start!
Abrazos,
Hmm, I’m surprised that I don’t know more about Crofton! I’ll have to add it to the list- the food looks delicious!
I definitely recommend adding it to the ever-growing list of “worth trying” Chicago restaurants!
I was just in Chicago this weekend staying at my parent’s condo so I figured I’d pass along some restaurant recs. We went to lunch at Cantina Laredo and it was FANTASTIC….great margaritas, beautiful and fresh food, my mom, sister, and I loved it!
Also went out to Feast for lunch. I’ve been there for dinner before as well and have enjoyed my meals both times!!
We also picked up a pizza from Homemade Pizza Co (which appears to be popping up all over the city) and my sis and I devoured it–I highly recommend the sausage and caramelized onion one! 😉
Oh my – THANK YOU for these recommendations! I have heard great things about Feast, love Homemade Pizza Co (but need to try sausage and caramelized onion), and will be hitting up Cantina Laredo faster than you can say margarita. 🙂
Yum! What a cool spot! The chicken dish sounds just perfect. We are planning on trying a new pub in charleston soon
Sweet! Love trying out new pubs.
wow Jenn, your meal looks over the top incredible! i’m a picky eater, but even I am swooning over the description of that dish. that’s really neat that they put the margarita in a martini glass too – haven’t seen that done before. i’ll be sure to check out your book list next 🙂
Thank you, Kinsey! I thought the martini glass was a nice touch, too. It was definitely delicious!
Seth and I just got back from Maryland (visiting his grandfather). While we were there, we tried this place called Seasons52–they focus on seasonal food AND everything is 475 Calories or less. My meal was so good, I plan on recreating it later this week.
I’ve heard of Seasons 52 and so want to go there! Can’t wait to see your recreation of the meal.
That sounds like a great restaurant – the sourdough looks fabulous! Yum! We are still exploring our new neighborhood, so there are a TON of restaurants we want to visit!
I wanted another piece of sourdough as soon as I finished it. So yummy!
I do get excited to try new things and places. Its so easy though to get stuck in the same habits of places and menu items. I know what I always get is something that I enjoy and am nervous about the new thing not being as good.. but you never know til you try it — you might find your new favorite thing! Looks like yall found a great new place!
I couldn’t agree more! It’s hard for me to break out of the comfort zone of food I know I’ll enjoy, but sometimes it’s worth it!
This looks like a cool place to eat when I am in the area.
It was great! I definitely recommend it next time you’re in Chicago.