Pretty Plates in Chicago - Tru

(I preface this review with my pics were taken by a camera phone, as I didn't want to be the weirdo in the fancy restaurant taking out a digital camera. Apparently I was the only one who felt this way, as tables around me were heavy with the flash and cameras)

After 3 trips to Chicago in the past month I finally landed early enough to make it to dinner at Tru. I've had to cancel a couple reservations there due to flight delays, so this time I opted to not make the reservation ahead of time. Which landed me an 8:45 seating. This is not something I was concerned about in the least as I was dying to try some of Rick and Gale's good cooking.

I can't really use any words that will justify how good this meal was. But I'll try.

There was some hesitation about going to dinner at a place like Tru alone. I

don't particularly love eating in restaurants alone, and tend to hurry through my meals. But I am a firm believer in that good food and great restaurants should not be saved for special occassions. One should indulge and eat good food when they can regardless of they why. The front of the house staff was very friendly and didn't give me the "oh sad you eating all alone face". The table was one of the banquettes in the middle of the restaurant, set for one with the additional chair removed. This gave me a good view of one half of the restaurant, allowing me to take in the art and the height of the place. And strangely, looking out at all those tables of groups out for a special dinner wasn't as awkward as I expected. In fact, I didn't read the book I had brought.

The space is beautiful in a very cool, open large way. Everything is black and white (even the napkins), allowing you to focus on the food and the art. The curtains reaching up to the ceiling, showcasing the height of the room. I spent a lot of time watching the staff, and how they seemed to just glide through the room, serving the food, taking the orders, clearing the plates, it was very beautiful. There was something very graceful and unintrusive about the way they moved.

The initial amuse bouche was served on a silver spoon that had a gorgeous steep curve to it, thus allowing it to stand by itself on the plate. It was a small ball of buffalo mozzerella with a green olive mousse and a shaving of black olive sugar on top. It was a complete explosion in my mouth. Light, airy, and just the right balance of savory from the olive mousse. It took me by surprise.

The wine list was an insane 50+ pages long. One page of wines by the glass, and some very impressive bottles on the list. I opted for a Gewürztraminer that had a great bouquet, but didn't bowl me over with the taste.

The second amuse bouche was a spring consumme gelee. Served in a lovely teacup and saucer, you did need a spoon to eat it with. The cup handle was shaped like a gold wing.

The consumme was bibb lettuce and spring vegetables, best I could tell there were cucumbers and zucchini in there, a gelee base added a substantial base to the light refreshing flavor and there was a dot of creme fraiche to top it off.

I opted for the 3 course dinner, since it was late. My appetizer choice was Grilled Diver Sea Scallops, Red Pepper Essence, Chorizo, Avocado Dumplings.

There was some avocado foam going on in this dish, which had actual flavor. I never expect foams to taste like anything. The avocado dumplings were rolled in japanese rice puffs and were dense but a good complement to the perfectly grilled scallops. The broth was a light chorizo lobster bisque with tapioca balls to add some body to it. On the corner of the bowl was a chiffonade of jalepeno for those (like me) who like a little heat with thier meal. I actually used very little of the jalepeno, for it was a bit too strong and took away from the purity of the dish.

My main course was the Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, White Asparagus, Bisque, Orange, Almond.

As soon as the dish was set in front of me I was overcome with the aroma of the orange. The plate has orange essence painted around the rim, and it definately plays a role in what you taste. Basically, it made me want to lick my plate. Not appropriate in a place such as this. The lobster was poached in an orange butter, so with every bite you got a hint of the orange and a lot of the moistness and goodness of the butter (with none of the greasy butter taste and feel you get when you drown the lobster in butter!). I live in the land of lobsters and this has to be the best lobster I've had. There was a tarragon lobster bisque on the side for me to scoop up with the lobster, and the tarragon added a nice touch of clean herby feeling to the dish. The white asparagus were hidden under their foam (clearly, the kitchen loves that toy) and creamy goodness, but I found and ate them all. I do like the white asparagus, they are milder and perfect for a dish such as this.
Here's my weak point, I am full and they ask if I am interested in a cheese course. My mind says, you still have dessert to go, you don't really need to add a fourth course, and yes you can have cheese instead of the dessert, but really you can't deny yourself half the reason you came which is Gale's desserts. So I succumb to the extremely attractive waiter and ask to see the cheese tray.

Oh the choices, from France to Wisconsin to Colorado! I wanted to try them all, but was limited to 3. In the end 3 became 4. The only other place I've been to with such an impressive cheese tray is L'Espalier where I had discovered my previous 2 favorite cheeses. They were toppled by two that I had this night. My two new favorite cheeses now are Regal de Bourgogne aux Moutarde which despite being covered in mustard seeds, isn't overwhelmed by them. And the Cabreton, which was softer and more flavorful that I expected. The two cheeses that flanked either end of my plate were the sheeps milk Perail and the nutty Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Wisconsin. Both equally delicious. I savored the cheeses as long as I could, with a huge smile on my face. Then I remembered there was still dessert to be had and boxed the rest up.
The sides were figs, apricot, a balsamic chutney (which while the waiter was forming into the perfect shape with 2 spoons, I told him he didn't have to bother "Ma'am, we are a four star restaurant" He was so cute I wanted to take him home. Seriously) and a quince paste, that I just ate as is because I love quince that much.
Before the dessert was a red currant mint lemonade as a palate cleanser. A bit too sweet for me, I only drank half. The color doesn't come through in the photographs, but believe me, it was the most attractive red I've seen in something that didn't contain hibiscus.
And finally dessert, as I was pretty full I opted for one of the lighter desserts. The Vanilla Cream with contained Lemon Chiffon, Vanilla Pot de Crème, Lemon Curd Ice Cream, Citrus Supremes.

The lemon curd ice cream was my favorite part of the dessert. It was creamy without being heavy, full of flavor, and just the right size. It also had some caramel rice krispies with it, so I got some of that snap, crackle, pop goodness. The pot de creme sat on a bed of light spongey lemon chiffon cake, and was enrobed in what was possibly the tastiest shell I've ever had.
Lest you think that was the end of dessert, oh no. There was still the lollipop and mini cake/cookie cart. Since I had not had any chocolate in my dessert, I skipped the spearmint lollipop that looked really good and opted for the chocolate crispy I can't even remember what else was in it lollipop. It was SO good. I also got a chambord chocolate mini cake thing, That was delicious, and thank goodness only a biteful! Are we done yet? Because I am mighty full. Oh no, wait, there is still the truffle cart. Oh handsome waiter, you are killing me with your good looks and tasty food things you bring my way. I opted for the dark chocolate green olive truffle and the milk chocolate caramel truffle.

Now, you may say to me, Razzle, why a chocolate olive truffle? I reply that I am a woman of adventure and am not afraid of strange flavors! While it was not a bad combination, it was certainly interesting. Had I not known that it had been olive, I would have spent hours trying to figure out what that combination was. The caramel truffle was soooo very good. But really, can one go wrong with caramel and chocolate? Not in my book.

3 1/2 hours later, and about 10 pounds heavier, I strolled back to the hotel and fell into bed dreaming of master chefs cooking up wonderful foods for me to eat.

James Hotel Chicago Part 2

(I didn't realize that Blogger limited my post length)

There is free wireless (yeay!) and it works well all over the room. Then again, the square footage of the room is small and I would be shocked if it didn't work all over. That's the major drawback from the website you don't get the feel for how small the room is. And that is why it reminds me of a NY hotel. The radio/CD player/MP3 dock works well, although it took me some time to realize my iPod would only work with the remote. Lighting is good, however there is one pendant light in the room that does still emit a glow, even when turned down all the way. Soundproofing is lacking, I could hear people all night opening and closing doors and talking in the hallways, perhaps along with the well sized Kiehl's products in the bathroom they should include earplugs. One other cool thing to me, was the alarm clock (clearly, I am a total geek for this) the alarm clock projected onto the ceiling. So when I was suffering from not being able to fall asleep, I just had to look to the ceiling to see what time it was, instead of being bothered to turn my head. Ah, laziness at its finest.

I forgot to pack gym clothes, so I didn't have a chance to check out the 2000 sq. ft gym the hotel boasts. The hotel spa is an Aveda spa, and while there is a card for it in the hotel info book, a services and pricelist would have also been nice.
Going down to check out in the morning I was greeted with the sounds of the Smiths being played. In my book you can't go wrong with a hotel that plays the Smiths. Or at least the person who came up with that CD mix.

Location: The hotel is a block from the shopping of Michigan Ave. and just as close to the restaurants and bars of Rush Street. Should you need snacks Trader Joe's is on the street behind the hotel.
Would I stay here again? Maybe. If I got a really good rate. The too cool for school attitude of the staff was too much of a turn off to make it worth paying that much for a room again. There are plenty of other luxury hotels in the area. I only hope the outposts the group has planned for other cities has more of an emphasis on being warm and hospitable.

SoHo in Chicago - James Hotel

The James Hotel is a newish boutique hotel in the Magnificent Mile area of Chicago. I'd been wanting to stay here the last couple trips and finally prices dropped below $500 a night so I booked my room with excitement.
From thier website you get a minimalist, modern feel. And to that end it does not disappoint.

Checking in around 7pm, the lobby was packed! Loud music (some sorta house-techno whatever the kids call it these days), lots of well dressed people drinking martinis and the like. Apparently the bar is in the lobby, I was too tired to really look for it. It basically was like the W in SF. The check-in process had a bit of attitude (again, just like the W) which really, I don't appreciate. I feel like, and especially in Chicago where customer service seems to be of really high standards, if you work in a hotel you should be hospitable and make people feel welcome. The man who greeted my cab was very nice, as was the one who got me a cab in the morning. The front desk staff, maybe young and inexperienced, but I didn't particularly care for them. I also feel like they should be knowlegable, particularly about the immediate area, when I asked if she could call and make me a reservation for dinner at Tru, she looked baffled. Really? It's one of Chicago's top restaurants, 3 blocks from the hotel and you don't know what I am talking about? Another issue I encountered was the disconnect about thier frequent guest program. Apparently, no one that works the front desk is aware the hotel is part of the Luxury Hotels of the World group, and would not accept my guest card number. They kept insisting they were an independant hotel. Yes, but you have an agreement with this group. "no, we are independant" I finally gave up. Eventually, I will send the hotel an email and request thier staff be made aware of this, I can't be the only person who books hotels based on perks I expect to get.

Onto my room. It's modern, and sleek, and comfy. But wow, is this the smallest bathroom I've ever seen! One step from the bathtub to the sink, and I have short legs. Pretty much you can shower and wash your hands at the same time.


They clearly are all about the textures here, the waffle weave robes are not the typical cotton waffle weaves you get, its a softer larger pattern. The red patent leather chair and ottoman, meant to give you that gloss and cool feeling when you sit on it, and it is comfortable! The built in sofa, soft comfortable fabric with a wool loop pillow that begs to be touched. The roman shades and closet curtain (no there is no door on the closet, and yes, it is very small) are a microfiber sueded tan. The bed, pillowtop, white, I suspect high threadcount Frette linens and enough pillows to make you sink in and get ready to watch your plasma tv. The warm chocolate carpet, is thicker than standard hotel carpet and feels good on your feet. But then you should really be wearing the bright red felt slippers provided for you in the closet.
The room also has a wetbar, did I mention that? Martini shaker, glasses, good sized bottles of alcohol. I didn't check the prices after I noted the bottle of sparkling water on the minibar was $9. The chocolate colored theme carries into the furnishings, a solid headboard for the platform bed, the minibar, and my favorite? The tile floors and walls of the bathroom.
One thing in the room that failed the tactile test, was the spare blanket in the closet. It was really rough wool. I was expecting a cashmere blend :)

Foxwoods Hotels - The Wonder of it All

If you ever find yourself in CT with a sudden urge to gamble, you've got Foxwoods (and Mohegan Sun, but I haven't been there yet). If you drive up at night it just appears, out of nowhere, at the end of this long road.
Foxwoods has 3 hotels within the casino grounds. In order of highest to lowest price there are the Grand Peqout Tower, the Great Cedar Hotel, and the Two Trees Inn. I've stayed at the Grand Pequot and the Two Trees.

The major downside to the Two Trees, is that it's really off-site from the casino. There is a shuttle bus that makes the rounds 24 hours a day, about every 20 min. or so, but it also takes 20 min. It also only has one restaurant and no room service. So if those things are important to you, and you don't want to wait outside in the freezing winter weather, you should probably book a room at the other two hotels, both of which are in the casino. The rooms at the Two Trees are cute, in that country/shaker style of decor, not plush, but clean and comfortable. Parking lot is out back. There is wireless access in the lobby, but not in the rooms. Rooms are a decent size and not crowded for two people sharing a room. Views are basically the parking lot or the driveway leading up to the hotel.

The Grand Pequot Tower has larger rooms with amazing views of the surrounding area, the rooms start on the 12th floor, there is a lounge area on each floor near the elevators. This hotel contains the fancy restaurant Paragon and a high rollers room, that seemed very intimidating to a non-high roller such as myself. The rooms all have free wireless access, a mini-fridge, coffee maker, a very large marble bathroom (with phone), and comfy beds. There is also 24 hour room service, and they will bring you bottles of alcohol (at a considerable markup). The hotel is above the casino, and very close to the Golden Dragon Restaurant and both entertainment venues, the Fox Theater and Club BB. If you are staying the night for a show and don't want to walk through the large casino, I would recommend choosing this hotel.

They have plenty of casual dining options, from California Pizza Kitchen, to Fuddruckers to a hot dog place and the 24 hour diner style Veranda Cafe. The Golden Dragon was surprisingly good chinese, if you are a fan of lemon chicken they make a really good one, it's an entire chicken breast, well breaded and with a really good sauce. The Festival buffet has a wide selection of foods (seafood, asian, american), average quality, we were there on a Tuesday night and it was 2 for 1 so we figured it was a good bet.

There is a spa at the casino, but I didn't have time to take advantage of it, if anyone has tried it I would like to hear your experience.

Hot Tomatoes Boston

I've been eating here pretty much 3 - 4 times a week since it opened last month. Mostly because it is convenient for a quick lunch and they have a large enough menu that I have been able to eat something different each time.

Prices are between $9 and $10 for sandwiches, this may seem high, but most of the sandwiches are big enough to last through lunch and dinner and come with a side of pasta salad or cole slaw. I would recommend any except the Sloppy Joe, it's very very very greasy. I took two bites and threw the rest out. The Yankee is good, but would be served much better warm (its turkey with stuffing). The few times I have asked for something slightly different than the menu (the Lucky 33 heated, or ciabatta instead of whatever bread the sandwich was supposed to have) I got back to the office with the sandwich and realized they didn't make the modification.

The salads are pricey, not great, and not large. I'd opt for something else. The pizza slices are $2.50, average sized, and quite good (although, by the slice so far has only been pepperoni or cheese). The frittata is $6.50 for 2 the size of muffins, but they are surrounded with a tomato sauce that is quite good, and it ends up being filling enough for lunch.

The space is cute, albeit a little crowded when there are more than 4 people waiting for food to go. The decor is nice and the punches of red add a fun feel. Downside, for now they are cash only.
The staff seems to rotate constantly (maybe they share staff with their other restaurant Carmen), but as a regular it would be nice to have a bit of a friendly rapport and that is lacking.

Location: North End. North Street at Lewis.

Indian in SF on the cheap - Pakwan and Naan n Curry

San Francisco has lots of inexpensive Indian- Pakistani places. All of them good, most of them in multiple locations. There's something different about Indian - Pakistani that I love and can't seem to find outside of the Bay Area. It's somehow more spicey or flavorful than just straight up Indian.

Pakwan was the place I fell in love with Chicken Makhanwala (Butter Chicken). Different places call it by different names, but as best as I can tell it's basically a creamier (butterier?) version of Chicken Tikki Masala.
I used to hit up the (now defunct) location on Clay Street in the Financial District fairly often, because for about $8 (less if it was the daily special) I could get rice, chicken and naan in good sized portions. My problem with thier food is, no matter how full I am, I can't stop eating it until the plate is wiped clean with some naan. They have since moved and now have a location in the Tenderloin district (which due to an influx of Indian fast food places is dubbed little India).

Naan -n- Curry is another of my favorites. They have locations all over the city, but I've only been to thier locations in North Beach on Jackson and on Berkeley's famed Telegraph St. The location on Jackson is very run down, but the food still tasty, and always crowded at lunchtime. Strangely, the Telegraph location is much cleaner with better ventilation. At both locations, you order up front and grab a table after the fact. Don't forget to get your water, chai, and silverware yourself. There is no table service here. Then again, with the low prices you weren't really expecting that.
Onto the food, I usually tend to get the lamb curry here. It's greasy, but that is how I like my lamb curry, sometimes they manage to get it mixed well. Thier naan is delicious, plain and straighforward. Thier chana masala is also inexpensive so I usually order one of those too. And then I am faced with the fact that my eyes are always larger than my stomach.

House of Nanking - The Best Chinese In San Francisco

If you go to SF and get only have time for one Chinese restaurant you simply MUST get yourself to House of NanKing in North Beach.



Yes, there will probably be a line at lunch time, and yes it is worth the wait.

No, do not ask for a menu. They will give you one, and let you order from it, but don't. Let them bring you whatever they will. I guarantee it will be better than anything you would have ordered.

Usually you will end up with some sesame like chicken dish. It's the best chicken you will ever have. I believe once I got some sort of beef dish as well. It may have been 5 spice beef. I never understand what the chef says he is bringing me, but I also never leave unhappy. Or not extremely full. If you must order an appetizer, opt for the potstickers or the onion cake. This place made me fall in love with the concept of onion cakes.

The portions are huge, so get one main dish to share. The prices are low, the quality good. It is a very casual restaurant and the kitchen is in the window, so if you are sitting in the half with the kitchen you can see all the delicious food being prepared.

Location: 919 Kearney (at Jackson, near Columbus) (415) 421-1429