These are hard times for many folks, including many restaurants. But, even as some close, the number of restaurants that keep popping up--especially in Chicago--is both reassuring and inspiring.
Last week I had a chance to test several new ones: Sunda, 33 Club, and Eve.
SUNDA
A group of 4 of us arrived at Sunda on the early side--6:00 on a Monday night to find the place absolutely hopping. Noisy, hip, happening crowd, with energy to spare! We quickly learned that tonight was a special night and they were doing some filming for a reality show...but beyond that, the after-work crowd was there in droves, especially the long, blonde-haired super-model type women. (It didn't take long for texting to bring the men to follow...really funny to watch it in progress.)
After signing release forms in case they caught us on tape, we were led to a table front a center in the middle of the action. Our knowledgeable waiter took over and guided us through an Asian menu filled with a variety of taste treats. Best dish: Cod; worst dish: Grilled watermelon with eel (of course, the fact that we didn't recognize that it was eel on the menu and were having trouble identifying the taste we didn't like did not help.) Sushi was fresh and very tasty; wagyu beef on a fried rice cake awesome. Drinks were sake based and interesting...especially the pear concoction that the waiter recommended.
Negatives: Very noisy; however, this was mitigated by the vibe that the noise produced...we were glad to be part of it...even if we were 20 years older than anyone else there!
33 CLUB: Over in Old Town, this spacious neighborhood restaurant has a very different clientele and vibe, a much more limited menu, but excellent food and variety. With extremely high ceilings and wood panelled walls, the Club in the name is appropriate. There is a large bar area in front and a separate bar menu. The large main dining room and loft area above it have an open, light feel and while basically full had a more sedate tone than Sunda. The appetizer of skirt steak and polenta was delicious, and plenty for a full meal. The mac and cheese was to die for, enhanced as it was with truffle oil.... it could have been the entire meal it was so good. The fish (Grouper) was a hit, as well. We didn't feel so old here...diners ranged form 20s to 60s with a younger crowd at the bar, of course.
EVE, just around the corner from McKormick & Schmicks on Wabash in the near North, looked pretty dark and quiet as we arrived, but quickly picked up speed with a well dressed, somewhat older crowd who clearly were making this an evening out. Service was attentive, and when my friend expressed concern that the corn soup was too spicey for her, they quickly offered to replace it, minus the chile drizzle....and it was delicious soup! My oyster and tasso waffle appetizer was enough for 2-3 people...so it became my entree. Delicious oysters perfectly fried in cornmeal batter atop these lovely waffles, nice contrast in taste and texture, with drizzled sauce a great addition.
Three very different vibes... three very positive experiences... three more reasons that Chicago is a great eating town. Bon Appetit!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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