The Four Seasons Chicago has undergone some changes of late, one of which is the closing of its Michelin star-winning Seasons restaurant and the opening of Allium with the same chef Kevin Hickey in the lead. I wonder what the hotel is actually trying to achieve with this more laid-back, less expensive venture (responding to the recession? what recession?) but one thing I know for sure, there is reason to go:
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| Allium Chicago, Hot Dog |
This completely in-house-made hot dog was delicious. I wasn't sure it would be proper to have for dinner but the server assured me it was tasty and filling. I enjoyed every soft morsel of it. And not only is the hot dog made in-house, so is the bun, the relish, the ketchup (exclusively for the fries in Chicago), the mustard--everything. I used my hands to eat it and although it was juicy (and very soft, almost like a pate dog) it didn't drip all over the place and make the usual hot dog mess. The bun was soft, warm, tasty. At $14.00 it is the most expensive hot dog I've ever eaten but that won't stop me from returning to have another.
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| Smoked salmon under a dome |
My starter course, which they call the small course, was a smoked salmon brought to table under a glass dome. The server released the smoke before I could get a photo of it, but its aroma when released was pure salivating bliss. The salmon with rye cakes and herbed cream and pickles was yummy and tender.
I'm following up that high-culinary evening with a soul food feast sponsored by the Smart Museum of the University of Chicago. More to come on that later. Have a great Sunday!
6 comments:
Joseph - I admire a good dog, especially a Chicago dog. I to think that one runs into a bit of trouble trying to turn them into haute dogs, if you'll forgive a very bad pun. This is a prime example of that very problem - http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/worlds-most-expensive-hot-dog-173600894.html
Ooooooh Joseph, I can't wait to get back to Chicago to try one!
I am not a great hotdog fan but this one had me salivating...it looks so good! And the salmon must have been wonderful too...what a wonderful way to present it. Lucky you.
Mmm, that hot dog looks heavenly! But didn't you tell me that Chicago dogs don't usually have ketchup or mustard on top - I can't remember which condiment. In any case, there's nothing like a good dog! And I love the idea of serving smoked salmon under a dome with real smoke. Clever.
Your Chicago dog and Mark's NYC dog reminded me that we have a Paris dog. You may have been the one to tell me about this article in the NYTimes. At $12, it's less expensive than your hot dog. I may have to try it this week.
Thanks for the delicious post!
Oh! I forgot to say that I hope that you enjoyed your evening at the U Chic. event. I look forward to hearing about it. Even more so because my friend's ("Finding Noon's") daughter will be heading there this fall.
The steak was amazing, too.
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