Chicago: Grace

Canapé 1

Crab, butter

Canapé 2

Honeydew melon sphere, caviar

Canapé 3

Plum soda with tapioca

Oyster

blueberry, sea bean, LAVENDER

Heirloom Tomato

burrata, lemon, THAI BASIL

butter and herb spread 

Olive bread

Squab

kaffir, green strawberry, SORREL

Cheese crisp

Artichoke

sicilian pistachio, sweet curry, DANDELION

Miyazaki Beef

chanterelle, watermelon, MASHUA LEAF

Pretzel Epi Baguette

Lamb

kale, parsley root, BLACK MINT

Raspberry

lychee, kokum, NASTURTIUM

Peach

black sugar, licorice, LEMON VERBENA

Chocolate

ground cherry, hazelnut, HYSSOP

I don't normally visit a restaurant during it's first year of operations but I made an exception for the best new restaurant in Chicago. I had a sense that if I don't go now, I may have trouble getting a reservation later due to demand. While I saw a number of Alinea inspired dishes, Chef Curtis Duffy is heading in the right direction. The space is beautiful. I was in awe of the wood paneling and it was reminiscent of the space at El Celler de Can Roca, natural but modern. I wouldn't mind coming back to try the other menu.

Grace Restaurant
652 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60661
http://www.grace-restaurant.com/