I have been a fan of Graham Elliot Bowles for quite some time, and I developed a full-fledged foodie crush when I witnessed his inventiveness and lighthearted humor on Top Chef Masters. Asked to create an amuse bouche utilizing items found in a vending machine, he wisely used his designated quarters, collected his selections and joked, "That's just lunch. Now I gotta get something for the contest." He is wildly likable. So naturally when I made my way to Chicago to visit two of my favorite (and very missed) friends I coerced them into joining me for an unforgettable experience at Graham Elliot Bowles' appropriately named "bistronomic" restaurant, Graham Elliot. It was a true delight to meet him in person and experience his artistry firsthand. Graham Elliot's hip playlist enhanced the relaxed atmosphere, and my friends and I relished the complex flavors and beautiful creations put before us. Each meticulously detailed dish arrived resembling a colorful painting on white canvas. When the time came for our plates to be cleared, there wasn't a bite of food left.
Diners munch on truffle popcorn in place of a traditional basket of bread
Wagyu beef tartare with truffle aioli, petite herbs, potato chips and steak sauce
Signature caesar salad with romaine hearts, brioche twinkie, Spanish anchovies and parmesan fluff
White tuna sashimi with plantain chips, whipped avocado, cilantro sprouts, radishes and passion fruit
Hand pulled mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, mini basil, balsamic sorbet and olive oil
Bison skirt steak with baked beans, onion ring, cole slaw and root-beer barbecue
Seared Alaskan halibut with Israeli couscous, smoked eggplant, caramelized fennel and tomato marmalade
Great Lakes walleye with braised artichokes, haricot verts, citrus and olive paint
Deconstructed lamb gyro with pita bread, crumbled feta, tomatoes and mint yogurt
Dark chocolate cake with crunchy meringue, angostura bitters, ice milk and cocoa syrup (with a birthday candle- HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!)
Homemade sesame shortbread with prickly pear, homemade halva, banana and salted caramel
my fingers look all chubby grabbing for that popcorn
ReplyDeleteI like the mink muff. Fierce.
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