The Urban Experience: Chicago for a Week

My husband and I drove to Chicago last week to visit my daughter and her husband. They live in the city and work in the Loop. For us, it was a week of urban living. There are many great restaurants near their home so it was an easy walk to dinner. When Michelin published their guide for Chicago, they published a list of Bib Gourmand restaurants, similar to honorable mentions. Both of the restaurants below were on the list.

Our first night there we went to Glenn's Diner, one of the restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Glenn's Diner features fresh seafood and many dishes recall Glenn's favorites from New Orleans. Fresh seafood specials are posted daily on blackboard. We started with smoked trout dip served with crackers and New England Clam Chowder, heaped with clams and potatoes and surrounded with a thin but rich and creamy broth. I enjoyed lake trout lightly sauteed and served topped with a pecan butter for my entree. We were tempted by the fresh pies listed on the board but instead walked across the street to Marie's for ice cream. And Glenn's serves breakfast all day long, another favorite of the owner!

A few nights later we met friends for dinner at Ceres' Table, another short walk away. Wednesday night was Prix Fixe night at the resturant and we had 3 courses and a glass of wine for $40. The best part was that our choices were straight from the menu and everyone agreed that the food was delectable. I started with an heirloom tomato salad with basil and balsamic that captured the unique flavors of several locally grown tomatoes. We were so busy talking that I didn't notice what everyone was eating until dessert.

This was a meal that justifies "eat dessert first" but we managed to enjoy it at the end. I had a carrot cake with a light creamy cream cheese frosting, a velvety caramel sauce and topped with fried carrots strips. I've added the photos because the carrots were unique but didn't have much flavor.