Blackbird, Chicago, IL
A few years back, we did a food tour of Chicago. It was just a weekend, but the city remains one of our favorites and we go back as much as possible to try new restaurants and revisit the ones we love. Blackbird made our list of reservations based on great reviews and of course the winner of the James Beard award numerous times.
It has a sleek and modern décor with a white bar area opening up to dining room seating. We were just a two-top along the side wall of the dining room, but it was a great spot to get a view of everything going on in the restaurant.
The bar was a hot area and nearly every seat would remain taken during our dinner. The dining room was just as full with a few larger parties in the middle and smaller tables lining walls. The back wall designated for the kitchen and staff.
We were doing a few tasting menus that weekend, so we just wanted to do some exploring on our own at Blackbird. There were a few things on the regular menu that are right up our alley, so it was easy picking!
Crispy suckling pig with zucchini, fig molasses, summer truffle, and pistachio- This is the epitome of a medieval Renaissance meal in bite sized portion.
Corned beef tongue with charred sweet corn, brioche, smoked paprika, and yeasted mustard-This beef tongue dish was the perfect combination of salty, savory, smoky, and sweet.
Grilled pork belly with barbequed golden beets, snow peas, and date relish-Pork belly is one of our favorite dishes. It’s an automatic order if on the menu. Paired with the sweetness of the date relish, the pork belly shined.
Aged duck breast and j. sawyer’s zampone with roasted okra, rice cakes, and pickled lime hollandaise-Duck was tender and easy to slice through, with a nice sheen on the meat.
Sartori Raspberry Bellavitano cow’s milk- pretzel crisps, chocolate stout crumbs, raspberry, dulcey-Creamy, sweet, and the salt of the pretzels crisps makes this dish. Even though it was small, we decided to share and get a little more wine for dessert!
-Sylvia Hurst
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