Dear all:
While in Chicago this past weekend for a meeting, I had the opportunity to dine at Charlie Trotters. I thought I would share my experiences with you. Expectations were high, as this is one of the highest rated wine restaurants in the country, and has been an Award of Excellence Wine Spectator establishment forever. Let me make it perfectly clear that I was not paying the bill for dinner!
Charlie Trotters is located in a more quiet neighborhood in Chicago, off the glitzy Miraculous Mile where we were staying. The curb presentation was subtle, and the restaurant looked to be within a renovated early 20th century city house. The entry area was into a small reception room with a wine bar, and was very tasteful. There were about four dining rooms each supporting about twelve to fifteen tables. Service at Charlie Trotters was impeccable, with no less than 2 servers presenting each dish to the table. The wine service was excellent, with all wines tasted by one of the waiters and kept at a central table during the meal. No bottles on the table, and glasses were kept appropriately filled.
The menus was prix-fixe, with two offerings, a vegetarian choice,and the grand menu at $145 and $165 pp respectively (not including wine, tax, and gratuity that is automatically added to the bill. Wow!
The food was very creative and presented marvelous tastes, but, the portions of each dish was just that, a taste. There were about 7 or 8 courses to the program, nevertheless this is not a place to go to if you are hungry.
We started our wine dinner out with a Lucian Albrecht 2001 Riesling from Alsace, and ended with a Woodward Canyon Artist Series 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. At $40 and $70 respectively, they were true bargains amongst the extensive wine selections.
The Riesling was dry and light and paired very well with a dish of smoked trout garnished with caviar. The Cabernet accentuated a dish of quail with chicken livers, and the following selection from our menu of braised short rib and fermented garlic clove.
The experience lasted about 2 1/2 hours, and I am glad that I can say that I dined at Charlie's. But at over $520 for two people, it is unlikely I will dine there again. For certain though, I will drop the name Charlie Trotter to my wine friends and get good conversation mileage out of the experience. |
