Alinea

Grant Achatz, one of the best chefs in Chicago... Hell, one of the best chefs in the world, opened Alinea on May 4, 2005. It has 3 Michelin stars, Chicago Magazine's Best Restaurant in Chicago's History, Ever, the Acqua Panna Best North American Restaurant and ranked 6th Best Restaurant in the World by S. Pellegrino 2011. It has basically won ever friggin' award there is. Umm, of course, I gotta eat there... So, enjoy the picture show since no words from my dirty hole can do it justice verbally.

Enjoy, suckaz!

KITCHEN

DECOR or FOOD - just don't blow your nose in it.

CHERRY - buffalo trace, carpano antica, maraschino
CUCUMBER - plymouth gin, rose, mint
LEMON - don cesar pisco, cane juice, frozen and chewy

ENGLISH PEA - iberico, sherry, honeydew

SHRIMP - fermented black bean, cinnamon aroma
YUBA - shrimp, miso, togarahi

CHAO TOM - sugar cane, shrimp, mint

TOMATOES - pillow of fresh cut grass aroma

(literally served on a pillow)

DISTILLATION - of thai flavors

PORK BELLY - curry, cucumber, lime

(notice the wrapper from the beginning)

KING CRAB pt. 1 - plum, lilac, fennel

KING CRAB pt.2 - plum, lilac, fennel

KING CRAB pt. 3 - plum, lilac, fennel

HOT POTATO - cold potato, black truffle, butter

LAMB - reflection of elysian fields farm

BLACK TRUFFLE - explosion, romaine, parmesan

TOURNEDO - a la persane

BACON - butterscotch, apple, thyme

LEMON SODA

TRANSPARENCY - of raspberry, yogurt

BUBBLE GUM - long pepper, hibiscus, creme fraiche

EARL GREY - lemon, pine nut, caramelized white chocolate

CANVAS

CHOCOLATE - coconut, menthol, hyssop

21 courses completed, 3 hours later, heavier in the pouch and a lot lighter in the pocket... And it was all worth it. There is no other experience like it. Well, I think I got a few more up my sleeve for your viewing pleasure... But I gonna take a nap, now. I gotta stop eating like this. Seriously. Who am I kidding, fuck that noise.

If you can afford it, I highly recommend it. Shit, who wouldn't? Good luck with those reservations.

Pump. Pump... Squirt. (see above pic).

5 Stars.

1723 North Halsted

Chicago, IL 60614
312-867-0110
http://www.alinea-restaurant.com/