when in chicago

union station

From Grand Rapids, I took a train to Chicago.
I spent a day & a night in the city with my dear friend, Kelly Caird, before heading west to LA to film Season 3.
When in Chicago, there is a LOT to see & sip.
Here are my coffee, lunch & dinner recommendations:

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coffee: STAR LOUNGE COFFEE BAR

Dark Matter Coffee has a place to sit & sip called Star Lounge Coffee Bar. To start the day, I stopped in and ordered a Gingersnap Trainwreck. Upon putting the cup to my lips I realized how interesting the drink's name was, considering I was about to board a train to LA in just a manner of hours. Coincidence? I hope so.

GINGER TRAINWRECK:
Espresso, Steamed Milk, Ginger, Cinnamon, Allspice, Cayenne & Honey

lunch: CARRIAGE HOUSE

They call Chicago 'The Windy City' for a reason. It's windy. And when it's cold outside, it's icy windy. To escape the wind that was blowing me down West Division Street, I made my way through a covered entrance and found myself in the Carriage House. Ivory subway tiles and rustic wood beams were illuminated by vintage electric bulbs. I took a seat on one of the black leather benches that lined the perimeter of the room. Though I debated taking a seat on one of the wooden chairs solely because I adored their lovely, teal hue.
WREN'S RUM:
Aged Rum, Brandy, Apple Spiced Maple, Cider Vinegar, Lemon, Grapefruit & Angostura
CHARLESTON SHE CRAB SOUP:
Buttermilk Cracker, Crab Salad & Sherry Gastrique

DINNER: THE BRISTOL

With a chalkboard menu wall, hanging plants & vintage light bulbs accompanied by candlelight,
The Bristol invites you in with rich & rustic ambiance.
Here, the farm-to-table fare they prepare is 'snout to tail',
as they seek to elevate (not complicate) the dining experience.

The cocktails crafted at The Bristol are superb both on the palate & in presentation.
I sampled three from the cocktail menu (noted below), and while I loved each in it's own way,
the one I fell hardest for was the Black Diamond adorned with Rosemary.

BLACK DIAMOND
LARCENY BOURBON, AVERNA, GRAPEFRUIT JUICE, LEMON JUICE, ANGOSTURA & MINT

POIRE & ELDERFLOWER
GREY GOOSE LA POIRE, ST. GERMAIN, WHITE GRAPE JUICE & LEMON SOUR

SMOKED SICILIAN MANHATTAN
SMOKED BOURBON, AVERNA, REGAN'S ORANGE NO. 6

Five menu options where explored and enjoyed,
as I tasted everything from Smoked Carrot Salad for starters to Basque Cake for dessert.
What I loved about every dish presented was that each individual ingredient was highlighted.
as opposed by hidden or masked by the overuse of one element or another.
Perfectly balanced, each dish had its own singular style.

SMOKED CARROT SALAD
SUMAC SPICED YOGURT, BARLEY, CRISPY KALE & BLACK OLIVES

SMOKED STURGEON
CARNIVAL SQUASH, CHESTNUTS & BALSAMIC

SAUTEED BAY SCALLOPS
CELERIAC MOUSSE, GRAPEFRUIT & FINGER LIMES

MILLERS FARM ROASTED HALF CHICKEN *
DILL SPAETZLE & CRUNCHY SALAD

BASQUE CAKE
CARAMELIZED PEARS & BUTTERNUT SQUASH MOUSSE

* For the record, this is the BEST chicken I've ever had.
I would take the train into Chicago (a four hour trip from where I live) just for The Bristol's chicken.