Quote:
Originally Posted by downtown
I can highly recommend Oriole to anyone looking for something amazing... I haven't been to too many 2-3 star places, but it was more my style and I would even slightly prefer it to (pre-reno) Alinea, which I thought was awesome.
+1 Oriole was incredible, best restaurant I've been to in Chicago by far (haven't done Grace or Alinea).
The location (random alley) and decor (very west loop brickhouse with some modern stuff thrown in) may be offputting to some but I liked it.
The presentation/staff was excellent and reminiscent of the nice aspects of French Laundry but without all the stuffiness, I guess something that you just expect from Michelin star places. The food was amazing, just as it was when I ate at Senza. Something like 12 courses I think.
It was quite expensive, but totally worth it for me and deserving of their 2 Michelin stars.
No reason to expand on the dishes/drinks, anyone interested should just go in blind and expect gastronomic goodness. I did the tasting menu with the mixed beverage pairing.