The Commons Club - Virgin Hotel Chicago

This is the Way to do it Right

Last week, I had the opportunity to try The Commons Club at the Virgin Hotel in Chicago.  Hit it up with a few friends and I totally enjoyed it!  

First, the setting is very cool, makes you feel like you are hanging out in a plush living room with an open kitchen at one end.  Comfy couch seats and elegant settings.  I was impressed.  

Everything there was well priced and a great value - you cant go wrong!  Fun drink menu and all the usuals as well, which will not break the bank.  2 drinks and apps set me back.... $35 (my part of the split).  

For food we had the wild mushroom flat bread....which was truly amazing.  Perfect mix of flavors and I accompanied it with the marinated olives, which I fell in love with. A bit of oil, ginger and garlic flavours.   

Next up, the chips and dip.  This was great!  Long cut plantain chips with a side of jalapeno and cilantro chutney .... OMG, I wanted to lick the bowl!  

Last up was the Vegetarian Asian Paella.  This was good, but the pickled mushrooms kind of overpowered the rest of the dish which has rice, quinoa and a marinated tofu.  It was quite good, you kind of got used to the mushrooms after a bit.  

Overall, I had a great time and totally loved the experience.  I would recommend this for a first date, happy hour with friends or just a place to hang out.  

Thumbs up on this one!  Sir Richard, my hat is off to you.  Cheers!   

UPDATE

Last night I  their Mussels, they were awesome!  However, you need to ask for more bread to get all that sauce up!

Below was a trio of Shrimp Rolls, Tuna Tartar and Red Snapper.

Of all those, the Tuna was my favorite,  Spicy and sweet, with a nice kick to it.  It really was good, but I could have eaten two orders!

Hot woks Cool sushi

Afternoon Sushi Fix

When you get a craving for sushi, you can not deny that urge and must satisfy it!  

In the Loop, near the Sear Tower, there are a few choices, my preferred is Hot Woks Cool Sushi on Adams. 

For $13.95 I get the 3 roll lunch special.  Decent size, good fish and a nice variety to order from.  

Lunch gets crazy in this place, so dont expect to get in and out fast.  If you have time to spare, it satisfies that sushi urge very well!  Evening time, I found it to be a bit more quiet, but overall, a great spot to meet friends or an after work date.    Itadakimasu yo! 

Back in the Saddle

I have been slacking, no posts since NOVEMBER!  Terrible on my part.

I will begin writing once again, reviewing my favorite places and enjoying good food!  Hope to attract more traffic to my blog!

On the flip side, the blog I have been writing in, is my professional blog.  It is about something, TOTALLY not related to food, unless you go to the wrong place, Hazardous Materials!

Have a peek!

http://airhazmat.blogspot.ch/

A Guide to Chicago Pizza: From Deep-Dish to Tavern-Style and Beyond - Chicago - DNAinfo.com Chicago

This city takes its pizza seriously. and there's so much more to it than deep-dish.



Here's a guide, by DNAinfo.com that will have you on your way to talking seriously about pizza in Chicago.



A Guide to Chicago Pizza: From Deep-Dish to Tavern-Style and Beyond - Chicago - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Good Hot Dog

Good Hot Dog!

Headed out on my quest for a good dog in the Loop.  Came across Max's.

At first glance, it isnt much, but the experience was pretty good.  For a dog, fries and a soda.  The dog was good, fresh toppings, which I love, my only gripe, the bun was not steamed.  Overall, good dog and the fries were pretty good too!  I am hoping to try a burger next!

Overall!  I recommend it! 

Cyrano's Farm Kitchen

Farm Fresh Food

I was never a fan of French cuisine, until I met Chef Didier at his place on Wells and Ohio.

I went there for a private event and had my first real experience.  during the social hour, with some very good wine, we had an assortment of pate and crusty breads.  I have to say, some of the pate was awesome, some I can do without.  But overall, a very enjoyable experience.

The rest of the 4 course dinners I have had there are nothing short of excellent.  Chicken in wine (I cant spell it in French) was killer, also the goat chop and goat brats were excellent as well.  Additionally all of the other courses and cheeses were well worth the visit.

Finally, the desserts!  Pictures to the right, an Armagnac flambe fire cake, which was to die for!

Absolutely a date place and the prices are very decent for what you get.  I understand that the chef owns a farm near by in Indiana or Michigan and much of what he cooks he gets from his farm or other local farms.  You cant beat that!

I highly recommend Cyrano's for an excellent French  experience.