A story in the Chicago Sun-Times today discusses the latest trend in bar or pub food. Seems like there was a desire on the part of the after work, youngish, crowd to be able to eat as well as have a beer or other drink. Some Chicago pubs have begun to fill that need. But, instead of a good hamburger or chicken wings, or roast beef sandwiches or onion rings, they are offering menu items like nothing the average pub crawler has ever seen.
"An item to try: Tuna Two Ways, seared ahi tuna with lobster and corn risotto and jalapeno-lime vinaigrette-soused ahi tartare."
Or: "Tempura-fried sweet potatoes with wasabi mayo as well as seared scallops atop apple Waldorf salad."
Still really, really want a burger with that designer beer? How about this? "A sweet and sour balsamic onion and grilled foie gras-topped Kobe beef burger on a brioche bun with white truffle fries. The price tag? $19. Yeah, what's in your wallet?
The fun begins with some of the special drinks, but with a codecil: "Pretty drinks -- created for pretty people -- include the Plushtini with Ciroc vodka and white grape juice, a grape-sugar rim and a frozen grape garnish. Precious, eh? Pretty drinks for pretty people? Is there a bouncer at the door checking prettiness?
Diane, You need to get a copy of The Street and Sans Man's Guide to Chicago Eats.
Bill
Posted by: Bill Baar | May 12, 2005 at 05:53 AM
Where the hell are they going? I never see food like that. The ritziest thing I eat at bars is the BBQ chicken pizza at Mullens on Clark just south of Addison, which I think is the best BBQ Chicken pizza in the city.
Posted by: Pluto's Dad | May 13, 2005 at 10:03 AM