On Wednesday, October 28, the roving reporter was in Chicago. Business associates suggested and arranged for dinner at Les Nomades. I knew Mary Beth Liccioni from the Merci Julia event in 1993.
The Chicago Tribune, August 13, 2009 review headline says a lot:
“Times change; Les Nomades does not. And that’s a good thing. Ontario Street restaurant requires jackets and our respect.”
What a pleasure to visit a restaurant where the patrons are well dressed, the noise level is muted allowing conversation, and the servers and sommelier are totally professional.
The menu is designed for DIY tasting menus. 4 courses $115 and 5 $130. One of my associates did not want dessert. Could he have an additional main. “Of course, sir!” Later the same gentleman wanted an extra ravioli for the duck consommé. He had only gotten one and he loved it. “I’ll be right back, sir!”
That says it all. The food is not timed out. It is solid French with beautiful presentation. The wine list is excellent. It is not cheap, but it is a good value for expense account dining and special occasions.
The Room
Champagne
Amuse – Pumpkin soup with a gougere
Roasted Veal Sweetbreads, Spanish chorizo, smoked paprika and potato
Pates Maison – assorted house-prepared pates served with cornichons and toasted brioche
Duck consommé with organic root vegetables and duck confit ravioli
Crispy farm egg, rouge vif d’etampes, crawfish, smoked bacon, Chanterelle mushrooms and Iberico ham
Red wine
Roasted Venison Loin, parsnip puree, pickled cherry, Swiss chard, pearl onion and bacon aigre-doux
Slow-Roasted Veal Tenderloin, wild mushroom ragout, pommes puree, preserved lemon and sauce Perigueux
Rack and Loin of Lamb, Lyonnaise onions, Chanterelle mushrooms, English peas and lardons
Fresh Apple Tart with green apple sorbet
Artisan Cheese
Petits fours
Refined Palate 