I think I smell fish

Each week I sit on the bus reading the Red Eye on my way to work and look at the new restaurants.  Each week my mouth waters and I start brainstorming about who I'm going to get to go with me with the new place and how I'm going to do it.  While casually talking to my friend a while back, GT Fish and Oyster came up. 

We decided we go and after some arranging and rearranging we ventured there yesterday.  I was able to try three different oysters, which were very yummy and all very different.  I had two west coast oysters that were sweet but my favorite was the butter tasting oyster (sorry can't remember the name).  I feel like the other small plates were more scrumptious than the oysters.  The shrimp, pistachio, grapefruit, avocado bruschetta was amazing as well as the lobster roll.  We walked out being very happy we went there.

GT Fish and Oyster had a great ambience about it.  It was lively, fun, a bit on the loud side, but yet romantic and personal.  Next time you want oysters, seafood, a nice glass or wine, venture over to GT Fish and Oyster and I promise you won't smell like fish walking out but rather feeling satisfied!

Chicago Chef Week

I've learned that my palette and my inquisitivenss has made me a bit of a foodie.  Chef week allows me to try something new.  Last night I ventured with my friend to Blackbird (blackbird.com).  I've walked by plenty of times entranced by the appearance of the place itself. 

There is just something about the place that always drew me to walk by it.  As a high end restaurant, I knew I wasn't going there anytime soon.  Chef week allows people like me a chance to try a high end food restaurant at a fraction of the cost.  I started out with a warm spring noodle with avocado and pumpkin seeds followed by the entree of a squash and ricotta torte with mushrooms and arugala.  Our dessert was a dark chocolate ganache with parsnip ice cream.  It was all so delicious and the presentation was to die for.  The highlight of the dinner was the palatte cleanser of a green tea truffle.

So next time you hear of chef week here in Chicago, follow your instinct and try that restaurant you've always been drawn to or if you aren't daring enough, follow my recommendation and go to blackbird!