Esme, the most insane restaurant I have ever eaten in. When I say insane, I mean it in a good way. It’s a combination of art and food and it works so well. You’ve got no idea what you’re eating, you don’t get a menu. Just a little snippet of information from the staff.
Canapés
So much food, I lost count of the courses, but each one surprised and wowed. We started with a cocktail and canapés in a high tabled area, cool and causal. The canapés were my least favourite course but still tasty, vibrant and fun to match the art.
Then came more bite sized deliciousness. A little tartlet suspended from the ceiling on a mobile. A sunflower and a leaf with lick the plate worthy edible “paint” I’m not sure what was stuffed inside that leaf I might freak out if I knew but flipping heck it was good.
Food
Possibly our favourite course, the corn. A piece of fish made into a corn on the cob and my goodness was it some of the best fish I’ve ever eaten.
Playing with paint for the next one and let’s just say my artistic side did not show up. Never been arty, 5 legged horses is all I have to say. It was more fish and it could have been better than the first I don’t know at this point because I was just slipping into food heaven.
Clay shaped into a chicken is not something you expect to have arrive at your table. Escorted by non other than the Head Chef of Esme, Jenner Tomaska. I really love when the chef behind the restaurant is actually involved. The Chicken is smashed open to reveal a Poussin. Baking in the clay makes the meat beyond tender and juicy, it really is worth the energy that goes into the clay. We fought over the little pot of truffle risotto and prayed they would bring seconds, they did not.
Im skipping a few courses to keep in light, however pictures are included. Lets talk additional course. If you like truffle and sweet brioche syrupy goodness just roll over and die happy. We went there it was to die for and it was like the scene in Billions with the truffle, if you know you know.
Parsnip is not something I expect from a desert and often find the deserts let me down. It worked on every level it was insane and if I thought the meal couldn’t get any better well it was finished off to perfection.
Drinks
If you can handle a wine pairing do it. I don’t like to end up drunk and so a pairing is too much wine. We asked them to select a couple of glasses that would work and my god did they do good. The wines were up there with the food. They went so well. We had a delicious cocktail to start it was really just spectacular from start to finish.
Art
The concept for Esme is an artist is selected and they set up and installation in the restaurant, everything from paintings to mobiles to what ever showcases the artists style. We experienced Emmy Star Brown. I really enjoyed the style of art. It’s fun and colourful and worked so well with the venue and the food.
Final thoughts
Great concept, incredible food. Brilliant staff, is it just me or are Americans just so much happier and friendly? I like someone who can chat with out it feeling forced and they nailed it. Would 100% go again but I’m not sure my bank balance could cope. It is by far the most expensive meal I’ve ever had but my god it was worth it. The Artist and menu has now changed, for more from Esme click here.
For more Chicago food click here.
Rach xx
