Culinary Journey at Smith: A Three-Michelin Star Experience
Smith, located in Chicago's West Loop, has recently gained acclaim as the newest three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the United States. Upon entering this establishment, guests are greeted by a rustic interior reminiscent of Smith County in rural Virginia, which serves as the inspiration behind the restaurant's design and culinary direction. This fusion of rustic aesthetics and refined dining sets the stage for an unforgettable tasting menu experience.
The dining experience at Smith operates exclusively on a tasting menu basis, priced at $320. This does not include a mandatory 20% service charge, which can catch diners by surprise. Guests begin their meal with a refreshing opening drink made from pawpaw apples, designed to awaken the palate in preparation for the flavors that follow.
The first bite—a quail egg—may not be visually striking, but it delivers a burst of creamy richness, enhanced with a touch of caviar. As the courses unfold, the highlight of the evening emerges: the Truffle Scop Waffle. This dish is celebrated for its delicate texture paired with profound flavors, accentuated by the incorporation of milk skin, making it a standout choice.
As the meal progresses, the menu transitions into heartier savory offerings, skillfully blending sweet and tart notes that include apples and tomatoes, while providing a play on textures. One particularly intriguing dish featured AGA Chile complemented by sedum, a novel ingredient for many diners. The crab custard course stands out with its silkiness, showcasing the flavor of crab without overshadowing it.
The inclusion of caviar and barley prompts mixed feelings; while the preparation is noteworthy, the dish feels more centered on the caviar with fresh grape accents rather than a harmonious blend of flavors.
A highlight of the drink menu is a collaboration beer between Smith and Mars Community Brewing—a Pilsner that pairs beautifully with the meal and represents the essence of local Chicago offerings.
One dish that resonated is an avocado creation reminiscent of a traditional coconut soup with lemongrass. Its innovative presentation, mimicking a sorbet-like texture, is praised for creativity and flavor.
Seafood and Lamb Highlights
Diners also experience perfectly cooked lobster, accompanied by a broth that balances sweetness and richness, keeping the dish flawlessly light. Additional seafood dishes, including lightly cooked fish, incorporate accompanying elements like mushrooms and pine, enhancing both the scent and visual appeal while elevating the overall dining experience.
The main event, lamb paired with fall greens, embodies the rustic theme that Smith aims to achieve. This dish resonates with a sense of being grounded and is complemented perfectly by creamy milk bread and rich lamb butter.
As the meal concludes, dessert showcases a banana dish interwoven with earlier components, emphasizing minimal waste and innovative use of ingredients. Accompanying this is a sunflower tart that presents a natural, earthy essence, crowned with a crisp crust.
Conclusion: A Traditional Yet Innovative Experience
Overall, the experience at Smith is anchored in tradition while interspersed with moments of innovation. While not every dish may scream three-star excellence, the consistency in taste and culinary execution is commendable. For those dining here, an important note is the bill structure; the included 20% gratuity does not equate to a traditional tip, leading to some unexpected final totals.
As the evening wraps up, diners leave with a sense of appreciation for the artistry found in every course, having indulged in a journey that balances rustic roots with culinary brilliance. The diners eagerly anticipate their next culinary adventure, leaving them inspired to explore the world of gastronomy further.
Part 1/7:
Culinary Journey at Smith: A Three-Michelin Star Experience
Smith, located in Chicago's West Loop, has recently gained acclaim as the newest three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the United States. Upon entering this establishment, guests are greeted by a rustic interior reminiscent of Smith County in rural Virginia, which serves as the inspiration behind the restaurant's design and culinary direction. This fusion of rustic aesthetics and refined dining sets the stage for an unforgettable tasting menu experience.
Tasting Menu Delights
Part 2/7:
The dining experience at Smith operates exclusively on a tasting menu basis, priced at $320. This does not include a mandatory 20% service charge, which can catch diners by surprise. Guests begin their meal with a refreshing opening drink made from pawpaw apples, designed to awaken the palate in preparation for the flavors that follow.
The first bite—a quail egg—may not be visually striking, but it delivers a burst of creamy richness, enhanced with a touch of caviar. As the courses unfold, the highlight of the evening emerges: the Truffle Scop Waffle. This dish is celebrated for its delicate texture paired with profound flavors, accentuated by the incorporation of milk skin, making it a standout choice.
Exploring Flavors and Textures
Part 3/7:
As the meal progresses, the menu transitions into heartier savory offerings, skillfully blending sweet and tart notes that include apples and tomatoes, while providing a play on textures. One particularly intriguing dish featured AGA Chile complemented by sedum, a novel ingredient for many diners. The crab custard course stands out with its silkiness, showcasing the flavor of crab without overshadowing it.
The inclusion of caviar and barley prompts mixed feelings; while the preparation is noteworthy, the dish feels more centered on the caviar with fresh grape accents rather than a harmonious blend of flavors.
Part 4/7:
A highlight of the drink menu is a collaboration beer between Smith and Mars Community Brewing—a Pilsner that pairs beautifully with the meal and represents the essence of local Chicago offerings.
One dish that resonated is an avocado creation reminiscent of a traditional coconut soup with lemongrass. Its innovative presentation, mimicking a sorbet-like texture, is praised for creativity and flavor.
Seafood and Lamb Highlights
Diners also experience perfectly cooked lobster, accompanied by a broth that balances sweetness and richness, keeping the dish flawlessly light. Additional seafood dishes, including lightly cooked fish, incorporate accompanying elements like mushrooms and pine, enhancing both the scent and visual appeal while elevating the overall dining experience.
Part 5/7:
The main event, lamb paired with fall greens, embodies the rustic theme that Smith aims to achieve. This dish resonates with a sense of being grounded and is complemented perfectly by creamy milk bread and rich lamb butter.
As the meal concludes, dessert showcases a banana dish interwoven with earlier components, emphasizing minimal waste and innovative use of ingredients. Accompanying this is a sunflower tart that presents a natural, earthy essence, crowned with a crisp crust.
Conclusion: A Traditional Yet Innovative Experience
Part 6/7:
Overall, the experience at Smith is anchored in tradition while interspersed with moments of innovation. While not every dish may scream three-star excellence, the consistency in taste and culinary execution is commendable. For those dining here, an important note is the bill structure; the included 20% gratuity does not equate to a traditional tip, leading to some unexpected final totals.
As the evening wraps up, diners leave with a sense of appreciation for the artistry found in every course, having indulged in a journey that balances rustic roots with culinary brilliance. The diners eagerly anticipate their next culinary adventure, leaving them inspired to explore the world of gastronomy further.
Part 7/7:
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