Step back in time to a private old school club with rich leather booths, wood paneling, and an air of exclusivity at the Cherry Circle Room in the renovated Chicago Athletic Club Association Hotel. Pickelhaube helmets, framed crest banners and rabbits with swords and shields on the dinnerware lend an air of military/secret society mystery.
The best way to get a delicious meal at a fraction of the regular cost is during Restaurant Week – through Thursday, February 4th. The 3-course $22 lunch menu is a bargain, the lunches below come in at $43 and about $37 ordered a la cart any other time.
Drawing inspiration from the Chicago Athletic Club menus as far back as 1890 yet keeping with seasonal ingredients, Cherry Circle Room serves classic American fare executed with sophisticated simplicity and depth of flavor that is divine.
The Chicory salad has wonderfully crisp lettuces, smokey bacon, fennel, Granny Smith apple and a perfectly poached egg drizzled with mustard vinaigrette all served in chilled bowl.
The braised cabbage with smoked sausage soup and confit tomato is hardy as the old soups in Germany – not too fatty, healthy and a perfect balance of vegetable and meat.
The farro risotto has rich butter roasted butternut squash with parmesan and celery root. Portion is easily shared by two people.
For the sausage lovers you will love the house made wild boar sausage sandwich on a pretzel bun with beer mustard, taleggio cheese, giardiniera, served with two giant onion rings.
Little but mighty, the chocolate with pumpkin ice-cream packs a flavor punch with cinnamon mouse, apple mouse, slightly fermented apple butter, chocolate covered peanut butter, gingerbread spiced meringue and sugar-coated oats.
Head to the Game Room for bocce, shuffleboard and more to work off your meal.
Alicia Tastes Life 