I agree, it's a truly wonderful place. It is expensive, but I love an elegant, exquisitely prepared and delicious meal enough for it to be worth it for me as an occasional treat. I think it's as close to perfect as a restaurant can be. The last time we went we were accompanied by a couple who enjoyed it, and who could well afford it, but who simply didn't feel it was worth spending what we did on a meal. I don't believe they will ever return, but we certainly will. Charlie Trotter has recently opened a (more casual) carry out place in a strip mall on Fullerton. I haven't made it there yet, but I plan to in the near future. -Marilyn sec wrote: > Went there very recently and was amazed. Simply amazed. Impeccable > service. Phenomenal cuisine. Unbelievable wine list. Well worth every > penny. I am curious, though, for all of you out there in radio-land, what > are/were your impressions? > > -sec
Chicago, IL
Seeking opinions on Charlie Trotter's
>Subject: Re: Seeking opinions on Charlie Trotter's >From: paul johnson [email removed] >Date: 2/23/01 6:47 AM Central >Excellent food, but presentations were repetitious, every dish was a >"stacked" something. Detracted from my enjoyment of the evening I had similar experiences dining there a couple of times. A lot of fussing and fiddling and fretting and layering and arranging. I understand that presentation is a primary priority at Trotter's but please stop touching my food! Being the plebian that I am, after 4 hours and about 9 elegant and delicious courses the size of a postage stamp, I craved a Mr. Beef. But I suppose most people would probably appreciate all the attention to detail and everybody should experience it once. In the realm of 4 star restaurants, Trotter's really does deserve the rating.
On Fri, 23 Feb 2001 06:53:49 -0600, Marilyn Ratcheson Someone wrote: <snip> >Charlie Trotter has recently opened a (more casual) carry out place in a strip >mall on Fullerton. I haven't made it there yet, but I plan to in the near >future. Marilyn, I have been to Trotter's To Go a few too many times in the short while that it as been open for my own good, I have been exceptionally pleased with some of the offerings, and nonplused with others. One example of so-so, to me, was the roasted garlic, vidalia onion soup with wild mushrooms, the soup was blah, nothing special, not bad, just blah. The type of soup that you might get in a coffee shop and zing up with a few dashes of hot sauce and crackers, but at CT's and for $10 a pint one expects more. On the other hand, I have had sandwiches and salads made with the citrus smoked salmon that have been wonderful. The tamarind glazed muscovy duck, parmigian potato pave, braised meats and many of the prepared salads are absolutely delicious as well. The shop, which is not marked by a sign, also carries some packaged foods, wine and curiously enough, hot sauce. Trotter has excellent taste in hot sauce, as he carries two of my favorites, Melindas and Inner Beauty. The menu for CT's to go is on the Trotter's site. http://www.trotterstogo.com/ One interesting note about CT's to go is the fact that they import La Brea bakery bread from Los Angles. I am sure that the La Brea bread is baked on premises, though whether it arrives in Chicago half baked or in dough form I have no idea, I will ask next time I am there. As far as the La Brea bread being any better than Red Hen, in my opinion, absolutely not, though it is very good bread. Enjoy, Gary Trotter's To Go 1337 W. Fullerton Chicago, IL. 60614 773 868-6510 Red Hen Bread 1623 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60647 773-342-6825
NNTP-Posting-Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 18:00:04 PST Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2001 19:58:31 -0600 Xref: usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu chi.eats:9068 I agree. It's great, as long as you can afford it. Been there several times and it has always been outstanding. Haven't been back since my wife broke her ankle leaving the restaurant (nasty - surgery, pins, etc.). Wasn't anyone's fault and they were great about following up with us to see how she was, but we just haven't gotten back on that horse yet to return (and we will definitely want the downstairs seating!). The good thing was that at least she broke her ankle AFTER the meal and Grant Hospital is like 5 minutes away. I always ordered the right side (Grand Degustation) and my wife ordered the left side (Vegetable Deg.) since the only kind of meats she eats is seafood/shellfish. We would share that info with our server and the kitchen would craft blended menus for her so she could enjoy the "right-side" items that didn't have meat. Also usually asked for a wine by the glass/half-glass and requested that they pair the wines for us - never disappointed. Some of the vegetable dishes are truly surprising - it's amazing how much flavor he can get from, say, a baby turnip and beet combo or similar that you normally wouldn't even give a second thought to. We really enjoyed one visit when Charlie's mom gave us a tour of the kitchen; Charlie stopped over and chatted with us briefly then, probably only half-kidding, barked out "Now get back to work, Mom!". Sec wrote: > Went there very recently and was amazed. Simply amazed. Impeccable > service. Phenomenal cuisine. Unbelievable wine list. Well worth every > penny. I am curious, though, for all of you out there in radio-land, what > are/were your impressions? > > -sec > >