Art Institute of Chicago's Restaurant on the Park

111 S. Michigan Ave.

Hours:
Mon - Sat 11am-2:30pm

12/02 CHICAGO: Oh, the Food!

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It's no exaggeration to say that nearly every meal I ate in Chicago was memorable, but if pressed I'd have to confess the favorite during my limited visit was lunch in the restaurant of the Art Institute.

Forgoing the plastic trays of the cafeteria in the basement, we headed instead to the museum's restaurant on the second floor. The Restaurant on the Park (its official name) offers elegance and artistry to match its surroundings.

I started with a delectable salad composed of fresh baby lettuces topped with braised pears, candied pecans and creamy flavorful blue cheese dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette.

My entree, papardelli con funghi, came presented in a large white bowl, housemade noodles in wide ribbons curling gently around succulent mushrooms, bathed in a sauce that complemented without overpowering the delicate flavor of the mushrooms.

A look at the dessert tray was dangerous, and led to the actual ordering of a sample plate with tiny tastes of five different treats, including a lemon meringue tart, an eclair, and a cappuccino mousse torte.

Between palette clearing sips of Pellegrino mineral water, enjoyable conversation and views of the park through the floor to ceiling windows, the meal satisfied on all levels.

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