As I was saying...
Earlier tonight, my friend/host, David, and I attended a special event at
The Publican here in Chicago. It was a book release party/dinner, signing and reading for Gabrielle Hamilton's new memoir,
"Blood, Bones & Butter.
It was truly one of the best culinary experiences I've ever, well, experienced. From making the reservation to claiming my coat at coat-check, it could not have been a more pleasant and perfect experience.
Great Beer and Wine. Great Food. Great Service. An ideal setting. And, most importantly, Great People. There were over 150 people in attendance, and it was like everyone in the room had known each other for years. I don't think I've ever walked into a restaurant before that immediately struck me with a sense of community... Until earlier tonight. Even the staff managed to sustain an air of friendliness while being attentive and professional.
I got to talk to the gentleman who raised the lamb that was being featured during the dinner. I talked to the restaurant's "beer master". Patron after patron walked up to me and my friend, David, to introduce themselves, shake hands and ask "Where are you from? What brought you here?". -And we even ended up sitting next to the couple who run
Moveable Feast. They cater special events for Oprah and Harpo Studios, and their
"Deeply Fudgy Brownies" were one of "Oprah's Favorite Things". *They asked David and myself for our business cards - "You'll have a box of brownies waiting for you when you get back to NYC."
The Food - and I've been posting the menu over the past couple of posts - was wonderful. I could have made a whole meal out of just the salad alone and left completely satisfied and happy. And our server, Tim, even brought me out a second serving of the dessert:
Croissaint Bread Pudding with Rhubarb, and Brown Butter Ice Cream.
And the restaurant itself was a total WOW! Even the bathrooms and wash sink were beautiful!
It really was a great evening.
