Whenever I’m in Chicago, I am amazed by the sheer number of places that offer excellent food. There’s a bit of everything from Chinese cuisine to pizzas, anything that you may be currently craving can be found in within the city. Of course, there are those places that offer more than just excellent food. And one of those that can provide you with an exceptional dining experience is the Everest restaurant in Chicago.
So, where can you find this restaurant? The Everest restaurant is situated at the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building which is located at 440 South LaSalle Street. The place is easily accessible whether you’re driving or commuting. If you’re driving, parking will not be an issue as there is valet service. The best time to visit the restaurant is just before sunset so that you can see the panoramic view of the city while the sun is slowly going down. In a word, beautiful.
Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll immediately see that the place is minimally decorated but quite tastefully so. On the walls hang some paintings by local artist Adam Siegel and on each table, there is a small sculpture by Ivo Soldini who is, I’m told, a personal friend of Chef Joho. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate with an understated elegance. There are no big chandeliers or dashing colors to catch your eye as the food and the view are enough to satisfy your senses. While the large windows offer everyone a view of the skyline, it is best to request for a table by the window in order to get the best view of Chicago.
What kind of food is offered in the Everest restaurant in Chicago? The chef serves classic French cuisine and the menu alters frequently depending on the current season and the availability of ingredients. Guests has a choice of different menus such as the 7 course degustation menu, the three and four course pre-fixed menus, a la carte, and there’s even a pre-theater menu. For an appetizer, I would highly recommend the Foie Gras as it is extremely delicious and melts in your mouth. The oysters with horseradish and cucumber Riesling fleurette are also very good. For the main course, the very best meal to order is the Roasted Maine Lobster with Alsace Gewurztraminer Butter and Ginger. This is one of the best tasting lobsters you’ll ever have. The lobster, which is succulent and buttery, is served with a wine and ginger-based sauce that perfectly complements it. Another seafood offering is the butter poached halibut. For the meat lovers out there, the best choice is the Filet of Venison which is always tender and slides right off the bone. There is also rack of lamb for those who aren’t into venison. But, I must say, you will be after you try theirs. For dessert, you will not go wrong with Fantasy of Chocolate. It will be the perfect ending to an excellent meal.
All in all, I would say, the Everest restaurant in Chicago deserves a standing ovation.