We didn’t need a Michelin guide to prove Chicago is home to some of 2017’s most impressive restaurants, but it’s important to note that three new dining hotspots have been added to Michelin’s Chicago 2018 guide.
While the three Michelin Star restaurants, Grace and Alinea, remain the same in their ranking, three new restaurants have been awarded with the prestigious honor: Smyth, Elske and Entente.
© 2016 Galdones Photography
The first on the list is Smyth, who was awarded two Michelin stars. This fine-dining restaurant started by former Charlie Trotter chefs, John and Karen Urie Shields, is now one of four restaurants in Chicago to be awarded two stars. Inspired by the duo’s time in Smyth County, Virginia, Smyth features humble and grounded dishes served with imaginative ingredients in a warm and intimate setting. The farm-inspired menu features produce from The Farm, a 20-acre farm south of the city to create this inspired cuisine. Executive Chef Shields and his wife, Karen, who is the Executive Pastry Chef, have earned these well-deserved stars due to the unique menu offering. In collaboration with The Farm, the menu changes daily and the restaurant offers meals as part of a 5-, 8-, or 12-course tasting menu. Smyth, 177 N. Ada Street, Ground Floor, 773-913-3773
© 2016 Galdones Photography
The Scandinavian hotspot, Elske, recently won praise as one of Bon Appetit‘s Hot 10: America’s Best New Restaurants 2017. Even more impressive, the restaurant (which turns one in December), also earned their first Michelin Star. Elske is definitely a labor of love for husband and wife duo Anna and David Posey, former Pastry Chef at The Publican and Chef de Cuisine at Blackbird, respectively. Translated to “love” in Danish, Elske very clearly shows the duo’s love for cooking in each inspired dish. The prix fixe menu already has a few favorites: the duck liver tart, the frozen fennel candy with mint, and the chilled zucchini and buttermilk cream. At the end of the day, it really comes as no surprise that everything is a hit when Anna and David are the masterminds behind each creative dish. Elske, 1350 W. Randolph Street, 312-733-1314
The brainchild of Fujimura Hospitality and Chef Brian Fisher, Entente is the latest Chicago restaurant to garner one Michelin star. Fisher, formerly Chef de Cuisine of Michelin-star Schwa and Pastry Chef Mari Katsumura, formerly Pastry Chef of Grace and Acadia, are the masterminds behind each intricately made dish. The menu changes regularly with seasonality of game, seafood meat and vegetables, with cultural influences inspired by the diversity and talent of each chef. The menu features a range of dishes from Hudson Valley Foie Gras and Berkshire Pork Loin to Pekin Duck and Octopus. Beverage pairings are available to further enhance the wide range of tastes creatively combined in each dish. The consensus? All food lovers must try. Entente, 3056 N. Lincoln Avenue, 872-206-8553
Chicago Michelin Star Restaurants:
Three Stars
Alinea
Grace
Two Stars
Acadia
Oriole
Sixteen
Smyth
One Star
Band of Bohemia
Blackbird
Boka
Dusek’s (Board & Beer)
EL Ideas
Elizabeth
Elske
Entente
Everest
Goosefoot
GreenRiver
NAHA
North Pond
Parachute
Roister
Schwa
Sepia
Spiaggia
Topolobampo
Elske and Smyth Photo Credit: Galdones Photography
