Chef's Station

11/10/08

once-in-a-lifetime dining experience

by JoeyThom at Citysearch

I was hugely disappointed not to see Chef?s Station on Prescott Carlson?s recent listing of best Chicago restaurants that offer tasting menus where he described ?once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.? I soon realized ? with relief ? why this Evanston gem was not included. As Carlson himself notes of the restaurants he did list, ??be prepared to get out that gold card and suit jacket if you want to sample some of their unique cuisine.? Thankfully, you need neither gold card nor suit jacket (optional, but thankfully not required) to eat at Chef?s Station. Carlson goes on to list well-known Charlie Trotter?s, Everest, and Tru charging $235, $165, and $160 respectively as average tab per person for their tasting menus. Compare that to Chef?s Station?s 6-course nightly tasting menu that goes for a remarkable $60 per person (only $25 extra to add wine pairings)!! Now this, THIS, is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience! Having dined at all of the above Chicagoland restaurants, I can report first-hand that Chef Jose E. Romero and Owner Peter Mills are leagues ahead of all ? first and foremost for most delectable cuisine (that is consistently exquisite in both flavor and presentation) I have had (high praise coming from people who love to travel, and eat, internationally), but also for the most comfortable/welcoming dining experience (ask for waiter Brian Sprung), but finally, unbeatable best price. Highlights of Sunday night?s tasting menu (which reflects the season?s best and freshest) included beer-braised beef with horseradish emulsion on top of Carnaroli and wild rice mushroom risotto, the homemade pasta with lobster creme sauce and fresh Brussels sprouts, and an incredible lemon souffle with a Grand Marnier creme glaze. Our meal was consistently and beautifully executed to sheer perfection. Kudos to Chef Romero! Experiencing his tasting menu truly IS a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that will not soon be forgotten.

04/13/08

Evanston Favorite

by jdnicholsiii at Citysearch

I've been enjoying this restaurant for over 5 years now with a good 20+ visits under the belt (pun intended) and ahve never been disappointed. Outstanding collection of wines, beautifully created meals and a perfect environment for a romantic date or family/friend get together. The waitstaff and owner are exceedingly pleasant and passionate about the food which rounds out a wonderful experience. I live in downtown Chicago now, but still pop out to the 'burbs at least once a month to get my fix for Chef's Station.

04/08/08

Chicago's Most Delectable Meal

by ThomJoey at Citysearch

Two words describe Peter Mill?s Chef Station. Consistent excellence. Cozily tucked underneath the Metra tracks, this restaurant took Evanston by surprise 10 years ago and has upheld its superior standard, unwaveringly, to this day. Chef?s Station is, hands down, Chicagoland?s most delectable meal. Wait staff (ask for Mark) are warm and friendly, but not pushy; knowledgeable and sophisticated without being pretentious. All too often the highest class Chicago restaurants have an equally high level of stuffiness. This restaurant is the opposite - welcoming and comfortable, as Peter himself mingles with guests. The menu changes seasonally ? frequent enough to ensure variety for regulars but returning to old favorites without too long a wait (I salivate as I write this ? do NOT miss the lobster paparadelle). Some items are so popular as to demand a standing place on the menu ? the famous meatloaf with roasted beef bordelaise. It is admittedly a struggle to consider trumping the grilled rib eye for meatloaf, but you will not be disappointed. There is considerable variety within the menu to allow meat lovers and strict vegetarians alike to find heaven. At my last visit, I debated over the seared Australian Barramundi with lobster and asparagus souffle versus the vegetarian special (I had meat last visit and try to alternate so as not to miss anything!) - Carnaroli Rice Risotto with hedgehog mushrooms and baby spinach. I was fantastically pleased with the latter but will return before the season is over to try the Barramundi. Prices are more than reasonable for the food; downtown Chicago diners will be shocked over the quality they receive for the price. Given today?s economy, many have opted to dine at home instead of paying higher prices to eat out. While it might not be realistic to eat at Chef?s Station every night, consider treating yourself to this gem. But, if you do, know the special raspberry Grand Marnier chocolate souffle is not to be missed.

• Pros: Consistently delicious menu
• Cons: My only criticism? They're not open for lunch.