Tru Restaurant
(312) 202-0001
676 N St Clair St
Chicago,
IL
60611
41.8946
-87.623
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
What People Are Saying About Tru Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Set in an open, lofty space that could double as an art gallery, Tru effortlessly marries style and substance. Contemporary art pieces (among them an original Warhol) adorn stark white walls; dishes are presented on marble tiles or ultrafine china. Affluent diners coo over their food, as meticulous servers in designer suits serve and remove plates in practiced unison.
The Food
Chef/partner Rick Tramonto's progressive French creations are playful works of art: Caviar climbs a mini-glass staircase; soups froth in vibrant, Versace-designed cappuccino cups. Food is as delicious as it is gorgeous; hits have included thrilling, chilly torchon of foie gras with subtle peppered pineapple relish, and venison loin with creamed corn, hearty grit cake and venison jus. For dessert, trust award-winning pastry chef/partner Gale Gand to whip up something dreamy, like a quince ice cream float with sour cherries or fabulous chocolate pot de creme--plus post-meal mignardises and house-made lollipops.
User Reviews
ymw
August 30, 2008
The food was lovely but the portions very small and the prices very high. The atmosphere was stiff. When we arrived, we had a hard time getting anyone to acknowledge our presence, offer us a cocktail or give us a menu. In fairness, the service improved as the evening went on. Bottom line: great food in a sterile atmoshpere.
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crazypoodle
May 31, 2008
The food a Tru was truly a let down. The food was interestingly presented but there was a distinct lack of flavor in most dishes, especially considering the $110 cost of the basic tasting menu without wine. Even worse, everyone was still not really full because of the exceptionally small portions, even for this type of dining. The best dishes were fresh sushi fish pieces and the cheese, which is source externally. The jacket required attitude reflects that the old school attitude towards food that may once have been great. The service was excellent though.
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nyc2chicago
March 30, 2008
Wow--my husband and I couldn't believe our good fortune getting a table at what is supposedly one of the best restaurants in Chicago. It was our first dining experience in Chicago after moving here from New York. We both LOVE amazing dining experiences, but this one was TOTALLY off the mark. The evening we went was cold--it was snowing and blustery. The appetizers and the "amuse bouche" that came out were all tiny, cold little blobs of what I can only describe as tasteless gelatin. The rest of the meal was also very disappointing, and the service, which has been described here as impeccable, was actually comical, as you could almost see the two waiters who were synchronized in removing and setting plates on the table counting as they did so--very stilted--it made us both uncomfortable. Having spend $700 on our meal, we thought we would have one of the most memorable evenings of our lives. Four months later, I'm still fuming at the amount of money we spent at a restaurant that obviously is resting on its laurels (we were told Rick Tramonto no longer works at the restaurant, and that a new chef has taken his place). We were sorely disappointed.
read full reviewThe Details on Tru Restaurant
Know Before You Go:
Choose from a three-course prix-fixe menu ($80), six-course vegetable ($90) or seven-course grand ($100) collection, plus an eight-course Chef Tramonto's Collection ($135).
What to Drink:
More than 1,000 wines are featured; two sommeliers can make recommendations.
The Extras:
Private dining options include a party room for up to 36, a semi-private salon for 11, and the chef's table in the kitchen for up to six.
Save Money:
For $25, enjoy a five-course collection of Gale Gand's desserts (available Monday-Thursday after 9:30pm, Friday-Saturday after 10:30pm).
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Carte Blanche, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Quiet, Chef''s Table, Celeb Hangout, Private Rooms, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Notable Chef, People Watching, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand
Smoking Permitted:
No
