07/26/07

Very Disappointed

by paws26

I was visiting Chicago with my 16 year son for a few days to look at colleges and we wanted to have some good meals while we were there. We both like nice restaurants and good food so based on the reviews we thought this was a safe choice. We got off to a bad start when the waitress offered me a drink but neglected to offer my son even a soda. He was quite insulted. I also had to brush several crumbs off of the table after we sat down. I had looked up the menu prior to coming here to make sure we would like the choices and we were interested in an artisan cheese plate that was listed. I asked the waitress about it and she said that was no longer available. Another disapointment. She then told us the soup of the day was cream of mushroom and left us to review the menu. When she returned I asked for the mushroom soup as my first course, she then told me it was actually cream of spinach. I didn't want that. We ordered the tuna tartare as our appetizer, my son ordered the margherita pizza and I ordered the braised short ribs pappardelle. The tuna appetizer was very good as was the pizza. The short ribs were awful. The meat was cooked into a blob and the promised horseradish sauce was glopped on and unappetizing. The noodles were ok but there was no flavor.

The atmosphere was hotel stuffy and boring and we thought the place had no ambience. We regretted our choice and vowed to find a better meal the next night (which we did in Lincoln Park area).

All in all, not a good experience and not recommended.

• Pros: The pizza was good, the wine was good.
• Cons: Expensive for the food quality, poor service.

01/15/07

Good for Lunch!

by pjs2780

My husband an I had lunch here today and really enjoyed it. Our server was sweet and attentive, the bread basket was filled with a delicious selection and a good variety of flavors and textures, and our entrees (mac and cheese [with shrimp, peas, and ham] and my orechiette [made without a cream sauce on request] with sausage and mushrooms) were both wonderful. We enjoyed our experience and would definitely consider returning!

• Pros: beautiful setting, good service, delicious food
• Cons: slightly expensive

11/08/05

Creative Cal-Ital cuisine in a comfortable, upscale Wyndham Hotel setting.

by Contributor

The Scene
Sophisticated, comfortable Caliterra's clubby bar and spacious dining room draws an upscale crowd to the second level of the luxurious Wyndham Hotel. Decor is tasteful, with muted colors and soft wood accents. A display kitchen buzzes at the entrance; the view from window tables hints at Michigan Avenue's bustle just a block away.

The Food
Executive Chef Rick Gresh crafts creative, outstanding California-influenced Italian fare. Ruby-red slices of sashimi tuna pair perfectly with shiitake mushrooms and avocado in one lipsmacking starter; another is light, flavorful crisp shrimp "cigars" drizzled with balsamic syrup. Pastas include goat-cheese ravioli with fennel and orange essence, and black-truffle ravioli with celery-root puree. Entrees are impressive, especially the meltingly tender prosciutto-wrapped pork filet mignon dressed with kale and artichoke hearts. Finish with a selection from the cheese cart, featuring no fewer than 23 fabulous varieties.

• Pros: creative food
• Cons: service can be inconsistent

07/12/04

Romatic Dining - bit pricey

by kranjan

If your looking for an excellent dining expereince that offers a unique mix of Italian with Californian cuisine this is the spot. Dim lighting and very formal setting makes this a good place for a romantic dinner or small group setting. Not great for large groups of people. Portions are a bit small, but expected. Don't miss trying out the cheese sampler at the end this is a fanstic chance to try a variety of cheeses with complimenting condiments & wines- highly reccomended!!

• Pros: Unique Menu, Selection Cheeses, Romantic Lighting
• Cons: , Small Portions

10/23/03

Awesome

by busydad

Don't miss this restaurant. Go for the pre-fixe, and see the chef's real talents. A gem.

• Pros: food, service

06/13/03

Unforgettable Cuisine!

by jhxtwo

My wife and I visited Caliterra in June 2003 and tried the five-course prix fixe. We were astounded by the food. Every dish that arrived was delicious and flawlessly presented. My only regret is not getting the chef's name. He/she has a real future.

Our waiter, Christian, also made the evening enjoyable. He was friendly and knowledgeable without being overbearing. Best waiter we've had in years.

• Pros: Great food!, Excellent service, Good value
• Cons: Smoke from bar

05/09/03

WOW

by kermeg

This was truly one of the best meals I've ever eaten. The desserts are to DIE for - especially the creme brulee and sorbet trio. I had the goat cheese ravioli, which was great - the tuna starter was delicious, the service was impeccable. I am holding my wedding at the Wyndham next year and I couldn't be more excited about our reception! Compliments to the chef and staff for a truly spectacular evening.

11/26/02

Not every day mac and cheese

by mark5500

I had macaroni and cheese for lunch and it turned out to be one of the best meals I've ever had!!