Tru Restaurant

05/09/05

Too uptight

by slgalt at Citysearch

Although the food was quite delightful. There was something very tense about this place. We were there until late, and at some point the mood relaxed, The waiter seemed human, I believe the chef had left for the evening.

One of the most expensive meals I ever had, but doesn't rate in my top food list at all.

• Pros: Decor
• Cons: very expensive

11/30/04

Breathtaking cuisine and impeccable service star at this stylish, pricey dining mecca.

by Contributor at 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.

• Pros: artful, innovative foodchic, modern atmosphere
• Cons: pricey

06/21/04

Overambitious

by guy_dubeau at Citysearch

Good concepts but faltering execution. Granted most dishes were very good, and the foie gras was the best I ever had, but others, like the raw tuna and chorizo, were inedible. The fighting fish in the bowl look tired of being caged next to other dead fish parts and the effect was lost. Caviar had been opened too long and was starting to taste rank. Made specific menu request, which were ignored until pointed out. It's nice that staff is instructed to call guests by their name, but if you can't pronounce my French surname, don't bother faking the French accent. Way too expensive to tolerate any mistakes and this place had quite a few.

• Pros: attentive service, lovely decor and art
• Cons: , uneven execution, did I mention price

06/08/04

Embarrassment

by johann at Citysearch

Chef Tremont and his crew must have a good time with their joke on the guests. Although the food is presented in an artistic way, almost playful, one does not come to a restaurant for taking pictures of food, but to eat. The Kitchen Table selections by the Chef, were skimpy, not very tasty, with only one Caviar Stair for 4 people and Ginger Ale Floats as a dessert. We informed them of our dislike for Ginger Ale, but still got it. Our guests from Switzerland were very disappointed. We will never go back there. This is a joke played out at the expense of the gullible and the kitchen staff must have a great time laughing at them. Roquefort as the "King of Cheeses", you got to be kidding!

• Pros: Presentation of Food, Service
• Cons: , Price, Desserts

05/17/04

"Tru-ley" Number One

by wanger1993 at Citysearch

Ritz, schmitz.....there is only room on the top for one pastry chef and Gale Gand is it. Supreme service, great courses, and incredible desserts make this the Number on restaurant in Chicago....

• Pros: Parking, Food, Service
• Cons: none

03/12/04

Dining at its best.

by paulbettinger at Citysearch

The best dining experience that I have ever had. Food is outstanding, service is impeccable, wine list is extensive. Decor is contemporary and very well done. The signed menus are a nice touch at the end of the meal.

• Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance

12/18/03

TRU Review

by kinpatsu at Citysearch

Absolutely over-the-top fantastic! I treated my boyfriend as part of an "evening of elegance" (we attended the symphony after dinner), and we both agreed that the experience enabled us to step out of our ordinary, hum-drum lives and into one of wealth and privilege--at least for a few hours.

• Pros: conveniently located, phenomenal cuisine, very attentive staff
• Cons: extremely expensive, can be intimidating

11/25/03

Not worth the price

by chemistz at Citysearch

Tru is a good restaurant, don't get me wrong. However, it would be impossible for any restaurant to be worth $400+. It is a beautiful place with impeccable service. The flatware and tableware are exquisite. The food itself is visually stunning. The taste left something to be desired. If this meal had cost me $200 less than it did then I would have given Tru a perfect score on all accounts but sadly I just can not convince myself that it was worth the price.

• Pros: impeccable service, beautiful decor, stunning food present
• Cons: PRICE, PRICE, PRICE

10/13/03

Week night vs. Sat. Night

by silvana at Citysearch

Last September, I went on a Monday night and had a wonderful time. So, I decided to come back this September with 5 of us. This time, it was a Saturday night and it was noisier and busier! We were greeted pleasantly and seated right away. But our head waiter was difficult to hear over all the noise. He was too soft spoken, although nice. All 5 of us ordered from the Collection side of the menu. The first course for all was the spectacular caviar staircase. This year, only 3 were brought out to be shared among the 5 of us. We were disappointed in this because for the price, we expected each one of us to receive his/her own. Aside from that, everything else was exceptional! I would highly reccomend this fabulous restaurant, but I would suggest going on a week night for less noise and better enjoyment.

• Pros: Excellent service, Outstanding food, Nice ambiance
• Cons: Noisey on weekends, Expensive

10/05/03

Wonderful Gastronomic Experience

by dkent2000 at Citysearch

It doesn't get much better than this in Chicago. The experience is amazing and even though the price is high the value is there if you appreciate fine dining.

• Pros: Experience, Taste, Quality
• Cons: Price