07/25/09

Birthday Bust - Too much hype for nothing special.

by Love4Yoga

The Chalkboard attracted me with the thought of drinking wine in a relaxed, comfy environment while eating fresh food prized to be local and organic.

I have to say I was terribly disappointed for several reasons:

1) The waiter was unable to recommend a dry red wine from the list. He stated he preferred sweet & fruity reds and we were left to fend for ourselves. For having such a large wine list, it would be nice if the staff would guide the consumer a bit better.

2) We ended up with a bottle of wine we didn't like. I realize I could have sent it back but we had already tried two other wines we didn't like that the waiter recommended.

3) The salads and entrees we tried were tasteless. With the claim of fresh, local & organic ingredients I was expecting more flavor and pizazz. Nothing was too special or exciting.

4) The waiter was lethargic, not attentive or helpful. In fact, while he was explaining an entree to us someone came into the restaurant. He stopped mid sentence and walked away to attend to the person who just walked in without saying anything to us. He could have at least said 'excuse me for a moment'. Not impressive or respectful.

5) It was my birthday - the person who took our reservation stated they noted it in the book to ensure a extra special dining experience. The waiter didn't say or do anything special.

6) The overall experience was disappointing. All the facets of the experience that had me excited turned about to be a bust. No tasty wine recommendation, boring local organic food and a unhelpful waiter. So much for trying out a seemingly comfy restaurant on my birthday... I couldn't wait to leave!

• Pros: Cute decor, local & organic ingredients
• Cons: Mediocre service - disappointing, tasteless food

02/23/07

North Center gem schools patrons in tweaked regional American food and old-fashioned hospitality.

by Fred Schlatter

The Scene
The sleepy storefront is recognizable as a buzzing restaurant only when close enough to peer inside. A foyer is clad in bronze jacquard wallpaper. The small dining room features white molding and wainscoting and handsome chandeliers throwing warm light. The namesake chalkboard is dramatic, running the far wall's length. Linen-clad tables are pleasantly spaced and conversation kept to a hum. A tiny bar distributes mostly wine through an efficient, well-informed staff.

The Food
Chef Gilbert Langlois creates seasonal menus with certain regional finesse. Potent appetizers include succulent scallops with chicken confit, fried sage and truffled pea puree, and an anise flavored salad with cured tomatoes and poached egg. Entrees stick to hearty meat and starch duos. Beef stew is actually seared skirt dressed with braised vegetables and their gravy--delicious. Crispy bass is pitch-perfect with bacon risotto. A gloriously crunchy Southern-fried chicken quarter cries for seasoning, as does a duck entree, but benefit from tasty accompaniments: sausage gravy-mashed potatoes and a duxelle-stuffed raviolo, respectively.

01/30/07

Best American Comfort Food in Chicago!

by safarismom

Went to Chalkboard after hearing very good things about it. It was excellent and what my husband and I loved aside from the fabulous food (you HAVE to try the Fried Airline Chicken!) was the friendliness of the staff and the chef, who stopped by tables with his little baby in tow. It gave you the feeling that this was like an old fashioned but modern, and upscale neighborhood restaurant, without the upscale prices! Great Value and we highly recommend it.

• Pros: Easy parking during the week
• Cons: You can find parking on weekends but it will take a couple of minutes to drive around the neighborhood