Oct 20, 2011

Our reason for chicago

So the main reason we headed to the windy city for a few days was a glorious glorious reservation at Alinea, you know, the best restaurant in North America. I made the reservation on August 1st (crazy right?) and meant it to be a little birthday surprise for J. When I couldn't get through after the 298th phone call, I was convinced I'd need to resort to Plan B. I guess 300th's the charm?

There's not much I can say about this place that hasn't been said by all the serious eaters out there who know a LOT more about the place than I do. I was just there to enjoy an experience that you really can't find in NYC. I was a total wimp and skipped out on a wine pairing and requested just a few glasses that I could nurse throughout dinner. J got a petit pairing, which still turns out to be nine light-ish pours. Basically, if you get a legit pairing, it seems like you'll be drinking a good bottle and a half to two bottles of wine on your own. You would have had to roll me out of there.

Either I was having a really off day photography wise, or we were sat under the worst light in the restaurant, because these were pretty horrific before (and after) some heavy post processing. But, how could I not share one of the best meals of my life? :) Sorry for not putting more detail into this post - it would literally fast become a novel if I described how we were instructed to eat each one... and this ain't the blog for that.

This last thing was a craaazy chocolate "pinata" of sorts. Best to watch this video to get the whole gist of it.

Well, now that that's off the bucket list... Paris?

15 comments :

  1. wow, amazing! so pretty. everything looks delicious!

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  2. I'm just speechless :)

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  3. the pictures are gorgeous, even if you think they're not great. It amazes me how food can be so carefully and meticulously arranged and presented!

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  4. Oh my goodness. WOW. This place is definitely now on my bucketlist ;)

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  5. Photos are superb!Looks very professional and there is enought light!
    I watched a video of chocolate "pinata", crazy and so amazing, definitely I would like to try something similar!

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  6. the food and presentation look amazing and leave me at a loss of words. these are some stunning photos alice!

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  7. I was left strangely unmoved, despite that almost everything looks edible now that I am past my first trimester. Still...I miss good old Bulgarian food.

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  8. Wow. What a surprise gift! This is the true definition of edible art. I'm sure this dinner service cost you ;) Also, you did great with the really contrasty light I think. I know where I'm eating if I'm ever in Chicago (and I remember to book a few months in advance).

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  9. OMG I am soooo jealous!!!! I am a HUGE fan of his!! This is most definitely on my bucket list too haha. Oh, and I like your pics! The high contrast is cool!

    Katherine {Pasta and Peonies}

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  10. Love the dramatic effect of the photographs! Dying to go back! Hope Jimmy had a great birthday dinner with you in Chicago! :P

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  11. my best friend loves this place and i've been meaning to make a trip out for awhile. everything looks incredible!

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  12. Amazing shots. Especially like those 3 b/w portrait shots. Gorgeous.

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  13. I've heard great things about this place ... still haven't been. I think you photographed it beautifully! How do you not get a grainy mess?

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  14. Love the photos! I loved Alinea. Amazing experience. :)

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