Top 10 of '10

 Quality food journalism would be at a loss if not for end of the year lists.  Below are the top things I ate across the country, but mostly in Chicago, in no particular order.  The focus is on dishes of the year, not a dish that is always offered that I just happened to eat during 2010 (eg a steak at Primehouse).  The other rule is that every restaurant only gets one spot, otherwise this post would be dominated by various Alinea-spawns.  Here's the one list Longman and Eagle isn't on:

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Sprout 4.0

This morning, as I sit on my couch, stomach still in a comfortable place from the night before, I think about how to explain last night's experience.  It's important to use the term experience over meal, because my time at Sprout proved to be so much more.  It was a night of surprise and discovery, but most importantly, reminded me how dinner can be more than a meal, but a shared experience.

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Making History

Today, for the first time ever, Chaise Lounge, on 1840 North avenue, hosted brunch.  I, had the first ever reservation, for said first ever brunch.  It was delicious.

Walked into the restaurant with little background.  No official menu posted online.  A few twitter hints and a gallery of select photos-- nothing else.  Chaise has a proven dinner menu, so I wasn't nervous.  Definitely wasn't nervous after hitting up the Bloody Mary cart-- which travels around the tables with tomato juice, the house blend, and extensive accoutrements, including chorizo stuffed green olives.  After being given a glass half filled with ice and choice of vodka, and raiding the cart, the morning was officially beginning, at 2pm.

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The Best One

Updated on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 11:25PM by Stash

It’s been one short year since the removal of the foie gras ban in Chicago. To celebrate arguably the single most important anniversary in existence, many restaurants have created unique menus for foie gras week. For me, there’s only one right choice when deciding where to celebrate, David Burke’s Primehouse at the James Hotel.

Have to remember this trip isn’t about the steak, it’s about the foie. It’s about spending my Saturday night going through an 11 part foie flight of heaven. And maybe Kobe beef sashimi. And maybe a cold seafood tower.

I arrive 20 minutes before my reservation, overly eager. Pace around the block a few times to kill time and build my appetite further. Only make it a few times before I cave and enter the restaurant early anyway—still seated immediately.

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No Reservations Chicago

Bourdain is finally making it to Chicago.  Check it out Monday at 9 central on Travel Channel.