Farmerie 58-Chicago, IL, March 1, 2009

3.1.09

We met Jen at Farmerie 58 for Brunch and I must say that I was satisfied. Andrew got the restaurant week menu, while Jen and I ordered off of the a la carte menu to get a smattering of dishes (because that's how we roll, right?)

Here's what they were offering for restaurant week:

$22 Three Course Lunch Prix Fixe

first course selections
*chopped house salad: romaine lettuce, spinach, cucumber, tomato, grilled onion, lardon, roasted garlic-parmesan dressing

*arugula salad: wild arugula, parmesan, sea salt, lemon, estate olive oil

*butternut squash veloute: roasted chestnut, sage, toasted garlic

*lobster bisque: diced lobster meat, lemon, parsley

second course selections
*bistro burger: certified black angus beef, applewood smoked bacon, smoked cheddar, dijon aioli

*amish chicken sandwich:amish chicken breast, tomato,wilted spinach-parmesan fondue

*bistro club:roasted turkey, applewood smoked bacon, marinated tomato, red onion, smoked cheddar, pesto

*pan-roasted salmon blt:wild salmon, tomato, applewood smoked bacon, tarragon aioli, wild lettuces, red wine vinaigrette
*wild boar pasta:wild boar, italian sausage, rapini, tomato, basil,pecorino cheese

third course selections
*chocolate tart:banana sorbet, chocolate-black pepper crème fraiche,espresso sauce
*white chocolate bread pudding:roasted quince, caramel popcorn, vanilla angalise
*ginger crème brulee:peach passion fruit puree, fresh berry salad

Farmerie 58 is a restaurant utilizing products that are farmed with the goal of replenishing the resources used in their creation while also conserving the environment. The cuisine is contemporary American with seasonally changing menus designed to show sustainably farmed ingredients in their best light. The restaurant is committed to providing their food at pricing that is accessible to the neighborhood.

*lobster bisque: diced lobster meat, lemon, parsley

Really good flavoring with a rich depth and strong lobster stock. It was thick enough to coat our spoons!


The Honey Roll: White Tuna and Cucumber rolled in Tempura Crunch, Sesame Honey Sauce

Too light in flavor for my taste, I couldn't really taste the White Tuna. The Sesame honey sauce was also really light and didn't make my list for memorable sushi.

Crab Saffron Fondue with crab meat, saffron, brie, cream cheese and toast points. What's not to love? Brie is one of my most favorite cheeses and this ooey gooey goodness made for a comforting and warm appetizer. I wasn't a big fan of the truffle frites shown next to it, though. The frites were too small to bite into, but the truffle aroma was heavenly.

Crab Cake Benedict: Poached egg, Potato Roesti, applewood smoked bacon, grilled brioche, andouille relish.

Quite a messy dish, with a lot going on. Really strong flavors, and by the time we split the dish into portions, we couldn't tell what ingredient was what. The taste was much of the same. The egg and bacon and spinach seemed to overwhelm the crab cake. I almost forgot it was in there...

*wild boar pasta:wild boar, italian sausage, rapini, tomato, basil,pecorino cheese

By far my most favorite dish at the restaurant. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente, and the italian sausage was bold and hearty. The rapini and tomato and herbs added good complements without overpowering and I felt like all the components of the dish worked well together.

*white chocolate bread pudding:roasted quince, caramel popcorn, vanilla angalise

I was more interested in the presentation of this dish than anything. It was good bread pudding, but to be honest I didn't really taste the white chocolate. Loved the whimsical caramel popcorn ontop, but I wished there was a stronger vanilla flavoring. But overall, a creative dish to a homestyle favorite.