Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Why You'll Like Longman & Eagle

Everyone's talking about Longman & Eagle.

"You like bourbon? Go for the bourbon!" our catering manager (just booked!) told us a month ago.

"It has a Michelin star!" my colleague said.

And like all things in Chicago, if you hear of 3.5 hour waits at 8:30 p.m. on a Saturday, it must be good, right?

I'm happy to report it is really, really, good. And here's why: Instead of in-your-face offal whose purpose is to shock (Want beef tongue? Here's a slice in the shape of the tongue! tease the chefs behind Publican) or weighs you down so much come course No. 2 you don't want to eat anymore (hello, Incanto), L&E balances everything really well.

Braised oxtail combines to make the perfect bite with scallops and tiny gnocchi; a pot au feu of short rib, tenderloin, foie gras, and horseradish marrow is actually really light and cleanly presented, not to mention well balanced with a consomme and vegetables.Brian had cod with some typically heartier accompaniments, but we didn't roll out feeling greasy and gross. The intention of the cod was maintained, gosh darnit.

Sure, wild boar's on the menu. But it's in the form of sloppy joe. That's fun.

We went on a Saturday night just before 6 and waited a half hour. I'd add it to your List of must-tries.

2 comments:

Jill Hives said...

A wild boar sloppy joe? That does sound interesting!

Sara Z said...

it was SO GOOD. and it also reminded me of florence, italy, whose restaurants used boar as often as we use cow.