Awesome Food: David Burke's Primehouse

Growing up, I thought all hotel restaurants were like the ones you'd find in a HoJo, Days Inn, Holiday Inn (basically anything that ends or begins with "Inn", you get the idea). Now, I know this is not really true, of course, but when you're road-tripping it cross country with a family of five on summer vacations, it's considered lucky if you're dining in a Best Western restaurant! Since living in Chicago, I've been impressed with the selection of first-class hotel restaurants in the city, including some of my favorites, like NoMi and Markethouse!

I was recently introduced to David Burke's Primehouse in The James Hotel by my neighbors. As a lovely treat, they invited The Fella and I out to dinner during Impossible-To-Get-A-Table Week (a.k.a 2010 Restaurant Week – thank you, H & A!). I must say, it's right up there with Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Fleming's – both of which will always hold a soft spot in my heart from my Miami days – and it's my *favorite* steakhouse in Chicago so far!

Anyhoo, I can't resist posting snapshots of this fantastic 3-course dinner during Restaurant Week:

An incredibly delicious bread arrived promptly at our table – it was like the love child of a brioche and a croissant!


For starters, I had the famed Kobe Beef Sashimi on Himalayan Rock Salt with Mushroom Chips and Truffle Sauce. Uh-MAZ-ing!

The main course was a perfectly cooked Medium Rare, 6 oz Petite Filet with Creamed Spinach, Asparagus and Shallots, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Sauteed Mushrooms.


Decadent Dessert!

Because Restaurant Week at David Burke's Primehouse was to die for, I couldn't resist suggesting this spot for Easter brunch with the group...

(Left) My "Easter" Box – Braided Sweet Bread with Easter Quail Egg (yes, I said quail egg!), Roast Lamb Loin with Spiced Fruits, Potato Benedict Nest with Diced Ham & Poached Egg, Roasted Spring Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan; (Right) The Fella's "Little Bull" Box – Beef Tips with Arugula, Blue Cheese, Tomato Vinaigrette, Grilled Steak with Mushrooms, Onions & Whipped Potato, Short Rib Dumplings with Horseradish, Cheddar Cheese, and BBQ Sauce, and Tempura Green Beans.

And for Dessert... Mini Cones with Assorted Gelatos and Ice Creams. IN A DEEP PLATE OF SUGAR.