Tasty Tidbits: The Bristol

Ms. Cruiser made a dinner reservation at The Bristol before we headed to The Second City for late-night laughs.

I was thrilled.  GQ named The Bristol one of the 10 best new restaurants in the United States in 2010, and the restaurant garnered a Bib Gourmand acknowledgment by Michelin this year.

All cocktails are $11 each.

One of these was a Vieux Carre (Templeton rye, Courvoisier VS, Carpano Antica, Benedictine, bitters).  I don't remember what the other was, but I did have a marvelous Moscow Mule (Prairie vodka, fresh lime juice, Barritt’s ginger beer) later in the night.

Apple salad, marinated Manchego, hazelnuts ($12).

Refreshing and made us feel good about ourselves.

Scotch olives, pork sausage, lemon crème fraîche ($7).

I don't even like olives, and I loved these.  Very special.  Must get.

Charcuterie board -- beef heart pastrami, ham hock rillettes, lonza, assorted accompaniments ($19).

Varied and abundant.  If you like charcuterie, you won't be disappointed.

Duck fat fries, house ketchup, garlic aioli ($7).

Is there any question that we enjoyed these?

Roasted carrots and turnips, honey, basil, chile ($8).

Very enjoyable vegetables.

Witbier Romanesco tempura, anchovy aioli ($8).

I had to ask the server what Romanesco was.  It's like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower.  I guess "Romanesco" sounds fancier than "broccoflower."

Raviolo -- ricotta, egg yolk, brown butter ($14).

Super decadent and fabulous.  I mean, just look at it.  Favorite.

Nettle garganelli, lamb ragu, ramps, pecorino ($17).

Nicely spiced, hearty and meaty, and the pasta was perfectly al dente.

Roasted half chicken, dill spaetzle, crunchy salad ($20).

Some mighty fine comfort food.

Our dinner at The Bristol was solid but not extraordinary.  We weren't raving about the meal later, but everything was rather appetizing; there were a few standout dishes and no misses.  Definitely thumbs up for The Bristol but not way up and jumping for joy.