Tucked away inside frosted windows on south Wabash Street and
intriguing an area that is fairly barren and quite devoid of heavy night traffic,
Michelin Star-rated Acadia Chicago brings to the South Loop what L20 or Alinea brings
to Lincoln Park: strongly recommended fine dining.
Chef/Owner Ryan McCaskey is a Saignon, Vietnam transplant
who was raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and has built quite the following
of chefs. McCaskey’s broad skill set and diverse kitchen experience—Trio under
Grant Achatz and TRU under Rick Tramonto, Goose Cove Lodge in Maine and the
Black Locust in Wisconsin, to name a few—has layered the talents and techniques
required for McCaskey to build a successful, harmonious fine-dining hot spot.
His culinary style, described as simultaneously contemporary
and classic, has certainly lent itself to not only the menu, but the experience
and even décor at Acadia. The simple bar area is paralleled with beautifully soaring
ceilings and neutral, two-toned walls. The chairs, wrapped in white, don’t-spill-on-me
fabric are a serene accent for the large dark tables. The minimalist design sets the
table for the modern American cuisine that’s featured in both the twelve-course
chef’s tasting menu and the more approachable bar offerings (at gastropub
pricing.) Beyond its first AAA Five Diamond Restaurant rating and second One
Star Michelin Guide Award, the restaurant is touted for its bar food—though I
use that term loosely, it’s still the technique-driven quality that Chef
McCaskey is known for—including his award winning Acadia Burger (a double patty
with house made apple wood bacon, double crème gouda, “special sauce”, garlic
dill pickles and potato salad) and the Stonington, Maine Lobster Roll with
paprika and chives.
For a la carte options, check out the 62 Degree Swan Creek
Farm Egg with pistachio bread, frisee, radish and allium juice. Or the Foie Gras Torchon
with Asian pear, Maine blueberry gelee, almond, brussels sprout leaves, and vin
santo.
Acadia is open
for dinner on Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., Friday
through Saturday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Reservations can be made online or by
calling 312.360.9500.
