Tru-ly Something

I have been a Food Network Freakshow pretty much since the channel's inception. As such, I have been a lover of all things Gale Gand for more than a decade. Tru (which is the brainchild of Rick Tramanto and Gale Gand...he cooks and she bakes) has been a mainstay on the Chicago food scene for a long time. That being said, you need to save a month's salary to eat there, so it took me a while to convince myself that the reservation was worth it (read, "it took me about 2 minutes to decide that the reservation was worth it").

I am generally a fan of tasting menus. I figure that it gives a chef his or her best shot at impressing me. However, after a memorable experience at French Laundry(I booted after the most expensive meal of my life because my tum-tum just couldn't handle 16 courses which incorporated 7 pounds of butter all at once...ahh regret), I try to reign it in a bit. At Tru, you can choose between 2 tasting menus or a three-course prix fixe. I went for the latter and added in some fun tastes in between.

As you should expect, the service was terrific. The portions were not overwhelming, and the presentation was memorable. But the best thing about this place...wait for it...the chicken. Did she just say chicken? Who goes to a five star french restaurant and orders chicken? Well let me tell you, it was the most delcious thing about this place, inlcuding the bites of heaven sent out by Ms. Gand. I asked the waiter what he recommended (in addition to the beef tartare and foie gras that I can never pass up) and he said "chicken". Well, this slow-cooked jidori chicken with black truffle, celery root and black trumpet mushrooms made me swoon. Picture the juciest chicken breast you've ever tasted COVERED in layers of sliced black truffle. I mean covered, like shingles on a roof. Um, yes please.

There were, of course, some downsides (A glass of vodka should not cost $17. A single bite of langostine does not an appetizer make). That said, the room was interesting and pretty (but a little stuffy?) and the staff took good care of each guest. Will I shell out another month's mortgage for dinner there, probably not. I already bought my dining experience and wasn't so over the moon that I want to make it my regular Tuesday place. But for a special occassion, it was pretty special. Tru-ly.