Back to Bayless

Now let's return to the infamous Rick Bayless again for a moment. This guys is everywhere in Chicago, and now has 3 restaurants all in a row on Clark Street...high end (Topolobampo) mid-range (Frontera Grill) and walk-up (the aforementioned Xoco). I'm still trying to get in at Frontera, which (mostly) doesn't accept reservations, but is supposed to have some mean guacamole. One of my first challenges in Chicago, however, was to try and get a coveted reservation at Topolobampo. Notoriously difficult to snag, I was able to secure a table for a late Friday evening in Lent.

I mention my Catholic traditions because when I arrived, I found that there were two tasting menus available (which, you'll have noticed, I dig) but both were designed for carnivores. All you who know me, of course, can confirm that I don't let a menu limit me, particularly when there is a Top Chef Master in the house. I pleasantly asked my kind waiter if there was any chance of subbing out the meat dishes for something a good Catholic girl could nosh on during a Friday in March. I was promptly denied.

Much to me delight, the waiter returned a few moments later and asked, "Are you a friend of Rick's?" My reply, "No, but I would like to be...is he in the kitchen tonight?" Affirmative. Hot.

Not only had my waiter inquired with Mr. Bayleyss if he would consider a substitute, he offered to create a meatless tasting menu just for me. This also meant that I could cross off a goal on my life list...have a meal prepared personally by a world class chef.

The five course menu presented was fine fare. For those unfamiliar with Bayless, he is a traditional Mexican cuisine purist. No tacos here, kids. I'm talking achiote, mole, masa, and the like. Each course was flavorful, authentic, and interesting. And for abouot $70, not unfairly priced. To accompany the meal, there were interesting margaritas, and a selection of homemade fruit waters to refresh the palate...a big plus for my liver.

Now, you all know that I couldn't possibly leave this place without wiggling my way over to meet Mr. Bayless. On a shameless stalk (under the guise of a powder room jaunt) I found Rick at a table in the back of the restaurant and thanked him for a memorable meal. Maybe next time he'll ask me to sit down and give him my feedback on the spread...or maybe he'll just check out the blog...