Fisk & Co.
225 N. Wabash, Chicago IL 60602
312-236-9300
DC misses Austin Fausett. At least I did. I've known him since he was at Citronelle and ran into him again while working for Trummer's on Main. He's a good chef. He drives towards perfection in the little things and it shows.
I was lucky enough to be able to spend a little time with him and try out his new place while is I was in Chicago for the National Restaurant Association show in May.
In addition to spending time with Austin, I got to hang around with these two - Tom and Victor. I've known them for 15-20 years and finally got a chance to break bread with them again...and make them wait for this awesome food while I took pictures. They were good sports about it.
Austin looking happy and in charge.
We started out with the tower. It seemed like the right thing to do.
A variety of oysters, clams, shrimp, and king crab.
The arrangement got envious looks from around the dining room as it was delivered to our table.
Love the crab.
Remember when I was mentioning attention to detail? There is a difference between someone going high-speed/low drag and someone who takes the time to make sure there isn't a speck of shell in the liquor to take your attention away from the briny perfection. This is that kind of place.
Gorgeous - and I don't usually like clams on the 1/2 shell.
Seafood mortadella with smoke whitefish rillettes
The whole seafood charcuterie board was excellent - the monkfish liver mousse was awesome.
I can never pass up deviled eggs with roe.
Nashville-style hot soft-shell crab. This heat was slow-build with a fiery finish. Excellent.
Grandma's pierogis were a hit.
The salted-caramel/espresso ice cream had a very powerful coffee flavor but none of the color you'd expect. Science I guess....
Hazelnut Kit-Kat in a vanilla crème with crispy chocolatey bits...Seems familiar. 8)
Last but certainly not least, the rum cake. 2nd best I've every had..next to Martha's from the Whitehouse Press Pool parties, but that's a story for another day.
Overall, wonderful meal in a very nice spot. I'm sure they'll be successful and Kimpton Hotel Group is lucky to have a chef like Austin running a restaurant in their hotel.
Best of luck and see you next year Chef.
