There are very few things that can get me to drive in rush hour traffic from the city to the suburbs. Other than, a recent invitation from Chef Michael Lachowicz for a 10-Course Country French Food tasting at his Restaurant Michael’s new George Trois dining room. The concept is influenced by two men whom Chef Lachowicz was himself influenced by - his father and uncle.
My date for dinner is a dear friend & fellow food blogger Katie Kijowski of Chicago Food Whores. When we arrived, we were ushered into a private dining room with an all white décor and blank walls seating no more than 10 people. We were immediately instilled with a sense of calm, taking any pressure off for being food bloggers. At that moment, I appreciated how much the ambiance contributes to a dining experience.
Although the 10-course menu is pre-designed by Chef Michael, he was gracious enough to whip up a new menu to accommodate my pescetarian needs. A variety of thoughtfully prepared seafood dishes were brought out. I ate lobster, turbot, Loup De Mare (European Sea Bass) between relishing cheese and soufflé, and sipping on some of the best Sauternes (wine) I’ve ever had.
My favorite dish from the tasting however was the Turbot (old French Turbout). Similar to Halibut in texture, Turbot is a highly prized fish that is considered a chef’s dream. Mainly because the texture is spongy, preventing it from drying out. Although a favorite from a cooking standpoint, Turbot is hard to get your hands on & is rather tough to find fresh. Which probably makes it a delicacy! The Turbot I ate was grilled to perfection and served on a bed of fragrant ratatouille. I was also thrilled to find my favorite mushrooms (morels) scattered in the sauce. The sauce itself mysteriously delicious!
Towards the end of our dinner, Chef Michael joined us at the table to share more about this new addition to his restaurant. He explained how he intends for this to be a cherished experience for his guests and a homage to two men who inspired him to become a chef at a very young age. His passion seeps deep through his food! George Trois is not to be missed!
Restaurant Michael, George Trois Dining Room
Neighborhood: Winnetka
Address: 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093
Phone: (312) 833.7947
Website: http://www.restaurantmichael.com/george-trois/
Email: andrea@flavorpr.net
Hours: TH – 6:30PM, 7PM, F & SAT - 5: 30PM, 6:00PM, 8:00PM, SUN – 6:00PM, 6:30PM
Price: $140 - $160