Better late than never, right? My first trip to Aigre Doux and why not get a prix fixe. I'd say upfront that
it's not generally a good way to evaluate a place. That said I had a very good meal and even though we were a fairly large group up against the back kitchen-wall, I did find the place to be nice and comfy. Then again it could have been the girl drinks.
The other thing to note is that 3 cosmos has the tendency to make any night a remarkable night. The menu option of braised spare ribs made any decision a formality. I've been on a braised meat kick lately and was excited. The haricot vert was a great starter... what better to go with a cocktail. Technicolor.
The spare rib was very good but lacked that oomph that you want from a slow-cooked-forever complicated mature piece of meat. I'd be very curious about the rest of the menu. The restaurant has this bakery tag associated with it and I saw none of it. The dessert cookie plate that we shared was very average and certainly not worth the $11. The set menu dessert was great though. It was a chocolate mousse pudding thing that I certainly didn't need to eat by then. Of course it was served with my third cosmo which I didn't need either.
One thing to note is their location across from the Merchandise Mart on Kinzie. It's not a high-traffic spot. I was surprised to find it there. In spite of that they seemed packed and are always getting press. The other thing is that even though they are across from the "design centers" of the Merch the decor isn't wholesale-cool. Thinking about it more makes me wonder if there are any truly beautiful restaurants in Chicago.
Aigre Doux
230 W. Kinzie
Chicago, 60610
312-329-9400
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