Crofton on Wells

I’ve been meaning to go to Crofton on Wells since it opened in 1998 with rave reviews.  Because it wasn’t particularly trendy and had a high price point (entrees range from $28 to $35) I never could convince anyone to go.  When I saw that they were participating in Restaurant Week I knew, 10 years later, that the time had finally come to give it a try and I’m I very glad that I did.

My companion and I made reservations for a Tuesday night and Chef Crofton was there working front of the house.  The restaurant’s décor is very understated and perhaps a bit dated.  This is not a place to be seen or marvel in the newest trends in restaurant design.  Food is definitely the focus, which is greatly appreciated.  

Our game plan was to each get different items for our starter, main and dessert to try as many things as possible however, we both could not pass up the Rocky Road dessert.  For each course our server brought out additional plates for sharing. 

We started with their petite signature crab cake with mango butter, Thai chili and micro herb salad.  We could see why this is a house favorite and nothing like any crab cake I’ve had before.  It was very dense with a fresh, pure flavor that paired well with the sweet mango and hot chili.  While enjoying the crab cake we also fought over the cauliflower soup with Guanciale (a type of Italian bacon), smoked trumpet mushrooms and arugula oil.  The smokey velvet texture of the soup was highlighted by bites with salty bacon or tangy arugula oil.

For the main I had the spicy herb and Chipotle Amish chicken with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and molasses reduction.  I don't usually gravitate towards chicken but our waitress recommended it as her favorite dish and it did not disappoint.  The tender cuts of chicken breast had great heat from the spicy chipotle rub that blended well with the sweet molasses.  Much to my partner's disappointment, and our original plan to split our meals, I just couldn’t put it down but did swap a bite to try the equally amazing ruby red trout (not on their standard menu) which was served with escarole, white been emulsion and a horseradish croquette.

For the desert we both enjoyed the Rocky Road, which consisted of devil’s food cake, chocolate mouse, bittersweet chocolate ice cream with a marshmallow swirl, a chocolate marcona almond cookie and espresso granite.  It was a perfect way to end the meal.  All of the dishes were outstanding and we really appreciated the simplicity and fresh, seasonal ingredients that so many restaurants try to do but I think Crofton’s does it better. 

We were also delighted to find out that we’d have a chance to do this again and hopefully share it with others as Crofton on Wells does a nightly prix-fix dinner menu from 5PM-6:30PM Monday through Saturday.  The prix-fix option is $35 and is a special menu that does include some items (like the signature crab cake) from their standard menu.  To make it even better, for $55 you can compliment the meal with a 2 glass wine pairing.

Crofton on Wells
535 N. Wells
312-755-1790
www.croftononwells.com

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