mfk

In Chicago, Food & Beverages January 24, 2015

Saying no to a dear friend’s invite to Noma Japan may be the biggest food-related regret in my entire life, but having dinner at mfk Chicago last night proved that everything I want when I go out to eat can be right here. Unpretentious with a warm, chill vibe, a menu that isn’t too daunting and food that is pleasant from that first bite to the last.

My goal shortly after mfk opened was to go with three other people and order one of everything off the menu. But life happened and as time passed, I started to wonder if I should even go since my taste memory and recall is strong and I liked the way the flavors of Spain were locked in my brain from my recent trip. There is a certain quality of a few key ingredients in Spain that we don’t have access to in the states. Their soil is different, their sun shines at different angles and exposures and their seas are filled with different life forms than ours. We can replicate certain dishes but the authenticity of texture, taste and quality might not be precise. And while I’m being random, why can’t I have the butter that everyone in Paris has? It’s the butter!

Since we were “two” at dinner last night, we asked how many items we should order to give us the best diverse sampling of the menu. Roger said to order FIVE items off the top half of the menu, no entrees, and we would feel pretty good. We ordered NINE items, one of which was an entree. He was right because nine items for two people was way too much and he was also right because we felt pretty good.

Someday I will get to Tokyo and be able to bank more taste memories away. Until then, it makes me happy to have treasures like this close by.

A warm greeting when we walked in and hugs when we parted. Honey, I’m home.