Secret Supper: The Blanchard [closed]

Lou Stejskal

10 years ago

Chicago Magazine hosts a dinner every few months called Secret Supper. Tickets are purchased ahead of time without knowing the name of the restaurant until the day of the event. From the very first Secret Supper, I could never find anyone who wanted to or could go with me until this one. Finally, one of my partners in food crimes said yes and we had fun trying to guess where it would be up until I received the email announcement.

It also happened to be the day of another special Chicago Magazine announcement.

“Our expert dining critics combed the city to select this year’s Best New Restaurant and now the secret is out! We’re excited to announce that The Blanchard will host Chicago magazine’s Secret Supper. We look forward to seeing you this evening; thank you for purchasing tickets.

My friend and I were very happy we would be returning to one of our favorite places, The Blanchard.

Chicago Magazine’s Secret Supper and Best New Restaurant for 2016

Cadillac was one of the sponsors for Chicago Magazine’s Secret Supper. Some of the guests were picked up and brought home in a Cadillac.

Chef and owner Jason Paskewitz. I just noticed my friend in the background sneaking in the photo!

Now I have a reason to test drive a Caddy.

Chicago Magazine explained the selection process. The budget is generous. Many, many diners go in groups of at least four. They have to order everything on the menu and go at least twice. The winner is top secret until the big reveal.

Pan-seared jumbo sea scallop, spring asparagus, fava beans, yuzu buerre blanc

Hudson Valley foie gras terrine, petite frisée salad compressed melon, sel de mar

I clicked the camera button .02 seconds too early, right before Giuseppe smiled

Full house, sold out event. The entire restaurant was served at the same time for each course.

More Fun

For this next course, the first person to guess the secret ingredient in this Cadillac-inspired dish would win a pair of tickets to the next Secret Supper event. Guess who won?