In its day— the 1980s and 1990s— Ambria was a storied Chicago restaurant, hugely influential in making classical French dining contemporary for yuppie-era diners, bringing Rich Melman’s Lettuce Entertain You into the world of fine dining (L2O occupies the space now), and scattering proteges of chef Gabino Sotelino around town, from Scott Harris (Mia Francesca) to Henry Adaniya (Trio) to Takashi Yagihashi (Takashi/Slurping Turtle). (This interview with Sotelino from the time of the restaurant’s closing in 2007 gives a good account of its history.) Now one of them, Takashi, is holding a tribute dinner on Tuesday, June 11 to the chef and the place where he spent seven years at the start of his career, from 1988 to 1995.
The seven course meal at Takashi will include some favorite dishes showing Sotelino’s clean, unfussy approach to classic French dishes, including braised Dover Sole with lobster mousseline and galette of squab with foie gras. It’s $98 for the tasting dinner and $60 for optional wine pairings, and seating times range from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; reservations are required and will go quickly, so call 773-772-6170 to reserve your spot. The menu is below.
Menu June 11, 2013
Amuse Bouche of the Day
Delice of Seafood
Peekytoe Crab, Smoked Sturgeon, Alaskan Spot Prawns
Braised Dover Sole with Lobster Mousseline, Sauce American
Galette of Squab and Foie Gras
Summer Truffle, Sauce Poivrade
Roasted Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Ratatouille, Eggplant Caviar, Pomme Souffle
Pave of Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate Mousse
Coffee and Petit Fours