Opening: Sixteen At The Trump International Hotel & Tower


Ever since we first heard word of the impending Trump International Hotel & Tower and its “world-class, chef-driven signature restaurant” on the 16th floor, we knew the day would come where we’d be forced to introduce its menu to the world. Now we know why they call it Super Tuesday! Because of new menus!

Okay, the first thing you need to know about Sixteen is that no one could come up with a better name than simply where in the building the place is located! And what of the Signature Room at the 95th? Perhaps a little floor envy?

The second thing you need to know is that, starting tomorrow, Sixteen is open for breakfast and dinner. It had only been open for the morning meal up to this point, but long enough to snag a somewhat positive review in the Dish; Sarah Desprat spoke kindly of the view and the service (even though her dish did not come as advertised), and thought the food was alright if not for the price. Which is to say, $17 for eggs Benedict; $22 for scrambled eggs, smoked bacon and fresh mint with caviar, on brioche; or $33 for a Lobster Tostada with poached eggs and béarnaise. For you budget-conscious breakfaster, a bagel with cream cheese is merely four bucks.

But breakfast is just a test to see if the kitchen burners turn on - the real deal is the inauguration of dinner service tomorrow night. The menu is compact, with six appetizers and six entrees at the moment. Chef Frank Brunacci brings some global twists to the New American offerings, like the Thai Soup with shiitake mushrooms and toasted sesame oil for $16 and the Halibut Pil Pil with lima bean and red pepper ragout, served in saffron broth for $35. Brunacci is no slouch when it comes to expensive ingredients, employing Iranian Ossetra Caviar to go with Kumamoto oysters, apple jelly, and celery root slaw (a $16 appetizer), or to the latest cooking techniques, offering a Colorado Lamb Loin “Sous Vide” with fresh harissa, salsify and trumpet mushroom for $41.

Yes, it’s very expensive, and yes, there are better views to be had in Chicago, but the novelty of Trumpness is sure to draw huge crowds of mildly objectionable people. An idea! Maybe to go just for dessert? This way you can have the people-watching and view and Pierce Neige Chestnut Cream with port ice cream and port reduction for only $12 plus t+t.

Looking ahead, the lunch menu (offered after March 3rd if all goes according to schedule) has a half dozen pricy sandwiches, including a merguez sausage baguette for $18 and a lobster roll for $23. Let’s hope they’re footlongs!

By the way, no word yet on whether the Beef Tenderloin (with braised cheeks, roasted sweet potatoes, piperade and salsa verde for $38 as a dinner entree) is made with Trump Steaks. Our guess is, hell no! We’ll keep you posted.

Sixteen [MenuPages]
Sixteen [Official Site]

Dish Deux: Sky-High Breakfast [Dish]


[Photo: Artist Rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and God what is God’s, Trump International]

Opening: Sixteen At The Trump International Hotel & Tower