Last Monday night I got a double dose of excitement and fine cuisine at the lovely and luxurious restaurant nightclub 4Taste located at 100 E Walton. Chicago Bear Thomas Jones has been hosting his Monday night football parties there all season and with good reason. The atmosphere is posh but relaxing with soft lighting and several comfy, dimly-lit booths that overlook two very comfortable and well-stocked bars. The young and lovely clientele that night was mostly Bears and friends, literally, as we watched the sexy dancers on the floor and behind a red-lighted screen, giving the restaurant a decidedly sexy and groovin’ atmosphere with Thomas and his crew, kicker Robbie Gould and tight end Desmond Clark mingling with guest after guest. Childhood friends and 4Taste’s handsome and hip owners Nick Maglaris and Sue Barakat explained the idea behind 4Taste, which has a menu of only gourmet appetizers, many of which are so large they could certainly be called main dishes. I absolutely love this idea because when you are on a date at a late nightclub; who wants to try to choke down a giant dinner? It is so much more romantic and economical to have a few really NICE appetizers – no Buffalo wings or fried potato skins here- and get right down to drinking and partying!
We got to try almost everything over a delicious chocolate martini, so let me mention my favorites: The Seafood Ceviche with Calamari, rock shrimp, citrus and corander was cool and refreshing and as Nick said “It gives you energy!”
The Grilled Shrimp with black beans chipotle cream and cumin oil was hearty and ruggedly satisfying. I always love seeing escargot on a menu and the Escargot with Garlic Parsley and Butter were piping hot and very tender and delicate on the tongue.
The Apple Stuffed Raviolis with smoked chicken sun dried tomato, walnuts and cream were just delightful as well as unique and more than enough to share.
The Grilled Calamari with canolini beans tomato basil and balsamic reduction was also a huge portion and very tender.
I have never had ostrich before and was hesitant to try it at first but the Grilled Ostrich with Hollandaise Sauce, Sautéed Green Beans and a Petit Salad turned out to be very flavorful dish with more in common with the taste of beef than chicken.
The Seared Day boat Scallops with Tomato Saffron Marmalade and chive oil is a new fave that I will crave in the middle of the night.
The dish that stole the show however was definitely the Roasted Baby New Zealand Lamb Chops with Sautéed Grapes and Red Wine Reduction- to die for!!
The best part about it is the fact that all appetizers are only $10.95 each! With their warm ambience, mouthwatering delicacies, celebrity drop-ins, fun staff and terrific downtown location, the question is – What are you waiting for?
New Year’s Eve at 4Taste will certainly be a great way to get a sweet “4Taste” of the year to come with cozy booths going for $200 that includes two appetizers per guest and a bottle of Champagne. What a great way to kick off the New Year!
4Taste also has a location at 415 N Milwaukee. Call 312-226-7850 for more information.
