While you’ve lived someplace lengthy sufficient, it may be straightforward to take issues without any consideration. For instance, right here’s a barely embarrassing confession – I’ve lived in Chicago since 2009 and I didn’t make it to the highest of Willis Tower till this 12 months. 2023. I do know! It’s ridiculous. I’d been to the highest of the Hancock Constructing a number of occasions (RIP, Signature Room). So why not Willis?
First, I’ve obtained slightly concern of heights. And second, I reside right here. So aside from a particularly scenic view, there wasn’t any enticement for me to verify the Skydeck off my Chicago bucket checklist. Till just lately. Let me inform you all about Dinner within the Sky, a particular occasion hosted by Kindling x Skydeck Chicago.
Chicago was just lately named the Greatest Large Metropolis in the US by Conde Nast — an accolade we’ve acquired consecutively for the previous seven years! All for good purpose, and it was time for me to lastly totally expertise one in every of our most excellent vacationer locations. Willis Tower (eternally Sears to locals) is an iconic, historic skyscraper that provides workplace house, residential areas, has a bunch of nice eating places, there’s a Chicago historical past museum within the lower-level, after which you may go all the way in which as much as the highest to see the view of all views.
On our night there was a spectacular harvest supermoon, making for an astonishing pink moon over the town.
I’d heard about Chef Jonothan Sawyer earlier than – as a James Beard-award successful chef, he made his identify in Cleveland earlier than transferring to Chicago. Now he’s the chef accomplice of Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails, such a cool spot with an unimaginable menu. He was so cool, humorous, right down to earth and approachable. A beautiful man. My husband and I are already planning to return to Kindling to expertise all of it – the restaurant itself appeared actually cool! However for this dinner, we didn’t eat within the restaurant itself. On this magical night we began with an appetizer on Kindling’s lovely outside terrace.
After which we have been ushered via Skydeck’s lower-level museum, after which whisked upstairs the place a good looking desk awaited us. Our dinner was served with an unforgettable view. Simply wow.
Dinner within the Sky was phenomenal with some pleasant and memorable culinary components.
Our first course was the Willis Tower Torchon – duck liver foie gras, honeycrisp apples, crispy secure, and oak smoked candied walnuts. That was paired with WTB bread – a wide range of breads served with a wagyu beef fats edible candle (take a look at Chef Sawyer making them right here!), maldon sea salt, and a rosemary lemon zest gremolata. So scrumptious.
Second course was a raviolini black truffle and fromage blanc, made with artichoke, celery leaf, brown butter, pink onion brulee and parmigiana. This was paired with Jordan Chardonnay 2019 and it was so easy and an ideal pairing. Beloved this dish.
Third course was the surf and turf – the tomahawk prawn we have been served was enormous! This was paired with a wooden fired dry aged prime strip steak, and a brief rub au poivre served with pumpkin pomme puree. I liked what I attempted however this was a wealthy dish and I simply couldn’t end all of it. I actually liked the seafood ingredient essentially the most.
Dessert was an uncommon delight referred to as Textures of Satsuma Oranges – the dessert chef served us these stunning oranges full of totally different textures. Sorbet, bavariose, and freeze dried satsumas nestled inside. So pretty and distinctive, paired with champagne Theinot brut rose – fabulous.
After our wonderful dinner, we have been taken as much as The Ledge – Sears Tower’s expertise on the high the place you may see mainly the entire metropolis. I used to be nervous so Chef Sawyer took my hand and we went for it!
After that view and taking a couple of pictures, we loved desserts and martinis earlier than heading house. What a completely unforgettable only-in-Chicago type of night time. And there are two alternatives so that you can expertise Dinner within the Sky this November! Click on to take a look at particulars for the November 6 Charity Dinner supporting the Particular Olympics, or the November 9 Public Dinner.
Thanks for an unforgettable night, Chef Sawyer and everybody on the Willis Tower Skydeck!
