I went to 312 Chicago after a closing with some business associates that I like. The restaurant is a bit more formal but it fit the bill for the group.
Restaurant: 312 Chicago, 136 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. A bit more expensive than I like or than it should have been. On the plus side, they have a great wine selection. Appetizers $8-$15, entrees from $17-$25.
We started out with a group of appetizers: the frito misto ( fried calamari, scallops, salmon), prosciutto plate (Salumi, Prosciutto di Parma, Cacciatore Salami, Sopressata, Marinated Olives) and seared scallops in a saffron leek broth with wild mushrooms and truffle oil. The frito misto was good but forgettable. The prosciutto plate was nice. The seared scallops rocked. The scallop was perfectly cooked and the saffron leek sauce was so good, you wanted more bread to soak up every drop of sauce. The scallops were by far the star of the entire meal.
I ordered the risotto of the day which was a goat cheese, sausage with fresh heirloom tomatoes. When I ordered it, I was somewhat reluctant. Risotto is tricky to do for many restaurants. I figured if you have a risotto of the day, then you must know what you are doing. Well, not exactly. As you can seem it was runny. Who wants runny risotto. Certainly not me. The goat cheese and sausage was nice but the best part of the dish was the heirloom tomatoes which were really fresh and sweet (which is rare in January). I also tasted the Ravioli Filled with Duck Confit, Caramelized Michigan Cherries, Red Wine Reduction and it was average. With these ingredients, I think I could have done better.
On the plus side, they have a nice wine list and a comfortable environment in which to talk without others being in your space. On the whole, the restaurant was overpriced and just lacking. I would not go back.
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