X/O

Decor:
Very trendy restaurant decor. Lots of colored lights that line the muted, earthy toned walls to light the restaurant. Rather dark, but they have placed the tables directly under the lights in the ceiling perfectly to light the tables. The bar/lounge looked very active.

Wait Staff:
Unbelievably attentive. Asked us upon arrival and the other tables he was servicing if they had dined at X/O before and followed up with a full description of the restaurant. Recommended various dishes, recommended how much food was too much, even going as far to say that he recommended ordering slightly less than expected because he could always bring more food, but couldn't take it away. When Angie appeared to shiver towards the beginning of the meal, asked if he could turn down the air conditioning so it wasn't so cold in the restaurant.

Drinks:
The "Sleek and Structured" flight
-Coltibuono Cancelli, Tuscany, Italy 2004 --Bold, strong taste, but not harsh. Recommended.
-Panther Creek, Willamette Valley --A very sweet, mild tast. Also recommended.
-Clos La Chance Syrah, Central Coast, CA 2003 --A little harsh. Hints of licorice, which I'm not a fan of.
-Artazuri Garnacha, Navarra, Spain 2004 --Surprisingly spicy but not harsh. Definitely came with a kick to it.

Food:
-Spicy stir-fried Shitake Mushrooms with fresh lotus root and lemon-poached leek.
-Pan seared Foie Gras with fresh strawberries and rhubarb.
-Soft Shelled Crab topped with a garnish of corn and dried onions.
-Coast Style Lump Crabmeat Cakes. “X”: Zucchini, roasted red peppers & parsley with roasted red pepper rouile. “O”: Shallot citrus zest & chives with a spicy roasted red & green pepper relish & cilantro

The mushrooms were spectacular, and the foie gras was the best I have ever had. It literally melted in your mouth. The soft shelled crab was also spectacular, and left me wanting more. I'm not a fan of crabcakes, but these were also very good, with the "O" being my favorite, but Angie favoring the "X" version instead.

Total Bill with Tip:
$109.00

Overall:
This meal was amazing. To this point, it has been the best restaurant we have eaten at since moving to Chicago. There's a patio in the back with outdoor seating, and we'll have to try that.

X/O - 3441 N. Halsted - Chicago - 773/348.9696
www.xochicago.com