It’s the end of an era in Chicago–Charlie Trotter’s is shuttering after 25 years. I would go on and on listing all the honors, all the accolades it’s received over the years, but nothing beats experiencing it yourself, and I’ve been lucky enough to do exactly that.
Of course, it was an eye-opening delight. Spring onion with Indonesian vanilla, wild ramps, fiddlehead ferns and chives. Marcona almond risotto with green almonds and red wine. Meyer lemon with toasted brioche ice cream and caraway meringue. It’s been three years, but out of eight incredible, innovative vegetarian courses, one of the desserts has stuck in my mind the best: olive oil ice cream with a rich, dark chocolate sauce and cherries.
