(Belated) Restaurant Week Review: Rhapsody

Rhapsody, albeit in a central location, was certainly a dining experience surprise. Located centrally near the Art Institute and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, this is definitely a great selection for patrons of the arts.

Restaurant Week Menu Review

First Course: Arancini Filled with prosciutto and taleggio cheese, saba, grape salad; Carpaccio of Beef, truffle potato salad, fried cipollini onions; and Grilled Smoked Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp, chick pea puree, calabrian peppers, mint
Review: While I'm a big fan of arancinis, this one was a bit disappointing, lacking in bountiful flavors although fulfilling promises of deep-fried rice. The carpaccio was definitely flavorful, but a bit too salty for my tastes, with competing flavors of aged beef and intense truffle flavor. I always prefer my truffle flavor a bit mild and freshly shaved, not enveloping every last bite. The shrimp, although beautiful, was a task to consume, with the head and tail still attached, just not a preferable presentation in my book.

Second Course:Artichoke Ravioli, provolone cheese, brown butter artichoke broth; Roasted Chicken Breast Salad, local apples, celery, hazelnuts, pecorino cheese, bibb lettuce; Nonna Zanella’s Gnocchi, braised lamb, tomatoes, rosemary, parmesan
Review: I think the surprise here was the chicken "salad". The plate came to the table with a huge hunk of chicken bedded next to a lump of cabbage. While roasted to perfection, it was an interesting presentation and preparation of a "salad". The ravioli was beautifully plated with roe added great color to a normally beige pasta dish. The gnocchi with braised lamb is what won me over, with soft gnocchi paired with the marinated braised lamb, this dish was both hearty and flavorful.

Third Course: Bombolini, custard filled doughnuts, chocolate dipping sauce; Panna Cotta, vanilla, citrus & mint salad, crispy “crepe”; Café Espresso, baked chocolate custard, espresso merginue,
vanilla gelato
Review: I had higher expectations for the bombolini, as many food critics predict the cupcake craze to be replaced with a passion by beignets. The pana cotta was a great selection to be followed by a heavy meal, with the creaminess not overtaken by the fluffy flan-like textures. The cafe espresso was the boldest of the desserts, with such rich chocolate and espresso bean flavors.

The Room: I had no idea this gem was hidden away in this space. Seemingly appearing dark and draped from the outside, the inside was surprisingly large with great open spaces, making the dining experience feel as if in a large outdoor garden. Despite the large space, the room provides a balanced atmosphere which could be great for shared business conversations during lunch, or even romantic nothings whispered over dinner before a show.