MK

When my Dad and I started our monthly Chicago dinner ritual in May of 2008, we started with MK. This contemporary American restaurant has become a Chicago staple. The modern space opened in 2004 has stayed true to its roots by continually introducing unique flavors... without forgetting the importance of the "local farmer." And the quality is just outstanding.

In thinking about the structure of our restaurant exploration, we decided that it may be a good idea to repeat a great dinner ever year or so...so for our December 2009 monthly dinner, it made sense to re-visit MK.

Upon meeting our waitress, my Dad prompted me to share my gluten allergy (which still slightly embarrasses me). The waitress, to my surprise, starting rattling off all the things that she and the Chef would do to insure that I did not have any gluten in any of my dishes in addition to making sure that the food was not cross contaminated as well.

I ended up ordering all my dishes off the special menu. I had a superb pumpkin soup, venison (very lean, perfect medium rare) w/ chocolate sauce and a trio of creme brulee's (cinnamon, dark chocolate, maple syrup). With the meal we enjoyed a Burgundy that complemented both my venison and my Dad's white fish.

And, finally, I can't forget to mention dessert #2. MK likes to end everyone's meal with dessert, regardless of if you had just finished your actual dessert 5 minutes before. My meal was successfully gluten free, but they really stepped it up a notch when they delivered my gluten-free dessert #2. Pure joy and love was pouring out of me when I received this amazing gift of sugar.

Another successful monthly dinner. Great food. Great conversation. Thank you MK...and Dad.