NAHA

On the corner of Clark and Illinois in River North you can find a small gem of a restaurant called NAHA. With a name like NAHA, you would think that you would be in for some type of international cuisine, but the name comes from the cousin duo that created this restaurant...Carrie and Michael Nahabedien. According to their website, they describe their menu as American cuisine with Mediterreanian influences (I'd say 90/10).

From start to finish, the meal was superb. Our waiter was this sweet man who was so attentive that it almost freaked me out a bit. I say almost because now that I need my waiter to be conscious about my gluten allergy...I'll take a little too much attention.

For me, the perfect meal starts with a light fish appetizer and a glass of white wine. Then I like to move on to something more bold...some type of red meat paired with red wine. My Dad joked the other day that cows start to weep when they find out I'm heading out to dinner. And lastly, I have never ended a meal with out something sweet. Becoming gluten free has limited my dessert choices, but that has not discouraged my habit one bit.

Appetizer:
Large Scallops from the Gulf of Maine roasted with Vanilla Bean, Citrus and Spices, La Quercia Prosciutto "Americano", Glazed Belgian Endive and Seckel Pears, Candied Grapefruit Rind and Spearmint

Entree: (had the Farro removed since they contain gluten)
Roast Loin of Ranch Venison, Golden Chanterelles, Italian Farro and Crosnes, garnet Yam Puree and Huckleberries

Dessert:
Candy Cane Ice Cream

Beyond the great staff, food, and interior design...I loved that the place was full. With the current state of the economy, it's not often that you experience a meal in packed restaurant on a weekday. The energy can really make a meal.