The Chicago Traveler

Chicago is well-known for its pizzas and beefs, but we’re a lot more than just fast food. Take Brasserie Ruhlmann steakhouse for example. This four-star establishment in River North (just east of the Freedom Center) makes dinner more than a meal; it’s an event.

People from New York City may recognize the name; the eatery is a spin-off of a restaurant by the same name at Rockefeller Center. With a mosaic floor, grand floral arrangements, and red-plush seating, Brasserie Ruhlmann is dressed to the nines. Up to 500 guests can fill the 10,000 square feet (929 m²) of space at a time.

The menu offers French classics that cater to just about every taste, from mussels to pork chops to salmon to duck. The bouillabaisse is full of texture and flavor, while steaks like the New York strip and charbroiled rib eye are juicy and perfectly cooked. Feeling extravagant? Pair your filet mignon with one pound (450 g) of lobster, or order the chateaubriand for two. Of course, you can’t finish such an elegant evening with dessert. The raspberry Napoleon, apple tarte delouvrier, and profiteroles are incomparable.

It just goes to show that Chicago can do a lot more with beef than just put it on a bun.

Brasserie Ruhlmann ($$$): 500 W Superior St; 312-494-1900
Reservations recommended several days in advance
Brunch
Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Lunch
Mon – Fri: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner
Mon – Thurs: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 5:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sun: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 66
http://www.brasserieruhlmannch.com/