By Kristina Vanni
This year I was lucky enough to celebrate New Year's in style at the extraordinary Affinia Hotel Chicago, along with the culinary offerings of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson's C-House restaurant.
The recently renovated property features custom designed guest rooms with a bi-level entry that creates a residential feeling. I immediately felt right at home, and was very pleased with the array of features offered by the hotel. My favorite was the “pillow menu” (Buckwheat, Swedish Memory, Magnetic Therapy, Sound, Down and Hypo-Allergenic) where guests are offered a la carte sleeping options.
Upon leaving the hotel to explore the Magnificent Mile and to grab some lunch at Gino’s East next door, I was greeted by the attentive and knowledgeable concierge. He offered a “fast pass” to the front of the line at the iconic pizzeria, which proved priceless as I passed by the long line of diners waiting outside in the freezing Chicago cold!
The highlight of the Affinia Chicago is chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant, C-House. After dining at his restaurant Aquavit in New York City, I eagerly anticipated the decadent New Year’s Eve menu and wine pairings.
First Course
Clam Chowder – fried clams, fingerling potatoes and lardoons
2008 Gruner Veltliner, Domaine Wachau, Austria
Warm Spinach Salad – braised baby fennel, bleeding heart radish and crispy pork rinds
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Modus Operandi, Napa Valley
Second Course
Sea Scallops – parsley root, Brussels sprouts and raisins
2005 Les Pinots D’Alsace, Bott-Geyl, Mettis, Alsace
Seared Foie Gras – black eyed peas, blood orange
2007 Condrieu, Francois Villard, Les Terrasses Du Palat, Rhone Valley
Entrée
Pan Seared John Dory – baby carrots, leeks and caviar
2006 Mersault, Thierry and Pascal Matrot, Burgundy
Swan Creek Farm Rib Eye – sliced and rolled ribeye cap, Christmas limas and black kale
2006 Bandol, Domaine Tempier, Rhone Valley
Dessert
Double Chocolate Sundae – “Coco Loco” Stout fudge sauce, salted candied pecans
Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake – blood orange granita, rosemary meringue
Along with a champagne toast, these pure, seasonal flavors were the perfect way to introduce 2010.
If you are a fellow foodie and are looking to experience the Affinia Hotel and C-House restaurant, I recommend booking the “Chicago Gourmet Package.” Not only do you receive an autographed copy of Marcus Samuelsson’s latest cookbook New American Table but also a $50 Cuisine and Cocktail credit to be used at the acclaimed C-House restaurant during dinner service.
I am looking forward to returning to the Affinia Hotel and C-House for the International Back-of-the-House Restaurant Tour during the National Restaurant Association's 2010 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event.
Note: Affinia Hotel is offering a $199 rate, available only when you book through NRA Show Official Housing. Visit the Housing & Travel section of www.restaurant.org/show to see how rates compare to last year.
wow.. how i wish i could visit that hotel too someday, when i am rich.. :D
Posted by: Pain Relief | Pain Management | January 12, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Do you have a viable business but lack the necessary finances to get it off it’s feet?
Posted by: RamonGustav | August 23, 2010 at 06:21 AM
Do you have a viable business but lack the necessary finances to get it off it’s feet?
Posted by: Music_master | September 24, 2010 at 05:08 AM
The new year is already knocking at the door, let it will bring only happiness and joy.
Posted by: Antivirus_man | December 5, 2010 at 05:34 AM