We were there Friday night. I am willing to say parts of it were probably the most delicious bistro food I've ever had, but I think it missed the bar of "exquisite," which is what I would expect, and have enjoyed, at that price point in Chicago. The amuse bouche chicken custard with crispy skin was phenomenal; potato leek soup too heavy on the cream for my tastes; vol-au-vent with lobster quite lovely (an upcharge) and the onion tart on the standard menu very tasty; skate wing quite special and served on the bone; turbot (which I subbed for the lamb, another up charge) was utterly unacceptably bony - like 18 bones in my little 2x3 square of fish, but sunchokes nice; desserts not remarkable. Mixed beverage pairing was frustratingly devoid of wine - we were served an armagnac manhattan for what should have been a red wine glass with last course. Dining companions subbed veal for lamb and enjoyed it; lamb itself did not seem at all appealing. We were tempted by the duck but basically offended at the premise that it was worth $136 more than the portion of the original ticket that covered the lamb course. In the end we were all rather disconcerted by the value equation, but really liked most of what we ate.

Searched the boards but didn't see anything about the current menu. Anyone been and what did you think? Hits? Misses?

Several reviews up the board on the 2nd and 3rd page of this thread aviva.

Some good deals on tickets recently on Craigslist for those still looking to try Bistro: http://chicago.craigslist.org/search/ti ... ery=bistro

thanks, Hopped. We are going tonight. Have had the tickets for weeks. I have to say after reading the thread Im a bit apprehensive. I liked the post indicating that many, like me, have long forgotten the money I paid for the 2 tickets, and so the upcharges, at least the cheaper ones, won't sound so terrible. As this will be our first Next experience I have been looking forward to a blow your mind experience. I think I'll take the comments about some of the dishes (skate sometimes too salty) and go from there. I have no previous menus/experiences to compare it with, so am just planning to enjoy.

Went last night. The menu was exactly as described by others. My husband had the standard menu. The onion tart was a mixed review. Ok but it really was like onion soup minus the broth. A very strong onion flavor. His lamb was extremely rare. Like the rare when its got that weird texture when you try and cut it. He ate it and it was quite good, but I think it was under. I substituted the escargot for the tart, and the beef tournedos for the lamb. The beef was wonderful, with a good shaving of truffle tableside. (5 g is what she said it was). The escargot were small and somewhat flavorless. The pull apart bread tho that comes with it was fantastic. I'd for sure not do them again. We both had the banana dessert, which was really good. They dont mention the raisins that are in it. For those, like me, who think raisins belong in little red boxes and not in food, keep that in mind.

Overall it was a nice experience. We paid for the upcharges plus a bourbon with tip added in $100. plus what was prepaid for the 2 tickets. Worth that? Hard to say that. The table next to us was a family, mom, dad and 2 young teens. They had upcharges almost each person, and at the kids had non alcoholic pairings. I think they were regulars, from what I heard a bit from the waiter. In any case, worth 1000$ ? Id say not.

Also, thought the non-alcoholic pairing is what comes standard, but apparently it isnt. I looked just now and see water is standard. Dont remember that being the case tho when I bought the tickets. Anway, would go back for what might be a really special sounding menu in the future. Not sure this one worth it, especially adding extras.

note: did see one duck preparation. Pretty impressive, and probably quite tasty.

"Do you think with a financial statement like that you can have the duck?" Not me, anyway.

aviva5675 wrote:Also, thought the non-alcoholic pairing is what comes standard, but apparently it isnt. I looked just now and see water is standard. Dont remember that being the case tho when I bought the tickets. Anway, would go back for what might be a really special sounding menu in the future. Not sure this one worth it, especially adding extras.

I believe that water has been the standard from day 1 and non-alcoholic pairings have always been an add-on.

chgoeditor wrote:

aviva5675 wrote:Also, thought the non-alcoholic pairing is what comes standard, but apparently it isnt. I looked just now and see water is standard. Dont remember that being the case tho when I bought the tickets. Anway, would go back for what might be a really special sounding menu in the future. Not sure this one worth it, especially adding extras.

I believe that water has been the standard from day 1 and non-alcoholic pairings have always been an add-on.

Correct, water service has always been included since day one, but non-alcoholic have always cost additional (and rather pricey IMHO for juice/tea/soda). For one menu pairings were required (El Bulli - and the price was the same for non-alcoholic and alcohol laden) and for the third menu this year it is one price only with wine included in the price (i.e. you are paying for the wine pairings whether you drink them or not).

Tickets are sold, thanks!

Has anyone had the opportunity to dine with the new tapas menu yet? I would love to hear a review as tickets are still available with some early or late tables at $80.

I stopped by on Saturday for their new outdoor tapas bar. I've been a big complainer about their concept change since the original Paris (from fine dining at an affordable price to simply fine dining). However there is absolutely no denying how good the food is that comes out of that kitchen. We only had a few things since we had already eaten ("2nd dinner!"): Jamon Iberico, pork belly bocadillo, spanish cheese cake ($12 each). To drink, we had a bottle of basque cider ($17 for 750mL), and gin and tonic (I think $12). I really wanted a glass of sherry with the dessert, but they said they wouldn't do that outside...I don't know why?

As far as the food goes, the jamon was served both on a slice of bread with tomatoes, and by itself. It was wonderfully salty & fatty, and somehow the tomatoes tasted straight out of August. The bread was the star in the bocadillo: Charred on the outside so the crust separated from the soft and chewy interior. The cheese cake had just the right amount of amount of caramel bitterness to round it.

All in all if you aren't going to eat the full tapas menu, I would definitely encourage you to try the outdoor bar.

For those interested in seeing more of the Tapas dishes, this post has some pics and descriptions.

http://grosstravelchronicles.blogspot.c ... -2015.html

bnl wrote:I stopped by on Saturday for their new outdoor tapas bar. I've been a big complainer about their concept change since the original Paris (from fine dining at an affordable price to simply fine dining). However there is absolutely no denying how good the food is that comes out of that kitchen. We only had a few things since we had already eaten ("2nd dinner!"): Jamon Iberico, pork belly bocadillo, spanish cheese cake ($12 each). To drink, we had a bottle of basque cider ($17 for 750mL), and gin and tonic (I think $12). I really wanted a glass of sherry with the dessert, but they said they wouldn't do that outside...I don't know why?

As far as the food goes, the jamon was served both on a slice of bread with tomatoes, and by itself. It was wonderfully salty & fatty, and somehow the tomatoes tasted straight out of August. The bread was the star in the bocadillo: Charred on the outside so the crust separated from the soft and chewy interior. The cheese cake had just the right amount of amount of caramel bitterness to round it.

All in all if you aren't going to eat the full tapas menu, I would definitely encourage you to try the outdoor bar.

Can you (or someone) clarify this for me--can you show up at Next sans reservation and order drinks and food a la carte?

chezbrad wrote:

bnl wrote:I stopped by on Saturday for their new outdoor tapas bar. I've been a big complainer about their concept change since the original Paris (from fine dining at an affordable price to simply fine dining). However there is absolutely no denying how good the food is that comes out of that kitchen. We only had a few things since we had already eaten ("2nd dinner!"): Jamon Iberico, pork belly bocadillo, spanish cheese cake ($12 each). To drink, we had a bottle of basque cider ($17 for 750mL), and gin and tonic (I think $12). I really wanted a glass of sherry with the dessert, but they said they wouldn't do that outside...I don't know why?

As far as the food goes, the jamon was served both on a slice of bread with tomatoes, and by itself. It was wonderfully salty & fatty, and somehow the tomatoes tasted straight out of August. The bread was the star in the bocadillo: Charred on the outside so the crust separated from the soft and chewy interior. The cheese cake had just the right amount of amount of caramel bitterness to round it.

All in all if you aren't going to eat the full tapas menu, I would definitely encourage you to try the outdoor bar.

Can you (or someone) clarify this for me--can you show up at Next sans reservation and order drinks and food a la carte?

You can for the outdoor sidewalk patio (weather permitting). You can not have the full meal there though, there are about 6-7 different food items you can order a la carte and a few drinks (food was all priced $12 when I went Saturday). No sitting, but tables made from whiskey barrels with umbrellas you stand up to and dine at. Fun concept for enjoying a snack outside on a nice day but not really meant for a full meal, unless a light one IMHO.

I had not been to Next since the inaugural year, and I've avoided opportunities to go because I just didn't think it was delivering value at its price point.

A friend was in from out of town and there was one seat open at the table so I went to the Tapas menu over the weekend, with moderate expectations. I have to say that I really enjoyed the menu more than I thought I would. There was definitely a lot of creativity on display (some enhanced the dish and some seemed to be creativity for creativity's sake - but that is par for the course with modernist restaurants). But overall, there was some very tasty and delicious food. I split a pairing which I also thought worked quite well.

We paid full freight. I would absolutely consider this menu at the $80 price point.

Can anyone who has been to the tapas dinner please tell me about how long the dinner lasted? We are very excited to be going on Wednesday, but hoping not to run into hockey traffic when we get on the expressway.

Almost 3 hours for us.

It was enjoyable but disappointed by how salty a lot of the dishes were. I'm all for flavor, but there's no arguing that the dishes were way overly salted. Also, service was much more amateur than I'd ever experienced before, although endearing/fine - just rougher around the edges. Also didn't recognize any faces like I had at previous menus.

I went to the Tapas dinner on May 24th. It was approximately two hours and we followed the dinner up with a couple of drinks downstairs in The Office. The Tapas dinner reminded me a lot of Sicily (familiar, approachable) which was probably my #2 favorite next dinner, only surpassed by Trio. It was pretty rustic at points as well as classic and modernist at points, too. I really liked the food. It was absolutely classic Next. There were some familiar favorites like el Bulli olives and Jamon Iberico, and then there were some Alinea-like dishes with a theatrical aspect - can of mussels that you have to open and serve yourself, pork belly w/ romesco sauce and charred bread with a fire element. I did find a couple of bites a bit salty but overall thought the food was very tasty and do intend on returning for this menu (I do not return for every menu).

This menu is well worth the money - our tickets were $212 with no pairing. I added on the non-alcoholic beverage pairing. N/A pairings at Next have been hit or miss. My favorite N/A pairing til now was Sicily, this blew it out of the water though. The entire progression was so reminiscent of a true wine pairing.

Last night I went to the walk up patio and had a couple of dishes. Everything is $12 as far as food goes. They are substantial composed dishes as well; they are not dainty or one bite courses. I left full as if I'd had a small/moderate meal. Some of what's available inside is available on this menu, some is not. There was no one else there around 9:00pm until I left around 9:40. The hostess said there was a considerable number of people beforehand. I'm told the pork sandwich is the hit here. I didn't have it though.

I think all in all, this is one of the most approachable Next menus in a while. I like the more relaxed, rolled up sleeves Next quite a bit. It was a great menu. I imagine this one will go down in the books as a favorite of many.

how filling was the meal? i may have one night in chicago in a few weeks and am considering an early dinner at intro and a late dinner at next.

streaksinthesky wrote:how filling was the meal? i may have one night in chicago in a few weeks and am considering an early dinner at intro and a late dinner at next.

That sounds like a lot of food! While I have not dined at Next: Tapas, I went to Intro then the sidewalk cafe at Next, and that was the perfect amount. I ate about a third of the bocadillo and a couple of forkfills of other things at Next just to taste, and was then full. IMO, the only thing missing at this incarnation of Intro was a hearty protein (say, even 3 oz of beef or lamb or pork), so a few bites at Next filled the space. Two tasting menus in one night might be a fun thing to post on social media, but you certainly won't "need" that much food. If, on the other hand, you are trying to cram two nights of Chicago dining into one, and you're willing to be stuffed, you could probably handle it. Another option would be to combine Next with other Chicago specials within walking distance, such as oysters and pork rinds at Publican, chorizo-stuffed dates at Avec, a seafood tower or the roast chicken at Maude's, or a burger at Au Cheval.

honestly i was trying to decide between the two and got the idea that maybe i could do both...i do have a pretty good appetite but realize i will certainly not NEED that much food. i have been to chicago several times and have done all of those other things you mentioned (save for the maude's tower), but am just intrigued by both of these menus.

Two tasting menus in a row like that might be a bit too much. It's a decently rich meal at points, there's a good quantity of rich foods (pork, egg omelette, beef, chocolate..). I don't know if I could handle doing Intro as well.

If you were dead-set on doing it, I'd skip lunch, get the earliest reservation possible at Intro and a late reservation at Next (10:15-10:30). That could potentially work...

I'd like to report that the Bocadillo they serve on the patio is absolutely awesome. It is shredded/pulled pork belly with machengo cheese and sea salt on top. They also do this sandwich to-go; cold and wrapped in foil so that you can heat it up at home.

You can get this on the patio at Next on fair-weather summer nights and it lasts until September 6th.

$12.

I just want to say that Tapas was our first experience with Next and really fantastic at that price. I say this as a couple that is fairly critical of fine dining in general after being constantly disappointed by it. The only miss was the steak and spanish tortilla course which was incredibly boring on top of not being executed that well.

Is there any place to see what they are offering outside the tasting menu?

Photo is around the interwebs somewhere, but the jist is as follows:

Cold:
Several flatbreads w/ various kinds of toppings (I had anchovy and olive, there's also a purple cauliflower one, I think one of them is a chorizo and pea).
Jamon Iberico (served two ways for one order: on toast w/ tomato tartare and just plain)
pulpo gallego (cold octopus salad)

Hot:
Pork Belly & Machengo Bocadillo w/ sea salt
Oxtail and Celery Salad
Egg, Potato, and Onion Tortilla
Patatas Bravas

Dessert:
Basque Cheesecake

Drinks:
several different types of Txakoli
Domestic & Basque cider
Aviary James Beer
Gin & Tonic (highly reccomended; it is absolutely fantastic!)

ALL food items are $12/ea, beverages are varying prices. My personal opinion is that the pork bocadillo is the best item on the menu but all are very good. I had been twice to the patio without getting the bocadillo; that was obviously a mistake. Some of these items are unique to the patio and are not served inside. Some are shared with the inside menu.

There is space on the patio for about 30 people. Reservations are not required or accepted. There is no seating and it is very casual. I'd recommend the patio if you are looking for a quick bite. You will likely not spend your entire evening here. You could do a really fun 1-2 punch of Next Patio followed by Aviary Patio, or vice-versa.

Lastly, unless you are a monster/land shark, I would not consider the patio before or after the full experience inside, past having a drink. I can EAT, and I don't think I'd be able to handle any more food after the dining room.

Thanks Lichter, I will definitely have to try that sandwich!

Out of curiosity, is there something about the tortilla (size or preparation) that could help justify the $12 price tag? A lot of what Next does is reinterpret (or even use superior ingredients), which in my opinion can justify a higher price tag. But at $12, we're at or exceeding Vegas strip tapas prices . . . something I never thought possible here.

BR wrote:Out of curiosity, is there something about the tortilla (size or preparation) that could help justify the $12 price tag? A lot of what Next does is reinterpret (or even use superior ingredients), which in my opinion can justify a higher price tag. But at $12, we're at or exceeding Vegas strip tapas prices . . . something I never thought possible here.

On size and prep, no: the portion is modest; it looks like any other tortilla espanola. It all comes down to whether you find more thoughtful, more technically skilled preparations are worth such a price; the same is true of the gin and tonic here. I didn't find anything on the outside menu "mind blowing," but I will say that there was care to the food--from the floral focus of the g&t to the sharp use of briny flavors on the sardine coco I had--that is hard to find elsewhere.

I can say that the spanish tortilla is not worth 12 dollars, not just on size but on taste. It is completely unremarkable.

I have 2 tickets for Next on 5 September at 6:15pm. This is for the tapas prix fixe. One of the tickets includes a $110 reserve wine pairing. The total with taxes and service charge is $464.10.

Please reply if interested.

Thanks,

Andy

Interesting that Next finally seems to be accommodating odd numbered party sizes on select nights for same/next day tickets (as per their recent posts on Facebook with information on available tables).