Antique Map & Wine Dinner -- Jan 16 & 17

I was browsing in the window of Ritzlin's Antique Maps on Central St. in Evanston this evening and saw an announcement for an antique map and wine dinner on January 16 and 17. I didn't write down all of the details on the street because I thought I'd find more information online (didn't), but the general idea is this:

The dinner is being offered January 16 and 17 @ 6:30pm at Jilly's Cafe, a block away from Ritzlin's Maps. I think it's three courses (I remember at least scallops and a rack of lamb), $49 + tax & gratuities which includes accompanying wines. The Ritzlins will show antique maps of wine regions. Dinner will be followed by liqueurs served at the Ritzlin gallery. Make reservations through Jilly's Cafe.

It sounds fun...

George Ritzlin Antique Maps & Prints
1937 Central St.
Evanston, Illinois 60201
847-328-1966

Jilly's Cafe
2614 Green Bay Rd.
Evanston, IL 60201
847-869-7636

(Edited to correct cost per GeorgeR's note below)

Thanks for pointing this out.

It should be noted that the inimitable George Ritzlin is an active LTHer, with the screen name GeorgeR.

nr706 wrote:It should be noted that the inimitable George Ritzlin is an active LTHer, with the screen name GeorgeR.

Wow! I had no idea...

Hi,

Thanks for the information on this dinner. I have made a reservation for myself for next Wednesday. If anyone plans to come and increase the chances we can sit together, then let them know you are from LTH.

While George is happy to talk to you, he directs you to Jilly's to make the final reservation.

Regards,

Hi and thanks very much to all for the kind words. First a minor correction. The price of the dinner is $49 + tax & gratuities which includes accompanying wines.

When we had our gallery in Ravinia we held these dinners at the Ravinia Bistro (regrettably no longer with us), and now look forward to working with Chef Brian Newkirk of Jilly's. After the entree course everyone is welcome to walk the one block to our gallery where coffee and liqueurs will be served.

Here's the menu:

Appetizer
Field greens and poached pear salad with toasted walnuts, blue cheese and raspberry vinaigrette

Poisson
Citrus dusted sea scallops with spinach timbale and tarragon beurre

Sorbet
Cassis

Entree
Herb de Provence crusted rack of lamb with Duchesse potato and natural jus

Dessert at Chez Ritzlin
Les petits fours

For reservations please call Jilly’s Café at 847-869-7636.

Thanks again.

George R wrote:Hi and thanks very much to all for the kind words. First a minor correction. The price of the dinner is $49 + tax & gratuities which includes accompanying wines.

Oops! My memory is horrible. I corrected my post above with the correct price. The menu sounds fantastic!

I just reserved for Thursday.

Cathy2 and/or nr706--

How was this? I wanted to go, but had prior commitments....

It was outstanding.George's discussion of maps and prints added a lot to the atmosphere, and I always forget how good Jilly's is. For those who haven't been, it's a small place - reminds me of Le Bouchon, but about 1/2 the size with more space between the tables. The pear poached in red wine salad, with blue cheese and walnuts, was a nice starter, accompanied by Domaine Ste Michelle brut - not great, but certainly a good way to start. The citrus-dusted scallops and spinach timbale was an outstanding dish - it's amazing how firm and meaty the dry scallops were. And the creaminess of the accompanying Markham Chardonnay matched well with the beurre blanc sauce on the timbale. Third course was a Shiraz (forgot the vineyard) with the herbed lamb - cooked rare, five meaty ribs - if it was a more casual space, I would have picked up the ribs and chewed off every little bit of meat. But as it was, I was getting filled, so I let my more refined sensibilities take over (after all, they don't get too much use).

I'd never been inside George's gallery before, but it reminded me of places I've been on Portobello Road in London. Sadly, I was too full to sample the exquisite-looking petits fours.

Considering the free-flowing wines and the quality of the meal, the $49 price (before tax and tip) was a real bargain. Hats off to Chef Brian and to George R - he really knows how to throw a party!

Tom,

Thanks so much for the kind words, but the credit really goes to Chef Brian and his staff. They did all the heavy lifting.

Several others told me how much they enjoyed the scallops. When I mentioned this to Chef Brian he said that he only gets them dry pack. He told me that wet pack scallops (shipped in brine) keep longer, but you can see the moisture coming out of them while they cook.

IIRC the Shiraz was an Australian wine -- Houghton 2004.

Thanks again,

George