oENOology or Eno

Eno is a newish wine bar in the InterContinental on Michigan Ave. I settled in at Eno for a few glasses last Sunday. It was a welcome respite from the rain and wind.

The decor is dark with communal tables and a nice bar. The stools are comfortable. The focus is wine served on its own or with cheese or chocolates. The two servers/bartenders were clearly well trained and interested in their jobs. We had a nice chat as they were eager to discuss their favorite wines, cheeses and local restaurants. They were tasting some new cheeses and trying to come up with pairings when I was there and they were kind enough to give me samples of the new cheeses (truffled ricotta and dolce gorgonzola).

To drink, I started with the pink bubbles flight which included an M. Lawrence Brut Rose (California/Michigan), Gran Sarao Brut Rose (Penede, Spain) and a Mionetta "Sergio" Rose (Italy). I have had these sparklers individually, but thought it would be fun to compare them side by side. I followed up the flight with a few glasses of the M. Lawrence Brut Rose as that was by far my favorite of the group (nice balance and crisp finish).

Based on its convenient location, affable and efficient service and varied wine list, I would definitely duck back into this spot after a hard day walking Michigan Avenue or before dinner somewhere in the area. I thought the wine selection, service and ambiance was a lot better than necessary for this type of establishment (i.e. a bar connected to a hotel).

The servers told me that another Eno has opened in the Fairmont, but that location serves food to cater to hotel breakfast and lunch needs.

Eno or oENOology
InterContinental Chicago
505 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

My only real complaint, from my one time I was there is that I can't understand how a place dedicated to serving cheese serves their cheese ice cold.

Ice cold cheese? Yuck. My tastes were room temperature. Next time I stop in I will make it a point to order some cheese just to see if they have fixed this issue.

jpschust wrote:My only real complaint, from my one time I was there is that I can't understand how a place dedicated to serving cheese serves their cheese ice cold.

I'm thinking this was a fluke, as I've been there several times and the cheeses and chocolates are all at the proper temperatures for best flavor.