The Lobby at the Peninsula

Recently there was a conversation about The Lobby within a more general thread, but I was not able to find a thread dedicated to this venue. I just dined here tonight for my first time and was really impressed. A couple months ago in New York I had the whole roasted chicken at the NoMad (Chef Lee Wolen of the Lobby used to work at NoMad's sister venue, Eleven Madison Park) and loved the dish (it is prepared with a foie gras and black truffle stuffing under the skin resulting in extraordinarily juicy meat, wonderful flavors and aromas and crispy skin). At the NoMad our server (who was from Chicago) spoke about the Lobby and mentioned the chef there came from EMP and is doing a similar version of this dish. The current incarnation at the Lobby is prepared the same way but with different ingredients (no foie gras or truffle - but same result of really juicy meat, great aromas and flavors). There is still a spring theme to the dish with ramps and morel mushrooms. This was outstanding as was my appetizer (octopus with smoked ham and lime) and dessert (a coconut custard with black sesame, candied yuzu, citrus cake and sorbet). Everything was perfectly cooked, high quality ingredients, beautifully presented, and nice contrast of flavors and textures.

I was really impressed with the service - perfect mix of polished and attentive yet down to earth. All three courses were outstanding. A new pastry chef just came on board a couple of days ago (the prior chef's dishes are still on the menu for now); I believe the new chef just moved to Chicago from France (I may have heard this wrong). Portions were fairly generous and with all the extras (amuse bouche, bread service - a bacon brioche bun was my favorite of the three offerings, mignardises and a take home cake) the Lobby is an incredible value in fine dining. We had been intending to stay for the chocolate buffet but were far too full from our three courses to partake. I definitely plan to come back soon; my meal was so incredible I may just order the same three courses (something I rarely do) but also want to try the tasting menu (five courses for $85 which they customize based on your preferences).

To answer a couple questions from the prior thread; the chocolate buffet is now 9:00pm to Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays; it is normally $40 but it is just $20 if you order at least two courses at the Lobby. I also agree that while the space itself is beautiful (there was live music playing softly in the background, large windows looking out at the city, vast ceilings), it did however at times have a hotel vibe (there was a wedding at the hotel that evening so wedding guests were frequently walking by in large droves; also being a hotel restaurant there definitely is a far more diverse range of patrons than at a typical fine dining venue). Nevertheless for me this was a very minor detraction; the food and service were so fantastic that my wife and I were wowed and plan to return soon.

The Lobby at the Peninsula
108 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-2888
http://www.peninsula.com/Chicago/en/Din ... The_Lobby/

I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. I had several of the courses that you did.

Here's a photo of the chicken in question...in its spring incarnation:


and the dark meat served alongside:


The chicken is a very generous portion, but I would still order appetizers, since they are all so good. I especially loved the spring salad and riccota gnudi:



I haven't tried the octopus Gonzo mentioned though. I did love the coconut custard with yuzu and black sesame:


I also found the Lobby to be a great value in fine dining, and look forward to returning soon myself. Service is near the best in the city and the live music that they have, even on weekdays, sets the restaurant apart. When I dined there, they had a cellist and violinist as a duet playing classical riffs on pop songs which I really enjoyed. It was fun to try to guess which songs they were playing throughout our meal.