In Love With Chicago: Trencherman

Finally got the chance to try brothers and co-owners, Patrick and Michael Sheerin's Trencherman. On paper it's your typical small plates, new American comfort food dining experience; a dime a dozen in the city if you will. In real life though, it's much much much more than that. I literally was blown away by a few of their plates.

For starters, the design takes it to the next level from the minute you walk in the door. Kevin Heisner, the design guru who has been the mastermind behind Bar DeVille, Nightwood, Banger and Lace, The Anthem, Publican, Big Star, Violet Hour (wow!) really out did himself with the romantic, but rustic interior of the converted bath house space. The details are really what set them apart.

Now the food. Pickle Tots.Yeahhhh, those other new American comfort food copy-cat restaurants don't have Pickle Tots. Fried pickles with red onion yogurt and the most delicately shaved chicken bresaloa to accent. Bomb.com. Patrick and Michael have really taken their previous posts at Blackbird and the Signature Room and created a monster in the dishes that they prepare. And again, it comes down to the details. We also ordered an array of equally delicious appetizers, greens and proteins and of course left room for dessert. There's always room for dessert and this was no exception as the donuts and ice cream simply melted in my mouth. I even have good things to comment on the service, which is rare, because I personally value good food over good service any day. Anyway, I told our waiter that my guests were from out of town so he treated us with a taster of Malort, which is a bask brannvin, a distilled drink made by Jeppson's of Chicago, and is the only brand made in the US. Not my cup of tea, but a great gesture for sure.

Trencherman is one of the best new spots in the city and if you don't believe me let the press speak for itself! I can't wait to head back there as the menu changes seasonally, as most places do.

And don't forget that it's super easy to get to by El, cab, car, foot, scooter, Uber, bike. Spitting distance from the Damen blue line stop and located in the best food city in the country. That's right.

The. Best.