Graham Elliot Bistro, Chicago

Graham Elliot Bistro, Chicago ~ 4-Star and Celebrity Chef Graham Elliot signature restaurant in Chicago, Graham Elliot Bistro, is renowned for its rustically modern, yet cozy atmosphere and a menu that is always fresh and updated.

Today’s post has been written by the lovely Darla Bentley. Darla runs a successful travel business, Blue Breeze Travel, and specializes in food travel. She herself travels frequently and was willing to share an article about her recent jaunt in Chicago to the famed Graham Elliot Bistro. Lucky us! Thank you Darla!
As proclaimed by Chicago’s mayor, Rahm Emanuel, September 19th is Graham Elliot Day. Chicago and the rest of world have good reason to fall in love with Graham. At age 27, he became the youngest 4 star chef in any major city. He’s a celebrity chef, TV personality, restaurateur, and the holder of countless awards and accolades. His personal warmth, signature white glasses, and snazzy sense of style make him both likeable and approachable.Graham Elliot Bistro is in the heart of the West Loop dining district (841 W Randolph Street) on Chicago’s Restaurant Row. What started as a rock-meets-spirituality-meets-food restaurant, where one was uncertain of how to dress, has now become a smart, casual bistro that is welcoming and friendly.  It is now a relaxed neighborhood favorite.

Earlier this year, Graham teamed up with DMK Restaurant giving GEB a facelift, resulting in a space that feels urban-sophisticated, yet laid-back and casual. The patio is an auspicious and intimate space where the evening air brings with it a fun and sexy ambience.The first cocktail sets the mood and escalates the anticipation for an imaginative meal. A must-try cocktail during the hot months is the Summer’s Persuasion, a refreshing vodka drink with a light touch of guava and lime. The cocktail menu is a superb collection of classic, twisted, and traditional drinks along with fun variety of (mostly local) beer. For those who would rather enjoy a glass of wine, there is also a small but diverse wine list.  The New American fare is fresh and derived locally, when possible.  The appetizer-sized plates are meant to be shared, which adds to the intimacy of the experience. The ever-changing menu consists of nineteen to twenty-five savory dishes to choose from, including several that are Graham Elliot originals.

The Milk and Honey is a symphony of salty burrata, sweet honeycomb and peppery arugula topped with ciabatta toast.

The Filet Mignon Stroganoff is a bed of toasted Späetzle and forest mushrooms topped with a cooked-to-perfection filet.

There are typically four to six items on the dessert menu. A traditional crème brulée is always a winning choice. A Graham original in the form of a banana split with candied hazelnuts and pretzel crumb is a local favorite. Even the ice-cream float is tantalizing and fun with your choice of Mexican Coke, blood orange, or root beer.  The incredibly talented Graham has left the MasterChef and MasterChef Junior reality shows, but there are rumors that he’s planning to find his way back to the kitchen at Graham Elliot Bistro, by the end of the year.  With the gloriously open kitchen and cozy setting in the Bistro, one is certain to see his talent at work. Keep watching for news that he’s back in the kitchen! And if another project keeps him from the pass at Graham Elliot Bistro, be sure to stop by anyway and check out the facelift and the always amazing food.

Thank you for sharing!