I had the pleasure of going to several of Chef Paul Kahan's(AVEC/Blackbird) new establishments while in Chicago for the NRA Show this past week. I highly recommend any of them for the quality of the food and service. It seems that this group of chefs and partners has the "Midas Touch" when it comes to restaurants.
We started at the Publican on Fulton across the river on the edge of the meatpacking district. All I can say is "WOW". If you like all things pig as I do then you must try this place. We sampled the Charcuterie Plate and the Braised Pork Belly and both were well executed.they also laid down a nice, rich base foundation for all of the drinking that lie ahead that evening. The service staff was excellent and knowledgeable as well.
After a short cab ride our next stop was the Violet Hour on N. Damien in the Wicker Park neighborhood. There is kind of a funky speakeasy kind of feel to the place with the graffiti covered unmarked entrance with doorman who is very selective on who gets in.(We asked the hostess at Publican to call ahead for us) Inside offers very Gothic high backed chairs and very dim candlelight. The cocktails are very well crafted and there is a short selection of bar-snacks that includes deviled eggs and a nice little cheese plate.
It was way too "hipster" for my taste, but the drinks and snacks were fine.
We then ventured right across the street to Big Star, Chef Kahan's take on a true taqueria. The place was obviously an old gas station in it's former life but the outside tables were packed with people enjoying the warm evening.
If you like bourbon and real authentic Mexican food like you find here locally at My Patria or the Taco Trailer, then this is the place for you. It has all of your favorites and tacos with a twist as well like the Braised Pork Belly Taco or the Lamb Barbacoa served with the pot jus on the side. They offer daily drink specails as well, like $3.00 shots of Old Fitzgerald. If you go remember that they only take cash.
http://thepublicanrestaurant.com/
http://www.theviolethour.com/
http://www.centerstagechicago.com/bars/big-star.html