Proxi
For our 2nd Anniversary my wife and I went to Proxi for dinner. The restaurant lies on the border of the Loop and West Loop. It is known as the younger sibling to the famous Sepia, a michelin star legend in the city of Chicago. The two are actually connected ensuring fresh food, and oversight of it's great ownership. Interestingly enough, Proxi had just celebrated their first anniversary a few weeks before our own. It was a match made for eating :)
Ambiance:
I am terrible at describing interiors, which is typically what I let my wife do (the interior designer!). But the space was grand and beautiful. It had a classical feel, but not like I was living in the past. We sat at a high top and the chairs were comfortable. Floor to ceiling windows covering the face of the restaurant fill the room with natural light. Albeit, we went at night, but it is still nice to see people walking by. Gives a real "in the city" feel. Very hip vibe - music was mix of classic hits, hip hop, and indie rock (not loud!).
Service:
The service was great. I felt like the waiter truly knew the menu, and was consistently checking in on us to ensure we were enjoying the experience. Food came out quickly, and we did not feel rushed to finish each plate. Speaking of the food....
Food:
Tempura Elotes - This is what they are known for. It is an appetizer that Annie and I described as "classy circus food". Please do not take that the wrong way, because it was one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. The dish is sweet corn fried in a funnel cake tasting mold. It is topped with a delicious cheese sauce and melts in your mouth. If you only get one thing while you are there, get this!
Smoked Pumpkin - Annie's choice, but I loved it. They serve it with pomegranate which takes away from the dryness pumpkin can present. There is small pita provided to serve as a vessel for the spread and it is wonderful. We cleaned the dish dry!
Crispy Vietnamese Crepe - I was most looking forward to this dish and must say it was my least favorite. There was an overpowering mint flavor, and the crispiness of the crepe made the whole thing a little messy. Would stay away.
Duck Dumplings - presented in a tasty pho broth that isn't overpowering. These were fine. They were cooked properly and tasted great, but didn't blow me away like some of their other dishes. Come in set of 4.
Black Pepper Pork - I was all but ready to declared the Elotes the best dish, and then this came out. The entree is served as a "make your own" lettuce wrap, with celery and carrots, as well as soy sauce and homemade siracha. The ground pork in a bowl and has a little bit of a kick, but not too spicy. I loved every bit of it and feel it is one of my favorite dishes in Chicago.
Price:
Medium price point averaging at about $10-15 per plate, unless you get a big entree. They are not classified as a small plates restaurant but can be treated as such. Would not recommend >4-5 plates.
Overall:
A very Asian-inspired cuisine, with great flavors and unique dishes. I would highly recommend. If making a reservation for the weekend, will need to do >2weeks in advance and still will not find a time earlier than 8pm. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Ambiance:
I am terrible at describing interiors, which is typically what I let my wife do (the interior designer!). But the space was grand and beautiful. It had a classical feel, but not like I was living in the past. We sat at a high top and the chairs were comfortable. Floor to ceiling windows covering the face of the restaurant fill the room with natural light. Albeit, we went at night, but it is still nice to see people walking by. Gives a real "in the city" feel. Very hip vibe - music was mix of classic hits, hip hop, and indie rock (not loud!).
Service:
The service was great. I felt like the waiter truly knew the menu, and was consistently checking in on us to ensure we were enjoying the experience. Food came out quickly, and we did not feel rushed to finish each plate. Speaking of the food....
Food:
Tempura Elotes - This is what they are known for. It is an appetizer that Annie and I described as "classy circus food". Please do not take that the wrong way, because it was one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. The dish is sweet corn fried in a funnel cake tasting mold. It is topped with a delicious cheese sauce and melts in your mouth. If you only get one thing while you are there, get this!
Smoked Pumpkin - Annie's choice, but I loved it. They serve it with pomegranate which takes away from the dryness pumpkin can present. There is small pita provided to serve as a vessel for the spread and it is wonderful. We cleaned the dish dry!
Crispy Vietnamese Crepe - I was most looking forward to this dish and must say it was my least favorite. There was an overpowering mint flavor, and the crispiness of the crepe made the whole thing a little messy. Would stay away.
Duck Dumplings - presented in a tasty pho broth that isn't overpowering. These were fine. They were cooked properly and tasted great, but didn't blow me away like some of their other dishes. Come in set of 4.
Black Pepper Pork - I was all but ready to declared the Elotes the best dish, and then this came out. The entree is served as a "make your own" lettuce wrap, with celery and carrots, as well as soy sauce and homemade siracha. The ground pork in a bowl and has a little bit of a kick, but not too spicy. I loved every bit of it and feel it is one of my favorite dishes in Chicago.
Price:
Medium price point averaging at about $10-15 per plate, unless you get a big entree. They are not classified as a small plates restaurant but can be treated as such. Would not recommend >4-5 plates.
Overall:
A very Asian-inspired cuisine, with great flavors and unique dishes. I would highly recommend. If making a reservation for the weekend, will need to do >2weeks in advance and still will not find a time earlier than 8pm. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Rating: 4/5
Restaurant Information:
Proxi
565 West Randolph St
312-466-1950
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