Alinea

Alinea is known as one of the best restaurants in all of the world.  Claiming 3 Michelin Stars, it has reached the highest status possible.  Ever since I have moved to Chicago, I have wanted to eat here, but never really had the time or money to make it possible.  Due to it's fame and reputation, Alinea is very expensive and very exclusive.  Reservations must be made months in advance, and you pay for the entire meal the day you book your experience.  My dad has been hounding me for years to take him and my mom to the restaurant, but every time I have gone to get a table they have chickened out.  The modern technique and unique style can be intimidating for anyone.  But this past April, we finally did it.  Let's just say, they don't disappoint.

The Alinea menu is constantly changing, and due to how long I have waited to create this review I will not do my typical plate by plate notes.  I will instead explain the joy of the restaurant.  This was the greatest dining experience I have ever been a part of.  Everything is 5 star.  From the service to the presentation, it is spectacular.  Each person involved in your meal (yes even the people that serve your water and clear your plates) is very knowledgable of what you are eating.  This is very important, because the dishes are quite involved and can be overwhelming to understand.  They take pride in their work and it shows through the entire meal.  The food is unlike anything I have ever tasted, and filled with great surprises that touched on all senses.  Plainly, it was the best meal of my life.

The great knock on Alinea is the price, and I get that.  However, people go to sporting events and concerts and spend hundreds of dollars.  Expenses of similar nature in that it's something you can't keep or hold onto.  Restaurants of this caliber are no different.  They are the super bowl of cuisine and deserve to be cherished as such.  The ingredients being used, the training required, and the perfection demonstrated DESERVES this price point.  And I will defend that belief to anyone.  Cooking is art, and I appreciate what Grant Achatz and his staff at Alinea have accomplished.  I will absolutely return, just need to save up again :)  

Photo Credit: Me (the cover of their book!)

Rating: 5/5

Restaurant Information:

1723 N Halstead

Chicago, IL 60614

Book reservations via their website: https://www.alinearestaurant.com