The Press Room.

The scene: A wintery, cold Chicago where it had just snowed 14 inches. 

The date: Feb. 9. The eve of my birthday. 

The location: The Press Room. 1134 W. Washington Blvd in the West Loop. 

I wasn't going to let a mere dusting affect my birthday celebrations last week. We settled on The Press Room - which had been on our radar. As a writer, the spot has been on my short list because its located in the former home of the Free Methodist Printing House and because it calls itself an intimate wine bar and dining destination.

We walked into the crowded, dimly lit restaurant in the bottom of the old warehouse and cozied into our seats at the bar. We settled on a bottle of the Yves Chaley pinot noir from Burgundy. There are also dozens of wine on this menu that I want to go back and try, including the Textbook Cab. 

We ordered the toast with boquerones which was served with radishes and butter (my favorite appetizer in Paris is radishes with butter so this one had me) and the duck breast atop sweet potato puree and served with braised radishes and beets.

(Photo credit: DF)

The best part of the evening was the dessert -- which is unusual for me to say because I've been known to order a few appetizers as my meal. However, when presented with the option to have the malted creme brûlée with salt flakes and a candle nestled in it, I'm going for it.

We devoured the malty, caramelized dessert and its accompanying glass of port - which was the perfect way to kick off my birthday celebrations.

When I go back to The Press Room, which will likely be soon, I'm going to try the cheese and charcuterie plates, the chicken liver mousse toast, the burrata toast, the roasted carrots and everything they created for that evening in particular.

I'd love to know: What's on your Chicago restaurant list?

xo.
Your friend,
Caroline