With the sun setting over the city, the view from our table at Everest on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange was nothing less than spectacular. It was the perfect start to an incredible meal at this acclaimed Jean Joho restaurant. The menu and wine list are inspired by Joho’s roots in Alsace, France and brought to mind the legendary André Soltner from Lutece in New York City also from that region of France.

The dining room is bright and airy with high ceilings covered in a white flowing fabric to resemble clouds. Tables are positioned to take full advantage of the magnificent views. Beautiful flower arrangements and stunning artwork featuring the works of Ivo Soldini, Adam Seigal, Cavalier Virginio L. Ferrari and Tim Anderson complete a picture of elegance and style.

We began with a roasted Maine lobster in Alsace gewurztraminer butter and ginger and Maine peekytoe crab with celery root Granny Smith apple rémoulade. Entrees were a delicious filet of venison with wild huckleberries and Alsace knepfla (a kind of dumpling) and an amazing hazelnut crusted skate wing in a brown butter caper emulsion. For dessert we chose a “Selection of Five Chocolate Tastes” paired with a 2007 Banyuls, M. Chapoutier and a “Composition of Ice Creams and Sorbets” that was paired with a 2009 Moscato d’Asti, San Giuliano.

The wine list has some 350 choices and is considered by many to have the finest selection of Alsace wines in the world. We took full advantage and had the sommelier pair each course with a glass of wine from that region.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT
A gorgeous dining room and amazing views from the 40th floor make this one of Chicago’s most romantic restaurants.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
AAA Five  Diamond Award
Forbes Four Star Award
Relais & Chateau Restaurant

“Unmatched” views from the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange set the backdrop for a “grown-up dining experience” at this “elegant” Loop “classic”, luring “high-fliers” with chef Jean Joho’s “finely turned out” French “haute cuisine” and a “wine list that fills a binder”; it all comes at the price you’d expect, but “over-the-top”, “white-glove” service helps make it “truly memorable.” ZAGAT