A10

A10 was a huge success from day one.  I am sure this is not due to the fact that it is pretty much the only decent upscale restaurant in Hyde Park in Chicago but that certainly didn't hurt.  When it was in the pre-opening phase we met our friend Brian who is an investor in the place and he told us where they were opening and like everyone else we said "Hyde Park?"

we agreed that given where we live and the abundance of places in our vicinity it was unlikely we would trek to the south side to go eat a meal.... however we were wrong... because tonight we are headed there for a dinner at the chef's table with Mon & Beth (the Bocuse d'Or dinner and Schwa dinner) who we met through Chris & Nina at goosefoot.

It is located on 53rd street-

in an old bank building (these photos are from their website so I am not sure if this is the actual location or the neighborhood being represented- LOL)

maybe the lobby ceiling? or maybe a building at the U of C- in the Hyde Park neighborhood...

their logo

There will be eight of us and here is the menu Chef John will be preparing for our group:

• Fried Oyster, Ramp Mignonette, Creme Fraiche, Chive
• Kohlrabi, Honeydew, Manchego, Macademia Nut
• English Pea Soup, Pistachio Gremolata, Creme Fraiche, Shoots
• Saffrom Gemelli, Cod Roe, Sun Dried Tomato
• Wood Fired Strip Steak Au Poivre, Double Fried Frites
• Ricotta Donut, Fennel, Blueberry, Honey

A10 is named for the autoroute along the Mediterranean in the south of France so the cooking is influenced by provencal dishes and some italian as well... the reviews have been slobbery about the place (so desperately needed in an area seriously underserved by higher end cuisine) so tonight we will get to sample the food and service of A10 and will add to this post once we return from our experience-