Monday, May 16, 2011

The perfect pair for a night on the town

...And I'm not talking about winter boots or heels. I'm talking about Sable Kitchen and Bar and Hubbard Inn.

Sable Kitchen and Bar

Head Chef: Heather Terhune
505 N. State street {State +Illinois}

{Sable has an extensive lounge + bar space. The mixologists create a verbose and confusing menu, but offer an easy to follow explanation of the concoctions}

{Bison shortrib sliders with root beer glaze. Two bites (one for diners with mouths the size of Steven Tyler's) of perfection}

{Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with bleu cheese}
Other highlights at Sable were the mini wild mushroom veggie burgers with red onion jam and goat cheesemini tuna tartar tostadas topped with
spicy tomato salsa and meyer lemon crema, and the braised pork belly flatbread covered in apples, melted white cheddar cheese, and chipotle barbecue sauce.
The service was timely, informative and accommodating. Most of the appetizers and small plates come out with 4 of something on a plate (as pictured, see the dates above); our server took note that we were a party of 5 and made the necessary changes to the kitchen so that everything would come out in 5s.
Attempting to navigate the confusing cocktail book, this was not a list- it was a book, on your own is ill-advised. It is virtually impossible to successfully choose on your own cocktail unless you close your eyes and point on a random page. All of the specialty cocktails were generously portioned and well-conceived. A stand-out cocktail was the Hemingway Daiquiri (fruit-like, sweet, yet maintained considerable depth).
Hubbard Inn
110 W. Hubbard ave {Hubbard + North of Clark}
Only 2 blocks away is Hubbard Inn, opened earlier this February. 22 craft beers on tap, a giant cocktail list, and 8,000 square feet of elegantly poised european-esque booths and tables makes for an excellent upscale watering hole. Antique leather bound books, 18th century paintings, and tall wooden chairs inhabit the massive space. Without feeling overcrowded or overdone, attention to detail was mastered. The bartenders were highly skilled and happy to mix-up a taste of something you're unsure of in order to please- despite a line of thirsty patrons. Best part, there's a menu too. I will definitely  be going back. Review to come.
If The Publican and Old Town Social got together, their ideal melding would be Hubbard Inn.

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