Last December, I had an opportunity to visit the opening of a very slick venue in downtown Chicago – a place called Dine Restaurant. I was quite impressed by the entire evening. At the opening, there were the endless miniature hors d’oeuvres and individual desserts, the crowds of people, special martinis and even some not-bad look-alikes of the Rat Pack, singing some very good covers of their songs. There were even some little take-home bags with favors inside.
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Seated in Comfortable Leather Armchairs, Sipping a Cocktail
But that evening, what impressed me the most were the incredible flavors that Lauren and I sampled that evening. It was certainly not something that I expected, especially in a restaurant located in a hotel. You see, Dine resides in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago West Loop on Madison Street, just a few blocks from the train station (Ogilvie Transportation Center) and close to Greektown. I promised myself then that I would return for dinner. A couple of weeks ago, I finally took some time to make good on my promise. Lauren and I chose to ride the train in to the city – what a marvelously easy way to go to dinner – and hailed a cab for the short ride to Dine. Yes, a cab! It may have been one of the scariest rides I have had since my first trip to Great America and the Shock Wave rollercoaster…
Metro Retro
It was about 6:15 on a Friday night and it seemed as many people were exiting the city as were headed in. Within minutes we were seated in comfortable leather armchairs, sipping a cocktail, taking in the décor and enjoying each other’s company after a long and difficult week. The place seems a mix of what Lauren called Metro Retro (actually Dine’s website calls it “1940’s style”) – the ceiling partially tiled with chrome (instead of tin) squares reminiscent of the early years of the twentieth century.
The walls sported some nifty printed art, antiqued glass, a very cool zinc bar, upholstered Bentwood dining chairs, and warm, soothing light bathing the place. Except for the bar, Dine was not very busy at that point, and I wondered just how popular the place was. In my experience, restaurants within the confines of a hotel are generally not all that good. But Karma (in Mundelein) had definitely proven me wrong and I was to shortly learn that Dine also had much to brag about.
Many of the Same Mouth-Watering Items I Remembered
Our table was next to a window that faced north, and as we looked out, another rain shower had begun to dampen the streets of Chicago. We were warm and dry, and Lauren’s champagne and my Grey Goose vodka – along with great anticipation – were cause for much content here inside Dine. The rat race outside was seeming more distant as we began to relax. One look at the menu told us that little had changed since last December. Although there was a new head chef, the menu contained many of the same mouth-watering items that I remembered.
One of the tastiest and well-prepared appetizers from the opening night was still on the menu (Sesame Tuna and Salmon Tartar, tonight served with Wasabi Tobiko Caviar, Chive Oil and Mandarin Orange Soy Reduction). It took but a heartbeat to put it at the top of our list of “must have some of this tonight!” We struggled a bit on a second appetizer. Try choosing from a list with the likes of Skillet Roasted Saffron Mussels, Ginger Lump Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Cilantro Cream, Tamari Orange Syrup and Mango Papaya Relish, Bruschetta with Cannellini Beans or Sugarcane Skewered Shrimp Brochette! We finally settled on the Ginger Lump Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Cilantro Cream, Tamari Orange Syrup and Mango Papaya Relish.
Dinner Selections
Dinner was quite another matter. In the meat department, the Grilled Charred Rack of Lamb, the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, as well as the Fillet of Beef Tenderloin tempted me. On the Ahi Tuna seafood side, there was grilled Ahi Tuna, Pan Roasted Cod, Seared Salmon and Asparagus and Wild Mushroom Linguine. There were also a number of comfort foods that would be really great on cold fall evenings… like Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Dine’s Homemade Meatloaf, Lemon Sage Amish Chicken or even the Macaroni ‘n’ Cheese, “Dine Style”.
There was even a great selection of sandwiches. But tonight the Pan Roasted Cod with Black Mussels, Spanish Chorizo and Citrus Fennel Broth was an item that I simply couldn’t pass up. Lauren decided to have a double-tuna kind of night and selected the Grilled Ahi Tuna, served with French Horn Mushroom Risotto, Artichoke Salad and Herbed Vinaigrette. I splurged with a second Grey Goose and it arrived just as the ap’s were delivered.
The Affect on My Palate
The Sesame Tuna and Salmon Tartar was an absolute joy to behold: a tightly packed mass of deep plum-colored tuna, interlaced with the orange of the salmon and pinned in place by an arc of Mandarin Soy Reduction. More than an inch thick, it was ambrosia! But even more joyous to savor was the affect on my palate. My suggestion would be to make available a larger portion as an entrée. It is simply that good – even better than I remembered. The Crab Cakes were excellent too – a pair of delicately sautéed, crispy on the outside and steamy on the inside morsels with a perfect blend of accompaniments. We had decided to split a Caesar Salad with Pancetta. It consisted of Baby Romaine, Brioche Crouton and White Anchovy Dressing (which was slightly different from the usual); this Caesar was excellent!

The entrees were no different from anything else thus far in terms of flavors. The tuna was done perfectly and was sliced almost like a loaf of bread, its pieces fallen like dominos and served with rich and creamy – and excellent – French Horn Mushroom Risotto. The cod, mussels and chorizo were perfect partners. The white and solid but flaky fish, surrounded by a moat of citrus fennel both and paired with slices of spicy chorizo, was outstanding. The plating was simple, austere and complimentary of the food; the flavors were complimentary too. Oh, I almost forgot… Lauren selected a glass of Hess Estate Chardonnay to enjoy with her dinner. After tasting it, I decided to order a glass as well. It was liquid gold, thick and buttery with a hint of oak, and a perfect compliment to our dinners
Awesome Dessert Choices
My system was reaching the “full” point on the meter, but our friendly and smiling waiter managed to talk us into dessert. There were some awesome choices, like Gracie’s Red Velvet Cake (Dine’s Signature Dessert for Two), Key Lime Cheesecake (my favorite) and Trio of “Malteds” just to mention a few. The Banana Crème Pie however, is what caught Lauren’s after-dinner eye: Caramelized Banana Mousse, Macadamia Nut Crust, Caramel Whipped Cream and Chocolate Sauce. Oh…my…golly-gee-willickers was that an incredible way to finish a meal! This was all while I indulged in a lusciously creamy-smooth and steaming cappuccino. Mmmmmm!

As we were finishing up, I noticed that the restaurant was filling up with diners. I was happy to see that. I am unsure as to what kind of reputation that Dine has in the city… or beyond, for that matter. But I would strongly urge you to go there for dinner… or even for just an appetizer and cocktail. It is a great and friendly venue that has an excellent and eclectic menu chock-full of tasty items. It is conveniently located, staffed with friendly and professional employees, and easily allows you to feel comfortable and relaxed. Even with cocktails, wine, entrees and desserts, dinner for two can be had for about $50 per person.
Hats Off to Dine, Chef Turano and Pastry Chef Milashus
We skipped the cab on our way back to the train. Instead we enjoyed one of the last warm evenings that the city might offer and discussed our evening as we strolled back to the train station. Hats off to Dine, Chef Christopher Turano, Pastry Chef Kate Milashus and all the other employees for making our evening one to remember. I give Dine 4 solid Zins and recommend that you head to the Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago-Metro on East Madison Street in Chicago for dinner.. or lunch, or even breakfast. Take the train from the ‘burbs and leave the driving to Metra!
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Dine Restaurant was located at 733 W Madison St in Chicago. They have since closed and the space is now occupied by Rye Deli + Drink.