Chicago Michelin One-Star NEXT | 10th Anniversary Menu Experience š
I experienced the "10th Anniversary" themed menu at NEXT restaurant. As a concept restaurant under Alinea, NEXT is famous for its ever-changing themes. This season, it celebrates its 10th anniversary, both looking back and paying tribute. āØ Restaurant Atmosphere and Overall Experience NEXT is located in the bustling Fulton Market area of Chicago, surrounded by high-end restaurants and boutique bars. The entire district is full of modernity and vitality. The restaurant's interior is understated, elegant, and rich in design. Each dish feels like a meticulously choreographed performance. š ā¤ļø The design of the "10th Anniversary" menu is to re-present and reinterpret NEXT's classic dishes from the past decade. It's not just a taste experience but also a touch of history. This kind of planning is very commemorative, especially for loyal NEXT customers who can feel the highlights and breakthroughs in the restaurant's development. The menu continues the artistic style of the Alinea system, with each dish being visually striking. But I care more about the taste than just the beauty of the plating. š½ļø Impressive Dishes Review: š Cauliflower Cous - Cous with Solid Aromatic Herb Sauce The cauliflower granules are plated like a wreath, delicate and precise. Paired with a solid herb sauce, it offers a fresh herbal flavor that is both light and layered. šæ š Fish and Chips This dish feels like a child's painting, with fish and chips presented in an artistic way. It's fun and playful, yet the flavors are classic. š š Sturgeon and Caviar The classic combination of sturgeon and caviar, balanced with a delicate cream sauce to offset the saltiness. The plating is simple but exudes a sense of sophistication, highlighting the quality of the ingredients. š š Truffle Explosion This dish is a classic from Alinea. The rich aroma of black truffle bursts in your mouth. The outer layer is an ultra-thin Italian wonton, filled with truffle broth. When you bite into it, the soup floods your mouth, offering an incredibly flavorful experience. Paired with the slightly salty flavor of Parmesan cheese, it balances the dish perfectly, showcasing exquisite skill and a powerful taste sensation. This is the most stunning dish of the entire experience. š š Tartar De Queso A cheese-centric tartar that is smooth and creamy, with a slightly tangy fermented flavor. The addition of nuts adds a crunchy texture. š§ ā¤ļø NEXT's 10th-anniversary menu is a visual feast that balances innovation and tradition. However, the flavors aren't particularly mind-blowing. It's more about the "showy" presentation. It feels like Alinea's consistent style, but it's still a nice experience to try occasionally. #Chicago #Alinea #Next #ChicagoRestaurant #ChicagoFood #Michelin #RestaurantRecommendation
