Chicago Pop-Up Dinner Series — Immortelle 🌸🍽️

Recently met chef Kristi at a dinner hosted by the former Kumiko chef and learned she runs her own pop-up. Even better — she was the CDC at Michelin-starred Elizabeth during the pandemic! A friend and I soon found ourselves dining in her apartment for an intimate tasting. 🍊 Kumquat Chocolate Bomb – Tart juice inside a chocolate shell — a bright, explosive start. 🍣 Scallop in Shiso – Wrapped with daikon and toasted buckwheat for crunch. 🥬 Roasted Cabbage + Yeast – Sweet cabbage sprinkled with yeast — interesting, though the yeast’s role wasn’t totally clear. 🎃 Roasted Squash + Buckwheat – Creamy and sweet with a touch of Cajun spice. 🍞 Homemade Sourdough – Made with century-old starter — perfect for dipping into squash sauce. 🍄 Himalayan Morels – Simply seared with truffle butter and salt — earthy and luxurious. 🍝 Beet Pasta + Ramp Pesto – Pasta was a bit too al dente for me, but the ramp pesto shone. 🦀 Crab + Citron – Delicious! 🐟 Skate + Beurre Blanc – Well-cooked but overly acidic — swapping the order with the crab would have balanced better. 🐰 Rabbit Leg + Butter Tortellini – Rich, creamy, and satisfying. 🍧 Dessert Trio – Calamansi granita, fennel cake, Earl Grey ice cream — light and refreshing. Overall, Kristi’s style echoes Elizabeth’s Iliana — foraged ingredients, bold acidity, and thoughtful plating. She’s close to restaurant-ready, just needs a bit more polish. For a budget-friendly, intimate dinner experience, find her on IG: immortellechicago #ImmortelleChicago #PopUpDining #ElizabethAlum #ChefKristi #ChicagoEats #UndergroundDinner