the Albert — Restaurant in Chicago

We dined tonight and tried the chef prepared menu for Valentine’s Day 2020. Everything was phenomenal from the food to the energy, service, music - it was all good. Our server was wonderful! While she was assisting other tables, the manager went to get our bill (my date prepaid for dinner because he didn’t want me knowing the total. I appreciated this gesture because I didn’t want to know the cost of the meal and be worried about how much was spent on me.. )

So instead of worrying I get to be treated today, so we hoped. Unfortunately, for some reason when she (the manager working tonight) brought us our check, she announced the $228 prepaid total and then announced the additional cost of drinks... it really took away from the special feeling of being treated. It was also just a bit tacky. Most people know, when you buy someone an expensive (or even not expensive) gift, you don’t leave the price tag on.. just like you don’t read the bill aloud to the table.

The people sitting next to us even said something, because they had the same prepared meal and he didn’t want his date to know either. I tried to catch her before leaving to politely let her know this instead of writing this on a review, but maybe she noticed we were disappointed and avoided us .. she instead sent the waiter back after she took away from the wonderful dining experience the waiter worked so hard to create. it felt tacky and careless.. it’s also just not nice to do to your waiters.

Regardless of the last min hiccup of the night from the manager... everything else was wonderful and we will be back. And if that dining experience ends better, than I will be happy to add the additional star. The menu is extremely creative and I have to say, the dishes prepared for each zodiac sign was so unique and spot on to my date’s and my tastes. We hope to find the Buffalo Carpaccio and the Coal Roasted Beef on the menu again!!!

Update:

Thank you for the response, Aislyn! I really appreciate you taking the time on such a busy night to. I also appreciate you clarifying that you were just pulled away, because we waiting a min at the front. I wasn’t upset or concerned at all by the prepayment or which menu was which.. just the announcement of the cost of the meal at the table. I just wasn’t suppose to know how much everything was. We also are use to a bill being set down and leaving us to ask for help if we Feel we need it.

Also, the server was Kelli and briefly man who ran food, mostly Kelli. She was very engaging and thorough while moving very fast to so...

Perfect restaurant matched into the unique ambiance of Hotel EMC2, perfectly reflecting their claim to be “restlessly curious and unconventional.” The Albert is a nice, little restaurant in Hotel EMC2 for daily dining or for a get-together at the bar. Enter through the main EMC2 entrance for seating by an attentive host staff—reservations recommended as this small restaurant can get very busy at prime times. The tables provide configurations for parties of various sizes and include heavy, comfortable chairs and upholstered couch-style seating. The ambiance is dim and hip with up-beat music, fanciful art, and a mix of bookcase décor, including the big wall of books, that really just feels fresh, fun, and a little romantic. Serving and bar staff is busy but seems a bit overwhelmed at times. The bar is small but nice and perfect for small get togethers. The drink menu is interesting and inventive. The drink Her Name was Vivian (vodka, lemon, egg white, violette) was tasty and foamy. The drink Don’t Tell Your Mother was a strong martini with spicy and mescal laced hints (if you like mescal and martini’s, get this one). The dinner menu is not large but is interesting with a variety and inventiveness that makes decisions difficult. The quality of the food shows the kitchen is staffed with very skilled professionals. Definitely get the Housemade Breads with Cultured Butter—great variety of breads and good butter. I did not like the General Tso’s Spiced Nuts—very nice presentation but the cooked coating on the nuts was just too bitter to really enjoy. The Saffron Pressed Melon, Quinoa and Cashew Butter was simply incredible—get this appetizer! The Colorado Lamb Shoulder with Black Garlic and Lentils was dark, heavy, and deep—get this dish if you’re feeling like something that’s excessively meaty and rich. The Fjord Sea Trout Dill, Golden Beets and Creme Fraiche is overwhelmingly good with crispy skin, luscious fish, and one of the tastiest fish dressings I’ve ever encountered. The Southern Fried Goodness (Bread Pudding Doughnut, Vanilla Anglaise, Brown Butter) was absolutely delightful and fit perfectly with a strong espresso. The prices are good; overall, I rate this restaurant as a good value for great location, bustling staff, great ambiance, inventive menu, good food, and good price. Recommended for a nice evening for couples in...

Experience the soul of Southern Italy, The Albert located in the Hotel EMC2. Chef Steve Chiappetti takes diners on a journey with a special menu rooted in his Calabrian heritage. The “Night’s of Little Italy” is available on the weekends now through Nov. 15th.

Chef skillfully crafts dishes inspired by his beloved nonna’s recipes blending old-world traditions with modern touches. Guests can select a four course feast for $65 per person served familia style or ala carte. The space has an elegant vibe with vibrant art work & an impressive library of books.

Our meal started with a tour of meatballs. There’s four varieties to choose from. I recommend trying all of them. There’s a prime beef with roasted garlic, chili, rosemary, beef gravy & asiago which was my wife’s favorite. I loved the oregano with pork, garlic, chili, fresh tomato sauce, & asiago. Chef’s comes from 4 generations of lamb farmers. I loved that he created a lamb with mint, garlic, chili, & asiago. I was impressed with the chicken with bacon, garlic, onion, chili, & asiago. It was topped with a delicious vodka roasted red pepper sauce. Next time, I’m going to want that over pasta.

I truly enjoyed the Italian anti pasta salad with salami, pepperoncini, blue cheese, pasta & red wine vinaigrette. It was one of the best Italian salads I’ve had plus there was meat in every bite. The fried calamari with spicy & sweet peppers, lemon garlic aioli, & tomato sauce was a huge hit. We also enjoyed a couple of martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives.

For entrees, we ordered the chicken scallopine with capers, tomato, lemon, white wine sauce over roasted potatoes. I loved the crispy chicken cutlet with the bright sauce. The capers added a nice pop to the dish. Our daughter loved the tender braised short rib with a blue cheese sauce over tasty polenta. I recommend going big with the lobster & shrimp scampi with spinach & garlic bread. I loved the spicy kick of the sauce. For dessert, end with lemon cookies & cannolis.

Chef Steve brings the tastes of Italy to Chicago with his wonderful menu. I feel like I’m in Sicily eating...