Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Publican: 3.5 Stars.

837 W. Fulton Market, Chicago IL 60607

The seating is family style and the menu focuses on fine pork, shellfish, and beer. I will start with my favorite dish on the menu. The $5 appetizer, spicy pork rinds. Absolutely delicious! They were like no pork rinds that I have ever tasted. They were light and airy, yet crispy with a hint of vinegar flavor, which I generally don't like in a chip. Other dishes that were really good were the mussels, oysters, and bread (specifically cheese crackers, sourdough, multigrain, and french). The country ribs (really just a pork chop) and the sausage dish were average.

The waiters should be better trained about the beer and wine menu. The beer menu is extensive, but they will not sell those more expensive great European beers if the waiters can't make recommendations of describe the beers' flavors.

Also, The Publican is a restaurant in need of a story that sets the diners' expectations for the evening. The waiters should explain to new diners the type of food they will find on the menu, Brasserie cooking, and that the service is family style.
Other notes. The bathrooms are unisex and there are no mirrors. Ladies need mirrors in the bathroom. The music in the background was very upbeat, which was great for me (e.g., they played the Beasty Boys and LL Cool J's "Going Back to Cali.").

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