This is the list of restaurants I have attended for media previews, and I loved them so much I returned for an authentic experience!
Media Visits at The Kitchen
I dined at the media preview on behalf of Chicagogrammers at The Kitchen at the end of 2018 for their Boxing Day brunch menu, and then I got to eat at the kitchen again over the summer when they launched a new happy hour menu.
What did I like about The Kitchen that made me want to return?
- The location cannot be beat. It’s right on the river and there’s a patio, too!
- I think there may be a common misconception that I am a total foodie who knows anything about flavor profiles and any other culinary ummmm anything. Sorry to disappoint, but that is not the case. I just like eating good food, and The Kitchen’s food is AMAZING. The menu is super approachable with basic menu items that they just execute SO WELL! Let me explain…
When I went for the Boxing Day brunch preview, I obsessed over the Mushroom Toast (pictured in my left hand) on The Kitchen’s regular brunch menu. They use a sweeter bread for the toast (maybe a challah?) and then they load the toast with perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, mushrooms (duh) and sautéed kale. It’s topped with grated parmesan cheese, and it’s DELICIOUS! What’s not to like!? Simple and tasty!
I returned to The Kitchen at the beginning of summer 2019 for happy hour, and it was equally amazing. Once again, the happy hour menu is very straightforward with two solid menu items. I want to say the promotion was that a beer came with the burger and a margarita came with the fish tacos, but I don’t remember if that was the exact deal (nor do I know if the same promo is running now). I promise I knew at the time! Ha
Anyways, I absolutely loved the burger. The fish tacos were good but they had a very subtle smoky flavoring so I liked the burger better. I do not like smoky-flavored anything, so I am the wrong person to give the fish tacos a fair analysis.
The Victory Lap
I love sticky toffee anything and so does my friend Gwen, so when I saw a promo for Sticky Toffee Waffles on The Kitchen’s Instagram page, I knew we obviously had to experience the hype for ourselves. It was a seasonal menu item for the holidays. I couldn’t brunch at The Kitchen without also ordering my favorite Mushroom Toast.
My friends (Gwen and Garrett) and I shared the waffles, and then we each got our own entrees. The service was great and I would totally recommend The Kitchen for honestly any type of gathering. From Happy Hour after work to Sunday brunch… You name it, and The Kitchen rises to the occasion!
