Okay, guys. THIS PLACE! I hardly even know where to begin…

This restaurant is a gorgeous, delicious, mesmerizing, bohemian DREAM!

While I was in Chicago, Savannah put this place on our list and we were both stoked to try it out. As soon as you walk in there is a counter covered in melted wax and plants everywhere! The main area is covered with a glass ceiling and tables covered by umbrellas, giving the illusion that you’re sitting outside on a patio, probably somewhere in the mediterranean or in Bali, I couldn’t quite decide.

According to the website, “Chef Marcos’ New American dishes are composed with the exotic spices and bright flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, Asia and Latin America.” which translates to phenomenal food. Everything is served as small plates, so I would recommend 2-3 plates to share between two people. We ordered three plates and were almost too full to finish the last one.

While we sat out in the patio area, I noticed that behind a plant there is a whole other area of the restaurant that is dimly lit and strongly resembles the inside of a tent in Morocco, with couches and pillows lining the wall and placed at tables.

We started off with their signature cocktails. I ordered the Spanish Gin & Tonic (American Gin, Mediterranean Tonic, Coconut, Lemon, White Grapes, Thyme), while Savannah ordered the Second Fiddle (Bourbon, Lemon, Pineapple, Turmeric, Sumac Salt).

Then we ordered the Halloumi Cheese, which was served with tomato and quince jam, pine nuts, preserved lemon yogurt, and oregano. When I first saw this I thought it was just fancy fried cheese. But it’s actually an explosion of flavors with every single bite!

The next plate we ordered was the Smoked Salmon Toast, topped with avocado mousse, whipped goat cheese, and pickled cherry tomatoes. this was probably my favorite dish of the whole meal! It was so light but full of so much flavor!

And last, but not least, was the Shakshuka with Duck Eggs, topped with roasted marcona almonds, herb salad, and house
made merguez sausages, and served with pita bread. As the last plate, I was way too full to eat much of this but I loved what I could eat! I have always wanted to try Shakshuka and this was a wonderful first time. It was really heavy with the sausage but there is the option to leave it out. If you don’t like spice then be warned, it has a really nice kick to it!

And now I will leave you with some pictures of the gorgeous interior! Like I said, a bohemian dream! But these photos do not do it justice… I’m still kicking myself for leaving my DSLR at home.