Restaurant Review: NAHA, Chicago, IL

First, a huge thank you to everyone who entered my latest giveaway.  Please check back on Monday to see if you are a winner!

Continuing the food tour of Chicago, today's post focuses on the one Michelin star rated NAHA in River North.  NAHA opened in 2000 and is named for the first four letters of Chef Carrie Nahabedian and cousin/co-owner Michael Nahabedian's name.  Chef Carrie Nahabedian is a Chicago native who gained experience by spending a combined total of 10 years as Executive Chef of three different Four Seasons Hotels (Chicago, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara) before returning home to open her own restaurant.  NAHA's cuisine blends Nahabedian's Armenian roots with American and Mediterranean ingredients and flavors, and is considered by many to be "sophisticated comfort food."  In 2008, Chef Nahabedian won a James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region, and then she was awarded one Michelin star in 2010.  These accolades are a clear indication that this team is doing things right, and their momentum is not slowing anytime soon.  Please read on for photos and details of the dishes my boyfriend and I enjoyed during our dinner at NAHA.

Organic Carnaroli Risotto, Braised Berkshire Pork Shank and Red Kuri Squash, French Horn Mushrooms, Wood Grilled Zucchini and Wabash Cannonball Goat Cheese.

 Hudson Valley Foie Gras with a “Tarte Tatin” of Fennel, Black Mission Figs and Mache, Preserved Black Walnuts, Minus 8 Ice Vinegar, Licorice Root and Rose Petal Marmalade.

A “Brace” of Roast Quail, Slow Cooked Applewood Slab Bacon and Cockscomb, Neptune Grapes, Tuscan Kale, Soft Corn Grits and Sauce Arabica.

Braised Short Ribs of Beef and Veal Sweetbreads Scented with Black Cardamom and Plums, Lobster Mushrooms, Luxury Pumpkin Puree and Swiss Chard, Hemp Seed Fattoush.

Warm Italian “Bomboloni” Doughnut Scented with Squash and Anise, Orange Custard, Mountain Huckleberries and Apple Cider Sorbet.

NAHA combines a warm, inviting atmosphere with generous portions of quality food.  You'll notice we had two appetizers, two entrees, and shared one dessert: the portions are just the right size to have three courses and be comfortably full.  All of the dishes were delicious and flavorful, and service was both attentive and friendly.  I know that Chicago has 25 Michelin rated restaurants as of the 2014 ratings, but I think NAHA is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.  If you want to learn more about this restaurant, the website is below:

http://naha-chicago.com/

Thank you for visiting my blog today, and I hope you have a great weekend!