Celebrating 10 Years Together

While our 10th wedding anniversary isn't until the lucky-for-marriage month of August, I had an opportunity to surprise Louis early for our anniversary dinner.

My surprise? I snagged two highly coveted tickets to Next Restaurant in Chicago.

Louis and I were traveling to Chicago for his first presentation to the jewelers of Smart Show. This is a great industry trade show that happens at Navy Pier each year. What I have always found to be special is the education series. In fact, it was described in this way

Having fun with the show's photographer.

The SMART Jewelry Show is a perfect mix of jewelry show and industry conference, seamlessly blending a bustling trade show floor and a world class education program. 

Louis with one of his classes in Chicago.

So a little pre-anniversary and congratulatory dinner was in order. And since I am terrible at surprises, I took this opportunity to win serious marriage-points with Louis.

And Next didn't disappoint! It is difficult to describe, so I will let others help. Let me start with the beginning.  I first learned of this restaurant two years ago from an article in Business Week describing Next's unique business model.  Second is a recent review from the Chicago Tribune.

Just two years old last month, Next produces a highly sophisticated menu with a new twist. Here's the YouTube video announcing the current menu, The Hunt. This is the one that Louis and I were fortunate enough to attend.

  

If you experience trouble viewing the video in this blog post, please click the YouTube logo in the bottom right corner. That should play normally.

I took a few photographs of our meal. I felt somewhat like a tourist doing this, but I couldn't help myself.

A note greeting us when we arrived.

A piece of tree and small pieces of antler as our serving pieces.

My favorite "plate" of the evening.

The presentation of a meal is as important to me as the taste. Some people may disagree with me, but I delight in a creatively presented dish. 

As impressive at this menu was, it was the "one that got away" that  still haunts me. The Paris 1906 menu. What I like about this video is that you see more of the dining room set up and the precision that carries through from kitchen to table.

If you experience trouble viewing the video in this blog post, please click the YouTube logo in the bottom right corner. That should play normally.

If you happen to find yourself in Chicago, visit Next's Facebook page to see if Same Night Tables are available. I highly recommend it!

Enjoy!!