Fennel Is The Focus Of Tesori's Latest One-Ingredient Dinner
By Minna A in Food on Apr 4, 2013 5:40PM
Sometimes, focusing on just one ingredient in many different preparations brings out nuances that we might otherwise miss. It forces chefs to be creative; to invent new ways of using a familiar food. All year long, Tesori in the Loop has been doing just this: hosting one-ingredient themed dinners available to groups of 10 or more in their private dining room. Now on the table? A five-course fennel-inspired menu.
Available through June, the fennel menu created by Chef Andrew Duel infuses the ingredient into every dish. On our visit, the amuse course featured a seared scallop with fennel-apple broth and diced apples, while the primi course reinvented the fennel as a burrata with fresh mozzarella atop a fennel caponata with eggplant, bell peppers, olives and golden raisins.
The favorite amongst our fellow diners was the pasta course, which featured a savory fennel, Italian sausage and mushroom tortellini that was both light and decadent, only enhanced by the fresh tomato concasse. Next up was the carne dish, which highlighted a hearty roasted veal loin with brioche, carrots, fennel, baby zucchini, pearl onions and mushrooms. While fennel, traditionally a savory ingredient, may seem like a stretch for dessert, Chef Deuel reinvented the fennel for a warm honey and vanilla braised fennel dessert paired with almonds, chocolate and orange.
Taste this creative and inventive menu yourself for just $65 per person, and an additional $20 for wine pairings. The menu is available through June 30, and reservations can be made by calling Tesori at (312) 786-9911.
Tesori is located at 65 E. Adams St.