Radhika Desai Takes Over at English
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Mar 16, 2010 3:40PM
River North lounge English made official yesterday what some have known for weeks. Former Between Boutique Café and Lounge chef and "Top Chef" contestant Radhika Desai is the new Executive Chef. Desai has added new menu items to the list such as Lobster and White Truffle Mac & Cheese (bite-sized bits of meaty lobster in a Parmesan-Cheddar blend with garlic and truffle oil); duck confit wonton dumplings served with Bordeaux-spiked strawberry jam; Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in a rich ginger-garlic curry sauce; and her take on Shepherd's Pie, with ground lamb, mushrooms, carrots, onions, peas and house-made gravy with a mashed potato topping.
Desai's also retooled the popular bangers & mash, incorporating duck sausage-foie gras bangers simmered in a red-wine demi-glace served atop creamy house-made mashed potatoes, and will be offering specials and off the menu selections en route to a more seasonal menu.