Mon. October 7, 2024
By Jerry Nunn
River Roast turned 10 years old recently and celebrated with a dinner alongside the Chicago River at 315 North LaSalle Street. Located on two floors inside the historic Reid Murdoch Building, there's plenty of room to hold events and private parties on the premises.
The open kitchen concept wakes up the senses as guests descend the stairs to see and smell what executive chef Jason Qureshi has cooking. Patrons have the opportunity to taste his creations after sitting in the dining room or they may experience the great outdoors depending on the season.
The real draw for diners is the spectacular view happening on the patio which runs the length of the restaurant. Consumers can enjoy delicious dishes while breathing fresh air outdoors or lay claim to popular window seats indoors.
This impressive endeavor has evolved over the years and grown in business to maintain a regular weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in addition to late-night hours. Partakers can soak up the sun while sipping on mimosas and munching on meats laid out on a charcuterie board. Don't sleep on the Chicken & Waffles or the RR Skillet full of breakfast fare.
Day drinking sometimes continues into the night with several craft cocktails offered at the bar which are named after the colors of the Chicago train system. Relax under a Pear Tree martini made with Pear Vodka, St-Germain liqueur and Prosecco. The team is also talented with drinks without alcohol for those non-drinkers in the party to feel included in the festivities.
For dinner start with the Burrata with prosciutto and sourdough bread on the side then order the RR Chopped salad made on a healthy bed of romaine lettuce and tucked in with tomato confit.
A must-try item on the main menu is the applewood smoked Roast Chicken carved table side on top of crispy sliced potatoes. Don't forget the impressive side items such as the Mac & Cheese in a smoked pimento cheddar sauce or the lime-tinged Street Corn.
Finish the feast with a massive slice of dense Carrot Cake complete with cream cheese icing and fried carrot shavings on top.
River Roast has a great deal to be proud of during its first decade and cheers to many more years from the group in the future!
Visit riverroastchicago.com to plan an outdoor excursion before the Windy City weather changes for the winter.
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com