I celebrated Hump Day this week by visiting Prime & Provisions, Chicago’s new favorite steakhouse in the Loop.
I usually avoid eating at steakhouses because I’ve found that more often than not, their non-meat dishes are sort of a compromise for not being a carnivore. But Prime & Provisions has managed to create a menu that celebrates all dietary categories and was evident in the seafood I ate there. Moreover, the menu is simple and classic, staying loyal to the traditional style of a steakhouse. The restaurant resides in a 100 year-old building overlooking the Chicago River Walk, and creates a beautiful experience of the old and the new. The restaurant was bustling when I visited and it seemed to be a popular venue for Chicago’s Restaurant Week, which was also taking place.
I was invited to dine in with a guest and the menu had been pre-selected for us, which always makes things easier. For appetizers, we started with the Tuna Tartare and the Colossal Shrimp Cocktail.
I very much enjoyed both, although my guest was so confused by the oversized shrimp in front of us that she frequently referred to to them as the Crab Legs. That should give you an idea of how enormous these crustaceans were. As simple as it looks, there are still many details that go into a good Shrimp Cocktail- one namely, the cocktail sauce served with it. For me, the piquancy of the chilled cocktail sauce in this dish definitely accessorized the sweet taste of the meat. The Tartare also was at par with some of the best I’ve had in the city; marinated in first pressed Italian olive oil, fresh tarragon, parsley & chives. I also thought the potato gaufrettes it came with were an excellent idea!
We went on to our entrees, which were the Broiled Wildcaught Salmon in a smoked mustard glaze and the Chilean Sea Bass. I couldn’t believe how fresh the fish was and made it a point to ask Chef where it was sourced from. If you’re interested, the Salmon comes from the North Roads Fishery in Canada and the Sea Bass from Chile. The mustard glaze paired very well with the Salmon while the hickory extract and the charred lemon were a nice flavor booster for the fish. I also liked that the Sea Bass was given a ‘winter touch’ by placing it in some sweet potato puree with crop top carrots and charred brussel sprout leaves. And when the fish is as fresh as it was in this dish, the rich buttery flavor of the Sea Bass can’t be missed.
I also want to give a shoutout to the Roasted Purple Cauliflower we had on the side, doused with pistachios and Parmesan. For my friends who don’t like cauliflower, this dish might change your taste buds! And for a side, the portion was generous!
All in all, an enjoyable tasting experience at Prime & Provisions. Steakhouses may just become my new favorite hangout….especially if they’re this thoughtful about pescetarians!
Prime & Provisions Steakhouse
Neighborhood: The Loop
Address: 222 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 726-7777
Website: http://www.primeandprovisions.com
Hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am–Midnight, Sat: 5:00pm –1:00am, Sun: 5:00pm –Midnight
Price: $11 - $68