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Chicago Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week 2014: Naha

This is part of a series of posts about Chicago Restaurant Week 2014, held January 24–February 6. Check out the 2013 recap, or browse all Restaurant Week coverage.

Dinner at Naha

Braised pork shank "off the bone" and carnaroli risotto with squash, caramelized onions, and wilted kale
Braised pork shank “off the bone” and carnaroli risotto with squash, caramelized onions, and wilted kale

Best Bite: Naha is a Chicago institution for locally sourced, seasonal cuisine, and I was really looking forward to finally dining there. Uncharacteristically, I ordered pork for both my first and second courses, but I certainly did not regret it. I still can’t decide which impossibly tender preparation I preferred: the sweeter belly with apples and fennel atop pastry crust with a swipe of sweet quince marmalade; or the rich braised shank, with flawless risotto and the best crispy kale I’ve ever had. See full menu.

"Tarte tatin" of winter harvested apples and pork belly with quince marmalade and shaved fennel
“Tarte tatin” of winter harvested apples and pork belly with quince marmalade and shaved fennel

Other notes: I was charmed by the cookie platter, although I’m glad my dining companions also shared their chocolate cheesecake and cheese plate with me – the latter’s selection of three cheeses were unanimously proclaimed to be “stupid good.” Service was appropriately attentive for the elegant atmosphere. My wine-savvy friend selected an outstanding bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir to pair with our meal, but I doubt you could go wrong with anything from the luxe wine list.

Cookie assortment
Cookie assortment

The details: Naha, 500 N. Clark St., Chicago.

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