tomato, herb aioli, toasted brioche, and parmesan-sage fries
Why it’s this week’s Best Bite: Siena Tavern has been on my radar primarily because of executive chef Fabio Viviani, best known for appearing on Top Chef and whom I got to meet at Chicago Gourmet a few years ago. I went for the first time for brunch over the weekend, eventually choosing from the lunch side of the menu. The lobster club sandwich had a lot going on, in a good way, while still letting the citrus-poached lobster be the star of the show, enhanced by smoky bacon. The juicy tomato and frisee made it a little messy, but the bright herb aioli soaking into the brioche held everything together. And I’m a fan of crispy sage on pretty much anything, but it worked especially well on the fries, also tossed with salty parmesan and garlic. Aioli and ketchup were both served in metal measuring cups, which added a nice rustic touch to the plate. My leather barrel chair also happened to be outlandishly comfortable, which made the experience extra luxurious.
The details: Siena Tavern, 51 W Kinzie St., Chicago.