Balena

Balena is hands down one of my new favorite restaurants, and I have already eaten there on several occasions.  The staff is incredibly courteous and knowledgeable, and the food and cocktails do not disappoint.  The former dark and cavernous Landmark space is now a bright, open and airy environment. 

Where to begin?  How about we start with their delicious cocktails?  I’m still recovering from the several Manlinos that I had the other day.  They are sweet, refreshing and delicious…and one doesn’t taste the alcohol.  I have sampled several of their other cocktails, but I have already discovered that the Manlino is a great drink for a hot summer day.  If you don’t like it, I will finish it for you.  Although I could simply spend my evenings drinking all of the tasty beverages, it would be a shame to miss some of the great dishes on the Balena menu.  I have to mention the bread.  I was informed that Peter Becker was previously a bread chef at Charlie Trotter’s, and you would be remiss if you passed on his beautiful bread basket and the pizzas.   The bread is incredibly flavorful and the pizzas have just the right consistency. 

As far as the rest of the menu is concerned, I’ve sampled a little bit from each category.  The beet salad with Zingerman’s burrata is smooth and creamy.  The tagliolini is a must if you have any interest in seafood.  The dish has a wonderful brininess from the sea urchin.  My only complaint is that I had to share it! Balena is constantly updating its menu, so be sure to try whatever else is new on the menu.  I recently had their fava bean bruschetta which was rich in flavor and the creamy fava beans were a great contrast to the crisp and crunchy bread.   Recently, I had handmade spaghetti with a fennel and snail ragu—I wanted to take Peter’s bread sop up the residual ragu on the plate.  Unfortunately for me, I had already eaten all of the bread.  A fork just had to do.  I’ve heard that the chicken thighs are going stay on the menu, so whenever you go, make sure you give them a try.  The skin is crispy, but the meat is soft and buttery. 

The desserts do not disappoint either.  I have tried several, and I am not sure that I can pick a favorite.  I will just say that the gelato is velvety and the doughnuts are a wonderful treat.  If you’re looking to try a new spot in Chicago, Balena is a must.