Sean Henderson Dot Com

NoMI is one of the finest upscale contemporary French dining experiences to grace the Magnificent Mile.  Located on the seventh floor of Park Hyatt Chicago,  NoMI overlooks the Old Chicago Water Tower and provides a stunning view at night.  I took Robin here after her graduation from Dominican University.  I informed the staff in advance of the occasion and they did an outstanding job of accommodating our needs and exceeding our expectations.  Valet Parking is available for $14 for four hours.  After entering, you ride an elevator up to the seventh floor and enter through the lounge to the dining area.  The lounge area is more casual place to sit and enjoy cocktails or choose from an extensive wine list.  We were seated in the lounge briefly before the dining area opened at 6pm.  I must stress the importance of making a 6pm dinner reservation if you want a table by the window.  We were the first to arrive, but the dining area filled up quickly and window seating is limited.  The dining area is a bit more formal than the lounge; most people wear suits.  Above our table were a series of blown-glass Chihuly chandeliers.  I was delighted by how soft the seats were, they felt like velvet.  Each table had a spice holder in the shape of a six petal flower holding three salts and three spices.  We put butter on bread and dipped it in each of the black, pink, and white salts to taste them.  My most memorable experience here was the Creme Brulee;  I am fascinated by this idea of caramelizing the top with a blowtorch.  I liked the newly added absinthe section of the lounge menu.  They make tasty drinks with Lucid that even those who don’t like absinthe would enjoy.  The pastries and desserts were incredible. 

 

The Lounge

 

A View From Above

view of the Old Chicago Water Tower from our table

 

River Seine

Lucid, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Mint, Pineapple Juice, Yuzu, Lemon Lime soda
 

 

Acai Margarita

VeeV Acai Spirit, Patron Silver, Pomegranate Juice, Grand Marnier, Lime Juice, Lavender Salt Rim

 

Spices

 

 

Complimentary Bread & Scallop

Choice of two breads & complimentary Scallop with watermelon radish

The scallop sampler changes daily.  Tomorrow it could be something completely different.

Choice between raisin bread and sourdough. The raisin bread pairs well with the fresh butter they bring out and the sourdough is great with the three different salts they have for you to try on the table. Each salt parts an extremely different flavor and each of them should be tasted!
     -Robin

 

Burgundy Truffle and Foie Gras Creme Brulee

Caramelized Hazelnuts, Petite Herbs

This appetizer was sweet and had the consistency of peanut butter almost or a spread like butter.  The top was crispy and the under part was gooey.  I was surprised that this was a meat dish because it tasted nothing like meat.  The waiter recommended this delicacy and for a good reason. 

 

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Baby Arugula, Parmigiano, Mushroom Gastrique

I ordered the petite pea and mushroom risotto (they made the dish vegetarian for me) which was creamy and delicious and not overpowering with a high-fat content. Around the edges of the risotto was a light petite green pea sauce. Four thick slices of parmigiano covered the top and tasted as smooth as butter. The presentation was beautiful with a red design on the plate which complemented the green pea sauce and peas throughout the risotto.
     -Robin

 

Pan Roasted Brittany Turbot

Cockles, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Black Trumpets

 

Rhubarb Creme Brulee

Vanilla, Spice Sable, Mirabell Lavender Ice Cream, Cassis

 

St. Lucia

White Chocolate, Caramelized Puff, Passion Fruit, Banana, Ginger

thin White chocolate cake base with a caramelized puff on top. The puff was thin and flaky which complemented the soft cake very well. Next to the puff was a scoop of fresh banana ice cream which had a perfect flavor not overpowering. On top of all of that was a passion fruit layer of thin gel. the white chocolate paired well with these light fruit flavors to make a perfect ending at  a wonderful restaurant.
     -Robin

 

Congratulations Surprise

NoMI’s gift to Robin

 

Macaroons

assorted French macaroons as seen on TV

You can order macaroons to go and they are $12 for 6 of them and so worth it! The pastry chef makes a very large selection of flavors everyday including grape, strawberry, olive oil, and chocolate, to name a few. They have a thin, crunchy outside with a creamy and soft inside. It all just melts into your mouth! Although the olive oil may sound scary, it is light and delicious and well worth the courage.
     -Robin

 

The Bill

$210 with tip.

A three course dinner for two at NoMI should run between $200 and $300 unless you add on exotic wines and champagnes, in which case it would be more.  We felt very relaxed as they did not rush us in any way.  Our dinner concluded at 9pm, three hours after our arrival.  When we left, we took with us some awesome French Macaroons. 

The staff was extremely helpful and knew how to explain everything very well. They sent me away with a congratulations gift of sweets. A sweet fruit jelly (this is what all jelly candies should taste like!), two lavender marshmallows, two small brownies, one caramel, and a white chocolate disc that read "congratulations." NoMI truly cares about every single customer and they made my night extremely special.
     -Robin Grutzius

NoMI
800 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 335-1234
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