Friday, February 15, 2008

Wellfleet Valentines Day Dinner



Last night we went to Wellfleet, a really cool chicago concept called occasional or underground dining. (Not sure if the same thing exists elsewhere) For most of the year it operates as a specialty fish shop called The Fish Guy Market, but a few nights a month you can be treated to an imaginative multi-course seafood extravaganza! Big Guy and I gave an evening at Wellfleet as Christmas presents to his parents and his sister and her boyfriend(who may as well be our brother-in-law).


Everything was amazing-the atmosphere, attention, service and food.
When you walk in you can see the juxtaposition of the seafood cases and deli counter against the luminaries and candles, the tapered vases filled with Iris, and the white linens. it almost has the feeling of being on a boat-with that hazy etherial and reflective feeling. Since there are only 12 seats in the venue-with one dinner seating a night- we had a lot of attention. The owner explained everything - from the origin of the Sturgeon caviar we were about to eat-where the Tuna was from and even about the guy who sells him the lobster. I totally recommend the place if you live here- and even if you just come for a visit - it is such a unique experience. For more info you can check out their website.
I did want to share pictures of the menu since I know there are some foodies out there.
The first course was an amuse bouche- Fois Gras with scallion, lemon zest and truffle oil...so good!!!
The second course was a few blini with creme fraiche and caviar- which was so salty and fresh tasting. The owner explained that it was probably caught within the past two weeks-which-for caviar is really fresh. (so they said) Big Guy's parents bought a bunch of caviar to take home for our Academy Awards party.

The next course was so delicious that I ate it before remembering to take a picture, but luckily I was able to find a picture of it on the website. We had Oysters prepared with an asian flair with notes of soy sauce, cilantro and a little spicy kick!

Next Course: Lobster Thermidor- which was almost an au gratin taste, full of rich cheese and cream and butter...and lobster of course!

Then finally, tempura maki with ahi tuna-

But instead of the tuna tempura being rolled inside the maki- they tempura battered and fried the entire roll! It was so different- I really loved the idea.

For dessert we had freshly made hand dipped chocolates- the heart shaped one was adorable and so good! It was such a cute finish to a spectacular meal!

I recommend Wellfleet to locals and visitors. It is definitely a taste of the Cape transplanted in the Midwest. It was so interesting to hear the stories of the owner growing up summering on Cape Cod and how the memories of that time go into everything he does today. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting and it is upscale with a twist! I really enjoyed this memorable Valentine's day dinner.

6 comments:

*Pink Preppy Party Girl* said...

Sounds wonderful. We will have to try this place out when we come back in a month of so. My sister and sister-in law live there so we come often. We are always searching for new places to eat.

jillskict said...

Oh NUM! That sounds SO good and thanks for the pictures although I am sure it does not do the tastes justice! I have heard of Wellfleet, but I don't think we have one here. I know that there are a number of chefs in NYC that have "at home" experiences that are very similar.

Sounds like a great time though!

Did they do a wine fleet with it then?

Kiki said...

Yum! That does sound awesome!! We just treid a new sushi bar here in my town and it was awesome, I am not a tuna fan, but my husband couldn't stop raving about his... But your experience sounds like nothing I've ever tried, if I ever get to Chicago I know what to look for.

Tres Poshe Preppy said...

It looks amazing. I want to go even more now! Thanks for sharing.

TCP said...

OMG, that sounds so wonderful! I need to look into trying that place!

preppy little dress AKA "PLD" said...

i have never been there, will have to check it out! i have made lobster thermador - it's delicious! thanks for posting!

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