Patrick Fahy of Sixteen
We’ve seen many a stoic dieter succumb to temptation when Fahy’s selection of desserts is wheeled tableside at lunch, including the best strawberry shortcake we’ve ever tasted earlier this summer. At dinner, guests choose either a Halloween or Dia de los Muertas theme, and if you pick wisely, an exquisite pumpkin pie with an intricate caramelized phyllo crown awaits. Fahy was great at Blackbird, but at Sixteen he has elevated his pastry repertoire even further, challenged by executive chef Thomas Lents’ storytelling concepts.
In the Trump Hotel, 401 North Wabash, (312)588-8030, sixteenchicago.com
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Courtney Joseph, Takashi, 1952 N. Damen, (773)772-6170, takashichicago.com
Audience comment: “Whoever’s making those maple bacon longjohns at marianos!!”
Best of Chicago 2013