The Duck Inn
At Allium, Kevin Hickey elevated (and deconstructed) the Chicago hotdog; at The Duck Inn, he executes a similar fine-dining take on cheese curds, though this time without taking them apart. Coated in a light tempura batter, Nordic Creamery curds are served with Bloody Mary ketchup (containing vodka and other Bloody ingredients) and Hoppy Mayo (the classic white sauce blended with hops to suggest the beer back that frequently accompanies Bloodies in Wisconsin). Dressed with strands of celery (again with the Bloody allusion), this is a gorgeous bar snack or starter.
2701 S. Eleanor, 312.724.8811, theduckinnchicago.com
Best of Chicago 2015
