I first read about Longman and Eagle when I looked for good brunch places, even though they’re listed as Gastropub. Upon visiting their site, I was really intrigued by their tagline Eat Sleep Whiskey. They have rooms for rent upstairs and said to have a huge whiskey collection. It’s a gastropub that serves as a hotel as well…? Especially since it’s nowhere close to any of the touristy area. So we decided to come here for dinner.
Not only is Longman and Eagle tugged in a quiet residential area, the ‘blink and you’d missed it’ grey corner exterior makes it even harder to spot. It’s definitely a hidden hip place.
The bar is impressive, while there’re only a few tables for dining (more in the back room). The vibe is casual, lively and I’m already getting a good feeling for something special when I sat down. The menu saids to use only fresh ingredients from farmers’ market.
Complimentary Amuse Bouche. Sear Tombo Tuna, Parisieene Gnocchi, Peas, Artichokes en Barigoule, Black Garlic Aioli 24. Wow this is very delicious. The seasoning of the Tuna is very flavorful and unpredictable (sweet? five-spice?) and the peas…oh my, i’ve never tasted such delicious peas! They’re crispy, juicy and sweet. I felt embarrassed for being so impressed by peas (and gush about them).
English Pea Agnolotti, Wild Mushrooms, Truffled Pea Puree, Pea Shoots, Grana Padano 12. The taste is more subtle but still be interesting with the textures. Very good!
Tete du Cochon, Sunny Side Up Duck Egg, Pickled Shallot, Parsley Salad and 5 spice Mustard Sauce 13. The meat is made from head part of the pig, it is moist and got a good bite and strong flavors. It’s like a gourmet corn beef hash. The other components all worked well together- melty but not runny duck egg yolk helps sticking the hash.
Roasted Miller Half Chicken, Macaroni and Maitaki, Fava Beans, Baby Carrots, Natural Jus 19. My friend’s dish, she’s very impressed and praise it’s tasty sauce.
Confit of Smoked Swan Creek Farm Pork Shoulder, New Crop Potato-spring Onion Hash, Apple, Bacon-Upland Cress Salad, Cumin Honey Vinaigrette 22. My friend is being blown away by it.
Bittersweet “Manjan” chocolate Tart, Bourbon Tapioca, Malt Cream 9 Terrine of Madagascan Chocolate, Espresso Cream, Peanut Custard, Caramel Glacage, Baton of Genois, Honey Foam, Clear coffee Jelly 9.
The desserts are all very creative and unpredictable. The terrine gave a wonderful savory, sweet and bitter combination of flavors.
After this amazing dinner, we have to come back for it’s breakfast!
Peekytoe Crab Benedict with One Hour Eggs, Old Bay Infused Hollandaise, Dehydrated Bacon 13. Wow! The sugar air dried bacon taste like candy, it blow us away! The crab are so flavorful, the whole dish is pure heaven!
Sunny side Duck Egg hash with Duck Confit, Nichols Farm Spring Onions, Yukon Gold Potato, Black Truffle Vinaigrette 12. The duck confit are moist and tasty, very well cooked with lots of flavors. The potatoes impressed me like the peas did, that’s when you can tell how good the food is. The most simple ingredients, the sides are just as special as the main features.
I fell in love with this place instantly. It’s been awhile that I get excited over interesting flavors and combinations. This place definitely blow me away, especially since it’s a casual, low key place. I only found out later that it earned a Michelin 1 star rating. This place will be my returning destination at Chicago on future.
It seems to me Chicago is having an exciting experimental food scene now, as its not bound by tradition like cities that were known for classic gourmet historically. I can’t wait to try the other places in future (Aldea!)
Longman and Eagle
2657 N. KEDZIE AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60647
