Semi-OT - So I briefly met Art Smith tonight

My wife and I have wanted to go to Art Smith's restaurant here in Chicago called Table 52. I had heard about it but what really peaked my interest was when it was featured on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" for his fried chicken. So I tried making reservations for last Sunday more then a week ago, they were booked so I booked it for this Sunday. The chicken is only served on Sundays and I think it is also the cause of most of the hype around this place lately.

Anyway, we got there and it was cozy and really welcoming, we were impressed right away. They started us off with complimentary deviled eggs and biscuits with I think goat cheese in them and asiago on top. Both were outstanding. I ordered a $4 ginger ale that came in a jar, which was the only reason I did not set the place on fire for charging me $4 for a can of Canada Dry Ginger Ale (I can buy 24 for $4!).

We started out with the shrimp and grits, which was pretty good, but a little too salty. Nice flavor and texture though, could be the best grits in Chicago, but that is like saying I serve the best quail balls in Chicago because no one else really serves either (unfortunately).

Next came our entrees, sans side dishes (I will get to that in a minute). The boss got the fried chicken which came with mashed potatoes and I got the pistachio crusted grouper which was served on caramelized onion risotto with an apple fennel salad on top. The fish was on point, great flavors, nice crunch to the edges, and the apple and fennel salad really added to the overall taste of the dish. The risotto was to die for, overall a terrific dish.

The fried chicken - which again is the main reason I think the people are jocking this place right now - was good. She liked it, I liked the bites I stole form her BUT it was not worth $24. I am not saying that in a cheap ass way. Money is not an issue. We dropped like $170 on the meal and it was worth it. She got a leg, a breast that was almost smaller then an A cup, and a mystery piece that I think is a mangled thigh and or the back (like KFC used to serve). The point is this, it was good but if I am going to get fried chicken in Chicago, I am going to Harold's Chicken 2 miles from my house for a 1/2 chicken with salt and pepper and mild sauce for $7. With the rest of the money I will buy a case of beer!

2 of the 3 sides came out like 3-5 minutes after we got our entrees, which was not a big deal but I watch so many restaurant/chef/cooking shows to know that it is a huge no-no to not bring out the entire meal at once. But I got over it quickly because I had my entree, they were extremely apologetic about it not being ready yet, and once we got the sides - the taste shut me the hell up quick.

Side dish #1 - Corn Bread - good stuff, but not what I thought it would be. She did not like it, I thought it was good but I probably would not pay $8 for it again. Needless to say I was not upset I ordered it either so it was worth it
Side dish #2 - Collard Greens - awesome. Sweet at first and if you have like 2 or 3 bites in a row there is a spicy kick that creeps up on you and kicks you in the ass. All of that is a good thing!
Side dish #3 - Mac and Cheese - a reason to live. I am fat and I love food. I especially love food that is horrible for you, mac and cheese is one of those things that I try at every place that is supposed to have "the best mac and cheese ever". Every single place I have been to besides my Wife's grandmother's kitchen makes sub-par mac and cheese. 9 out of 10 times I would rather eat velvetta. It is either too creamy, too cheesy, too rich, too dry, or just too full of itself. Art Smith is a god damn genius. His mac and cheese was literally the best I have ever eaten and it will get me back to his restaurant for years to come. Best part of the meal besides this next part...

We talked to Art smith for a minute. I do not usually get star struck, I know famous people, they are boners just like you and I so I do not get geeked out because some JO was on TV. Art Smith for some reason got me feeling like a school girl when I saw him. As soon as he came out I lit up. He made his way over to us and asked how we were doing. I said fine and went straight to the point - "Art, we are big fans, we watch you on BBQ Pitmasters, I am a huge Big Green Egg fan so I enjoy the show" (Ok so I lied a bit!). I asked what was going on for next season and he said they did not hear anything yet. I thanked us for coming and I told him to say what's up to Myron for me. He laughed and said he would.

It was our anniversary dinner and between the mac and cheese and talking to Art, we can forgive everything else. The place was legit and we will be back. If you are ever in Chicago do 3 things: 1. Drop me a line 2. Go to Table 52 for the mac and cheese 3. Find a Harold's Chicken near by and indulge yourself!