The Pump Room

Located in the Ambassador East Hotel on the Gold Coast, the resplendent Pump Room has had its ups and downs over the years. The menu, designed by executive chef Nick Sutton, features imaginative contemporary American cuisine with subtle French influences. Start with appetizers like foie gras au torchon, with quince marmalade and brioche or a braised veal cheek and sea scallop with truffled potato puree and smashed English peas. Entrée options include choices such as seared ahi tuna with braised winter greens, sausage ragout and smoked tomato aioli, and braised bison short ribs with parsnip puree, root vegetables and natural jus. Dessert specialties include bananas Foster, baked Alaska for two and an artisan cheese plate.

The dining room retains its air of old-school opulence; Limoges china, crystal chandeliers and the familiar wall of celebrity photographs add to the ambience. Pole position is, of course, Booth One, perhaps Chicago's most enviable seating reservation.

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American contemporary restaurants, French restaurants, International fusion restaurants