After hanging out with BBQ Guru Ted Reader, we decided to eat our way around the windy city…

Like a ravenous pair of culinary conquistadors embarking on a gluttonous crusade to devour the finest cuisine in Chicago.

We began our divine dining quest at Ria Restaurant, which is located in the posh Elysian Hotel.

A delicate profiterole started the evening off right.

Followed by a scrumptious amuse bouche dripping with shimmering salty caviar.

Drinks were drank and the food flowed as we delved into a world of edible art…

Is this a plate or a canvas etched with colorful little bites?

The seafood courses were sublime, blending heavenly flavors and textures into every “to die for” bite.

My fellow culinary conquistador and I wore devilish smiles as we gazed upon lovely shavings of pungent black Parigord truffles.

The next course began with a little jus poured tableside.

It doesn’t get more elegant than succulent squab, chanterelles and cauliflower slathered with burgundy truffle.

I’m still licking my chops and daydreaming about that truffly interlude!

Ted insisted on the cheese course after hearing that it included spun honey.

I gazed upon a perfect wedge and agreed wholeheartedly.

The spun honey was surrounded by savory crackers and chunky pieces of pungent cheese.

After three hours of feasting our bellies yearned for just a tad more.

All great meals should end with a decadent dessert and from the kitchen came an intriguing sweet treat. 

The talented chefs at Ria prepared something that still mystifies me, smoked ice cream.

How do you smoke ice cream?

Cheers Ted, I’ll see ya again soon.  We have a lot of eatn around to do!

Where will us culinary conquistadors dine next?  

Follow us on Twitter @EATNLISTEN and @TedsBBQWorld to find out.

Thank you to the kind folks at Ria Restaurant for a truly exquisite meal.

Ria Restaurant received 2 stars in the 2011 Michelin Guide

Thank you for reading my blog.

Brad