What a night, what a night, what a magical night. With an open-minded companion, I made my first excursion to The Publican, one of the new, best restaurants in Chicago. I am still tingling in my extremities from the experience. I am feeling extra alive.
Warm and simple decor, an amazing beer selection, perfectly prepared food and communal seating. These were the keys that opened my doors. As my friend and I burst into laughter, I felt a strangers hand on mine…
“It seems we were seated in the wild corner of the restaurant.”
Into our lives walked new friends with whom we had more real conversations in the first hour than some have after a lifetime. Talk of enchanted New Zealand forests, green rooftops, budding romance… all the while our palates were dancing with delight. She shared one of her oysters. I kept the shell.
This year, I will remember to engage. I will face people without judgement. I will feel happy to be alive. I will seek sensory experiences. I will remember that despite all difficulties and hardships, the world is my oyster and is full of pearls. Happy New Year Friends.
December 31st, 2008 at 11:27 am
Sounds like an interesting place. Next time I’m in Chicago, I will be sure to check it out. Happy New Year to you and your family—this sounds like a great list of “I will’s” to me!
December 31st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Every time I sit at a community table I make new friends. There is nothing quite like it. It makes for the most memorable dining experiences. My favorite community tables in San Francisco are at Nopa and Bar Bambino. Cheers to facing people without judgement!
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
I love the publican too. The simplicity of the food, paired with some amazing friends and great beers is the perfect combination for a memorable night out!
January 3rd, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Sounds like a cool restaurant. Chicago is such a Mecca for restaurants. I usually go to Chicago every year in May for a trade show and this year the company cancelled the trip to Chicago in an effort to cut costs. :(
February 16th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Thank you thank you THANK YOU for this recommendation. My boyfriend and I were in Chicago last week, and — remembering your post — we made reservations for Valentine’s Day. We are both big foodies (and I used to cook professionally), and found so much to love about the Publican.
Every dish we sampled was executed perfectly and served immediately. We had absolutely fantastic service, too — not to even mention the inviting & energetic dining room, or the appealing communal dining AND the nifty secluded booth options. Oh my! And WHAT an incredible value, too.
We especially enjoyed the fish stew, the French fries served with an egg on top (our new fave), and the banana-passion fruit sorbet. By far one of our favorite meals out in recent years.