Powerhouse in Chicago: A Great New Addition to the West Loop Food Scene (Chicago area Restaurant Review No. 55)

We wanted to try something close to downtown after work. Steve had just seen a write-up of Powerhouse so we decided to check it out. We are very glad we did because this was a first rate dining experience. Once again we find ourselves commenting on decor, but in a good way. The tables were well spaced, and the restaurant was comfortable and inviting, with a feeling of quiet.

We started with wine by the glass. Lisa had an Austrian red wine called Zwiegelt, recommended by the waiter, which she found delightfully light and fruity. Steve had a New Zealand pinot noir which he really liked.

Our salads were excellent. Lisa had the field greens with Bosc pears and spicy pecans. The greens were fresh and tasty and the pears and pecans complemented one another nicely. Steve absolutely loved his romaine salad which was much like a wedge but with more interesting lettuce.

We both ordered steak. Lisa had the tenderloin which was cooked a perfect medium rare and tasted wonderful. Steve's ribeye was also perfectly cooked and the marbling contributed to its great flavor.

Powerhouse's dessert choices were a bit limited, at least for our tastes. Lisa had the German chocolate duo, after initially scoffing at Steve's thought that she would have this. Perhaps her reacftion is understandable since she doesn't like German chocolate cake, but this dessert was actually more of a flourless chocalte cake, and the choclate was the bitter dark kind Lisa thoroughly enjoys. Steve couldn't find anything he wanted so he defaulted to some odd sorbet flavors. But he forgave this course because the rest was so good. The bathrooms were solid but unspectacular, albeit clean.

Dinner for two at Powerhouse with wine by the glass and no appetizers was $200, but well worth it.

Our ratings for Powerhouse, 215 N. Clinton (not Hillary), Chicago:

8 of 10 Steak Knives; 2 of 3 Bathroom Brushes