{"id":365,"date":"2011-06-16T22:45:00","date_gmt":"2011-06-16T22:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/endoedibles.ifm.yji.mybluehost.me\/?p=365"},"modified":"2011-06-16T22:45:00","modified_gmt":"2011-06-16T22:45:00","slug":"next-paris-1906-and-the-aviary-chicago-il","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/?p=365","title":{"rendered":"Next &quot;Paris 1906&quot; and The Aviary, Chicago IL"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:100%;\" ><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pnuW3U1Bpvw\/TiyeocuG-UI\/AAAAAAAAJ9U\/fpBo7AuGLGI\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25281%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pnuW3U1Bpvw\/TiyeocuG-UI\/AAAAAAAAJ9U\/fpBo7AuGLGI\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051651675191618\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-pnuW3U1Bpvw\/TiyeocuG-UI\/AAAAAAAAJ9U\/fpBo7AuGLGI\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051651675191618\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>To call the hype surrounding Chef Grant Achatz\u2019s \u201cNEXT\u201d substantial would be the understatement of the year\u2026or perhaps of last year since first the restaurant was named the \u201cmost anticipated restaurant in America\u201d for 2010 and didn\u2019t even start selling tickets (yes, tickets) until March of 2011.  Beginning with the rumors, then the website, then there was the mailing list, and finally the trainwreck involving online ticket sales and scalpers charging $1000+\/seat on craigslist I will fully admit that I\u2019d been watching the developments from the start and like anyone else interested in the world of fine dining I was not only intrigued, but lucky enough to sign up early and avoid the hysteria purchasing a two-top for 6\/16\/11 with minimal difficulty on the first day of sales.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SuiZKDjnotg\/TiyeoyvxS-I\/AAAAAAAAJ9k\/gbrUi-aTFDs\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25283%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SuiZKDjnotg\/TiyeoyvxS-I\/AAAAAAAAJ9k\/gbrUi-aTFDs\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25283%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051657587739618\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SuiZKDjnotg\/TiyeoyvxS-I\/AAAAAAAAJ9k\/gbrUi-aTFDs\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25283%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051657587739618\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>To those who have read nothing about NEXT there is a pretty good chance they wouldn\u2019t be reading some random guy from Ohio\u2019s blog about gastronomy and as such I\u2019ll spare the details \u2013 especially considering how much has already been written about the experience in nearly every foodblog east of the Mississippi.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Located in the Fulton Market and largely unadorned save for a valet parking sign and a small sign in the window reading \u201cNext Paris 1906\u201d my friend Dave and I arrived on time and dressed in jackets and ties made our way into the small entryway where we were greeted by a pair of young ladies who collected or tickets and ushered us quickly to our table and with beverage choices pre-decided an equally quick greeting from our captain and a description of the menu\u2019s theme would see still water poured and things get underway \u201ctoute de suite.\u201d<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DZe9BnSfyUA\/TiyeounBJEI\/AAAAAAAAJ9c\/uEZmyT5AXJ0\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25282%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DZe9BnSfyUA\/TiyeounBJEI\/AAAAAAAAJ9c\/uEZmyT5AXJ0\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051656477287490\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DZe9BnSfyUA\/TiyeounBJEI\/AAAAAAAAJ9c\/uEZmyT5AXJ0\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051656477287490\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With the room long and narrow and the gleaming kitchen emitting a piercing white light both Dave and I noted that despite the theme the restaurant itself as well as the dress of the servers was rather plain \u2013 largely dissociated from the era and clearly capable of being reinvented regularly to fit the seasonal theme.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With small spotlights overhead and era appropriate linens and service ware on the tables the feeling of NEXT was intimate without feeling contrived and as light era-appropriate French music played overhead the restaurant was energetic without being loud \u2013 a nice balance that harkened an era without feeling contrived.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-J6NxljPdPLk\/Tiyepaz0FYI\/AAAAAAAAJ9s\/lBVgintMHEk\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25284%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-J6NxljPdPLk\/Tiyepaz0FYI\/AAAAAAAAJ9s\/lBVgintMHEk\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25284%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051668342117762\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-J6NxljPdPLk\/Tiyepaz0FYI\/AAAAAAAAJ9s\/lBVgintMHEk\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25284%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051668342117762\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With the stage set and seeing a number of tables around us at various points in their meal already it was with a bit of surprise that our first course consisted of the Hors d\u2019Oeuvres tray and not the gougeres or individual service of foie gras I saw many others receiving and even more a surprise when our tray contained only four items plus the foie as opposed to the six the four-top next to us had just received (including what I believe was rabbit boudin and salmon mousse.)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>A bit perplexed but expecting perhaps a second service we dug right in to the ornate arrangement beginning first with \u201cles ouefs Benedictine\u201d &#8211; a cod cream custard with truffles, followed by leek wrapped mushroom duxelles, sesame crackers with pork rillette and pickled onions, a liquid centered quail topped with pickled anchovies\/lemon zest\/tarragon, plus brioche stuffed with foie gras torchon and topped with apricots and pickled mustard seeds with ground black pepper.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With each bite delicious and balanced I will note that the foie gras was particularly lovely and amongst the best tochons I\u2019ve had while both egg dishes were entirely unique and full of nuance.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B5mlUEPbBWM\/Tiyepv8z3oI\/AAAAAAAAJ90\/eoZcNJahhpY\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25287%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B5mlUEPbBWM\/Tiyepv8z3oI\/AAAAAAAAJ90\/eoZcNJahhpY\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25287%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051674016996994\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-B5mlUEPbBWM\/Tiyepv8z3oI\/AAAAAAAAJ90\/eoZcNJahhpY\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25287%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633051674016996994\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With a second service never arriving we chalked it up to bad luck or a poorly timed seating and within minutes were treated to our first proper course of the menu, \u201cPotage a la Tortue Claire.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With turtle soup a true classic dating back to the early 1900s and rarely featured on menus (Particularly in the United States) these days our bowl arrived with only mirepox present at first but was then shortly followed by a young gentlemen who poured the \u201csnapping turtle consomm\u00e9\u201d tableside.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With the broth clean and clear with breaths of alcohol slightly overwhelming the deeper meaty flavors it was good, but rather simple for me and while not as interesting as my previous experience with turtle soup at Commander\u2019s Palace in New Orleans, certainly more subtle and befitting a tasting menu.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oXMvrEWOMJ4\/Tiyf6_wD8nI\/AAAAAAAAJ98\/1KfOTWN4Q00\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25289%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oXMvrEWOMJ4\/Tiyf6_wD8nI\/AAAAAAAAJ98\/1KfOTWN4Q00\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25289%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053069827895922\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oXMvrEWOMJ4\/Tiyf6_wD8nI\/AAAAAAAAJ98\/1KfOTWN4Q00\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%25289%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053069827895922\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dz0KzLRzNWM\/Tiyf7DfdtbI\/AAAAAAAAJ-E\/tdmej_f4T2c\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252810%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dz0KzLRzNWM\/Tiyf7DfdtbI\/AAAAAAAAJ-E\/tdmej_f4T2c\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252810%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053070832022962\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Dz0KzLRzNWM\/Tiyf7DfdtbI\/AAAAAAAAJ-E\/tdmej_f4T2c\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252810%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053070832022962\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>For our second course of the meal we would receive the night\u2019s sole bread course \u2013 a small (literally only 1.5x the size of a golf ball) roll with crunchy crust and delicate crumb plus a creamy salted butter speckled with fleur de sel.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>We were informed this roll would be ideal for soaking up the juices of our next course, but given its size this seemed rather unlikely and I instead used it and the subsequently requested (requested, not offered) rolls as a delivery mechanism for the butter.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HzBewouckU0\/Tiyf7X6l-HI\/AAAAAAAAJ-M\/Yrnd3BeXWwg\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252813%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HzBewouckU0\/Tiyf7X6l-HI\/AAAAAAAAJ-M\/Yrnd3BeXWwg\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252813%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053076314519666\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-HzBewouckU0\/Tiyf7X6l-HI\/AAAAAAAAJ-M\/Yrnd3BeXWwg\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252813%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053076314519666\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>For our second proper course, \u201cFilet de Sole Daumont\u201d would arrive perhaps 5 minutes after we\u2019d finished the soup and realizing the speed with which we were being moved we opted to slow our pace a bit and talk at length between bites.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Served with classic stylings on a bed of silky Sauce Nantua thick with cream, b\u00e9chamel, and crayfish butter the plate itself would feature for distinct entities, each unique and each quite tasty and mostly well prepared.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Beginning first with the center \u2013 a poached paupiette of sole that was light and flavorful but a bit dry the other flavors on the plate were more successful and included crayfish head and thorax stuffed with crayfish mousseline, a fried button mushroom stuffed with and crayfish tail meat, and a creamy fried morsel of sole roe.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Complex and decadent this was precisely the sort of dish I expected when visiting Next and Dave felt it was the standout of the night by a considerable margin.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0Mnor1gOIE\/Tiyf7_ToK2I\/AAAAAAAAJ-U\/BBDOGFOr1ME\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252815%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0Mnor1gOIE\/Tiyf7_ToK2I\/AAAAAAAAJ-U\/BBDOGFOr1ME\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252815%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053086888504162\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-i0Mnor1gOIE\/Tiyf7_ToK2I\/AAAAAAAAJ-U\/BBDOGFOr1ME\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252815%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053086888504162\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><br \/>For the third course, Dave\u2019s least favorite and rather blas\u00e9 both in taste and presentation from my standpoint as well, Supremes de Poussin was another classic looking dish but this time gussied up with modern technique.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Served as two separate components, each involving chicken, the center of the plate was dominated by a diamond shaped slice of compressed chicken breast cooked sous vide and poached in butter topped with a creamy sauce of cream and what I believe was either chicken liver or foie gras \u2013 it was flavorful and texturally exquisite but certainly no better than any number of other (more substantial) chicken preparations I\u2019ve tasted stateside and certainly not on par with those in Paris.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Moving on to the other half of the dish \u2013 a portion Dave took one bite of before setting down his silverware and suggesting \u201cif you like it, it\u2019s yours\u201d \u2013 we were served poached cucumber rounds stuffed with a chicken mousse and wrapped with pork belly.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">   <\/span>Soft and silky with a bit of brine and a touch of sweet I\u2019ll note that while I ate mine I didn\u2019t like it enough to warrant taking Dave\u2019s and despite the fact that the food remained when our waiter returned the plate was simply collected and returned to the kitchen robotically without comment.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-oBUD9IVL25I\/Tiyf8F78mVI\/AAAAAAAAJ-c\/3hlZNO2AhAk\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252819%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-oBUD9IVL25I\/Tiyf8F78mVI\/AAAAAAAAJ-c\/3hlZNO2AhAk\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252819%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053088668227922\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-oBUD9IVL25I\/Tiyf8F78mVI\/AAAAAAAAJ-c\/3hlZNO2AhAk\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252819%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633053088668227922\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With the earlier seated two top to our left having enjoyed a supplemental dish described as \u201clamb three ways\u201d it was with a bit of disheartenment that our next course would be preceded with the delivery of service items indicating it was time for the shared main course entitled \u201cCanetone Rouennais a la Presse\u201d with \u201cGratin de Pommes de Terre a la Dauphinoise.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>At this point approximately 50 minutes into the meal and wondering why, precisely, every table around us seemed to be receiving \u201cextras\u201d while we were being rushed through our evening the duck and potatoes would arrive to at least temporarily assuage the sting as both were not only good but downright fantastic.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-3FSIdb_VC6g\/TiyhZqy4FeI\/AAAAAAAAJ-k\/vceufT1t_Fw\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252820%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-3FSIdb_VC6g\/TiyhZqy4FeI\/AAAAAAAAJ-k\/vceufT1t_Fw\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252820%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054696290129378\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-3FSIdb_VC6g\/TiyhZqy4FeI\/AAAAAAAAJ-k\/vceufT1t_Fw\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252820%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054696290129378\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Beginning first with the duck \u2013 <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\"> <\/span>sourced from Rouen and brined whole for \u201cseven to ten hours depending on size\u201d prior to roasting and subsequent carving with the breasts finished in the pan while the extremities were confited \u2013 it was absolutely flawless.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Crispy skin, rosy flesh, full bodied taste without a bit of gaminess and a great contrast between the supple lean breasts and crisp fatty legs\u2026really flawless and only made better by a briny mineral tinged sauce produced by pressing the duck\u2019s carcass rendering its natural juices with cognac and red wine.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Not to be outdone in the decadence department the side dish of mandolined \u201ctwice cooked\u201d Yukon Gold potatoes layered with cream, herbs, and aged cheese finished in the oven were by far the best \u2018au gratin\u2019 potatoes I\u2019ve ever tasted and with Dave sporting a rather slight appetite I had more than my fair share.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_PUFSocsjIc\/TiyhZ0E8cgI\/AAAAAAAAJ-s\/27Pif3lXPds\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252824%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_PUFSocsjIc\/TiyhZ0E8cgI\/AAAAAAAAJ-s\/27Pif3lXPds\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252824%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054698781831682\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_PUFSocsjIc\/TiyhZ0E8cgI\/AAAAAAAAJ-s\/27Pif3lXPds\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252824%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054698781831682\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>For our palate cleanser, at this point convinced there was no way we\u2019d receive the bonus Sauternes Sorbet that I\u2019d seen served to the gougeres table, Salade Irma would arrive featuring an edible nasturtium flower and its leaves, asparagus, radish, and frisee plus a light vinaigrette that although beautiful and elegant simply did nothing to add or subtract from the experience save for evoke a \u201cwell, that was pretty\u201d from me and a \u201cso, you can eat the flower \u2013 right?\u201d from Dave.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-w756G76p6Nk\/TiyhaSSSYLI\/AAAAAAAAJ-0\/22sPNGUF8yA\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252826%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-w756G76p6Nk\/TiyhaSSSYLI\/AAAAAAAAJ-0\/22sPNGUF8yA\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252826%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054706890858674\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-w756G76p6Nk\/TiyhaSSSYLI\/AAAAAAAAJ-0\/22sPNGUF8yA\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252826%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054706890858674\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With palates theoretically cleansed dessert would arrive precisely 75 minutes after we were seated and entitled \u201cBombe Ceylan\u201d it would be perhaps my favorite dish of the night save for the duck.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With a base of dark cocoa shortbread topped with a chilly creamed center of coffee semi-freddo and topped with a dome of rum ice cream sprayed with dark cocoa and surrounded by cr\u00e8me anglaise and rum soaked cherries.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With four layers of texture and the flavors all blending flawlessly to create what was essentially an edible cocktail I only wish there had been more \u2013 or that I\u2019d have had the group for the kitchen table so I could have tried the souffl\u00e9 as well.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rr-oHw5_As\/Tiyhau8-iXI\/AAAAAAAAJ-8\/OWHrcduIOks\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252832%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rr-oHw5_As\/Tiyhau8-iXI\/AAAAAAAAJ-8\/OWHrcduIOks\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252832%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054714586106226\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7rr-oHw5_As\/Tiyhau8-iXI\/AAAAAAAAJ-8\/OWHrcduIOks\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252832%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054714586106226\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ASH3kj_H4bw\/TiyhbLNHHFI\/AAAAAAAAJ_E\/aKFRdtM3KeY\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252833%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ASH3kj_H4bw\/TiyhbLNHHFI\/AAAAAAAAJ_E\/aKFRdtM3KeY\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252833%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054722169969746\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ASH3kj_H4bw\/TiyhbLNHHFI\/AAAAAAAAJ_E\/aKFRdtM3KeY\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252833%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633054722169969746\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/>W<\/span>ith the time now bordering on 90 minutes since our seating the Bombe plates were collected and within thirty seconds a tray of mignardises appeared with golden copies of the menu.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Again shorting us our tray contained only three options (at least four were provided from what I could see a couple tables down as the tables adjacent to us were still enjoying their duck) \u2013 a beet gelee, salted caramels, and a unique pistachio butter cake with a texture something like a dry marshmallow \u2013 and with the tray collected we were thanked for coming and more-or-less led to the door where the friendly hostesses bid us a good evening.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-HcqiSrysMB0\/TiyiveiLyjI\/AAAAAAAAJ_M\/gIUuC2uC-vI\/s1600\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252834%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-HcqiSrysMB0\/TiyiveiLyjI\/AAAAAAAAJ_M\/gIUuC2uC-vI\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252834%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056170467641906\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-HcqiSrysMB0\/TiyiveiLyjI\/AAAAAAAAJ_M\/gIUuC2uC-vI\/s320\/007%2B-%2BNEXT%2B%252834%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056170467641906\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>As Dave and I bid one another farewell he noted \u201cwow, that was good \u2013 but fast\u201d and concurring I suggested he could come over to Aviary with my family and I for a drink but he declined due to an hour long drive home.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With promises to get together again soon I made my way next door admittedly feeling a little bummed about both the brevity and overall price to experience ratio at Next; I specifically wondered to myself whether the restaurant would garner the hype it does based on the food alone and deciding this unlikely I was left with the nagging thought that while I\u2019d gotten what I paid for, others around us had gotten more for the same dollar and while I can\u2019t say for sure why that was (perhaps they were ALL friends of the house?) those tables also hadn\u2019t been rushed through their service as we had.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With good and sometimes great food, average but scripted service, and an idea that far outstrips the actual experience I admit I\u2019m still intrigued to return to NEXT, but only to the Kitchen Table where I can rest assured that the experience \u2013 food, duration, location \u2013 at least stands its very best chance of living up to the hype created mostly thus far by a ticket system.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2epu0GM-il4\/TiympKeY2yI\/AAAAAAAAKAc\/v7BjqbyYJ0o\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252817%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2epu0GM-il4\/TiympKeY2yI\/AAAAAAAAKAc\/v7BjqbyYJ0o\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252817%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633060460050307874\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-2epu0GM-il4\/TiympKeY2yI\/AAAAAAAAKAc\/v7BjqbyYJ0o\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252817%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633060460050307874\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With my mood already a bit off the \u201cgreeting\u201d at The Aviary was not exactly uplifting when I was stopped by a large bouncer-esque fellow dressed in Mad-Men Era costume communicating via Bluetooth to make sure my mother and aunt were inside before allowing me to enter (despite the space being less than 1\/3 full.)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>When I was finally \u201cokayed\u201d I was told \u201chave a nice time\u201d and on making my way into the dark, chic, and genuinely sexy room with lavish drapes and comfortable couches abound swanky I was welcomed by a young lady who would lead me past the open \u201ccocktail kitchen\u201d to a space in the middle of the room where my family was seated enjoying bites and a couple of drinks.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>Greeted with a \u201cwow, that was fast\u201d regarding the duration of my meal at NEXT I told them a bit of the story but to avoid spoiling the mood decided to save my thoughts for later as a menu was presented.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aSbJqXihSr0\/TiylwPiazVI\/AAAAAAAAJ_8\/_oetSFiGD2o\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25286%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aSbJqXihSr0\/TiylwPiazVI\/AAAAAAAAJ_8\/_oetSFiGD2o\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25286%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059482156846418\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-aSbJqXihSr0\/TiylwPiazVI\/AAAAAAAAJ_8\/_oetSFiGD2o\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25286%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059482156846418\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-sp-VPTwOhVI\/TiylxXTe7dI\/AAAAAAAAKAU\/pXw6vxXYZAg\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252815%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-sp-VPTwOhVI\/TiylxXTe7dI\/AAAAAAAAKAU\/pXw6vxXYZAg\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252815%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059501421555154\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-sp-VPTwOhVI\/TiylxXTe7dI\/AAAAAAAAKAU\/pXw6vxXYZAg\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252815%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059501421555154\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With low-volume electronica playing overhead and the menu in hand it was explained to me that the list was arranged something like Alinea, but in this case from sweet to dry with the birds to the left ranging further from the text for more complicated tastes.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>With a taste of my mother\u2019s Hemingway featuring Grapefruit, Lime, Maraschino, and Rum \u2013 a relatively straight forward option \u2013 and my Aunt\u2019s Pineapple with Mint, Sanbitter, Chartreuse, and Pineapple juice that arrived in an ornate slowly melting form becoming sweeter with time I opted to embrace my inner \u201cDude\u201d and selected the White Russian with Milk, Ristretto, and Rum \u2013 another slowly melting cocktail with high quality rum blended with a half shot of Intelligentsia Espresso and foamed milk alongside sweetened \u201cmilk ice\u201d forming an angular slant in the glass.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_itihD1nvII\/TiylvghcSbI\/AAAAAAAAJ_0\/U5UuTiWUiGw\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25288%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_itihD1nvII\/TiylvghcSbI\/AAAAAAAAJ_0\/U5UuTiWUiGw\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25288%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059469536283058\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_itihD1nvII\/TiylvghcSbI\/AAAAAAAAJ_0\/U5UuTiWUiGw\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25288%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059469536283058\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-APzZQySI4Fg\/TiyiwD8AJ5I\/AAAAAAAAJ_c\/FMW7igZjxhA\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25282%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-APzZQySI4Fg\/TiyiwD8AJ5I\/AAAAAAAAJ_c\/FMW7igZjxhA\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056180508043154\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-APzZQySI4Fg\/TiyiwD8AJ5I\/AAAAAAAAJ_c\/FMW7igZjxhA\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25282%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056180508043154\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WsYztYvVnnM\/Tiyiv6Dfz7I\/AAAAAAAAJ_U\/3jdn9PK2HyY\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25281%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WsYztYvVnnM\/Tiyiv6Dfz7I\/AAAAAAAAJ_U\/3jdn9PK2HyY\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056177855123378\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WsYztYvVnnM\/Tiyiv6Dfz7I\/AAAAAAAAJ_U\/3jdn9PK2HyY\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25281%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056177855123378\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With drinks to be enjoyed slowly due to both their price and their potency I additionally opted for three \u201cbites\u201d to go with my drink, but prior to receiving either drink or bite I was served a \u201ccocktail amuse\u201d described as a \u201cSpicy Watermelon bite\u201d with melon compressed in soju liquor and topped with soy pudding, sesame seeds, and micro cilantro \u2013 a tasty and refreshing burst of flavor that most certainly would not have been out of place at Alinea.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JznbZbcM2U0\/Tiyiww9ksFI\/AAAAAAAAJ_s\/-morhcb0oJI\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25285%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JznbZbcM2U0\/Tiyiww9ksFI\/AAAAAAAAJ_s\/-morhcb0oJI\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25285%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056192594227282\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JznbZbcM2U0\/Tiyiww9ksFI\/AAAAAAAAJ_s\/-morhcb0oJI\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25285%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056192594227282\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jwKAyL01xlw\/TiyiwuXHj6I\/AAAAAAAAJ_k\/xoRz4V1yX8A\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25284%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jwKAyL01xlw\/TiyiwuXHj6I\/AAAAAAAAJ_k\/xoRz4V1yX8A\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25284%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056191896063906\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jwKAyL01xlw\/TiyiwuXHj6I\/AAAAAAAAJ_k\/xoRz4V1yX8A\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%25284%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633056191896063906\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>Moving on to the bites \u2013 pricey at $4-6 each \u2013 I opted for a trio beginning with \u201cChowder \u2013 Croquette, Clam, Spicy Corn Pudding,\u201d then \u201cFoie Gras \u2013 Rhubarb, Pumpernickel, Lavender,\u201d and finally \u201cBrioche \u2013 Chocolate, Smoked Salt, Vanilla,\u201d all three excellent with the first tasting like a liquid hush puppy in a golden shell, the second a bitter\/sweet amalgam with the sapor of foie gras giving way to notes of lavender, and the third a chocolate square topped with smoky salinity and filled with what I can only describe as liquid French Toast \u2013 all wonderful, as expected from my previous two visits to the North Halsted flagship.<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SuB17sBYQsw\/TiylwxM0mDI\/AAAAAAAAKAM\/vncjUaTeoVA\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252812%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SuB17sBYQsw\/TiylwxM0mDI\/AAAAAAAAKAM\/vncjUaTeoVA\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252812%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059491193067570\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-SuB17sBYQsw\/TiylwxM0mDI\/AAAAAAAAKAM\/vncjUaTeoVA\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252812%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059491193067570\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-drlpY-PcRn8\/TiylwlXHIqI\/AAAAAAAAKAE\/0fWBvcaMVDs\/s1600\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252811%2529.JPG\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grey-opaque\/plugins\/lazy-load\/images\/1x1.trans.gif\" data-lazy-src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-drlpY-PcRn8\/TiylwlXHIqI\/AAAAAAAAKAE\/0fWBvcaMVDs\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252811%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059488015000226\" border=\"0\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-drlpY-PcRn8\/TiylwlXHIqI\/AAAAAAAAKAE\/0fWBvcaMVDs\/s320\/008%2B-%2BThe%2BAviary%2B%252811%2529.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633059488015000226\" border=\"0\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><br \/><\/span>With drinks consumed we debated whether to order a second round but having not yet even checked into our hotel and debating yet another dessert stop to finish the night we decided the better part of valor was to call it quits at a total of three drinks and nine bites \u2013 and a total bill of $106 \u2013 more than I\u2019d ever anticipated spending at a bar anywhere, especially with my family, yet oddly a \u201cvalue\u201d that felt better than that at NEXT an hour prior if only for the novelty of it.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">  <\/span>If my tolerance were higher I would definitely consider going back for the kitchen table menu, but even as it stands I\u2019ve no doubt I\u2019ll be back to sample future creations on subsequent visits to Chicago \u2013 whether I return to NEXT or not.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To call the hype surrounding Chef Grant Achatz\u2019s \u201cNEXT\u201d substantial would be the understatement of the year\u2026or perhaps of last year since first the restaurant was named the \u201cmost anticipated restaurant in America\u201d for 2010 and didn\u2019t even start selling &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/?p=365\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,96,13,45,97,532,61,533,83,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bread-basket","category-chicago","category-dessert","category-foie","category-illinois","category-next","category-pork","category-the-aviary","category-truffle","category-vacation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/365\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/endoedibles.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}