Photo via Star Chefs
Patios are being packed up and rooftops closed, marking the changing of the season. But there is still a way to get a piece of the Chicago outdoors. Thanks to spots like River Roast {315 North LaSalle Drive, Chicago; 312.822.0100} featuring the famed, Chef John Hogan, you can dig into rich fall flavors, while still enjoying the Chicago River and the last bits of warm weather.
Well known for its protein-centered menu and table-side service, River Roast is also adding some sweetness to their new desserts. From S’mores Ice Cream Sandwich to the Adult Sundae Fundae, every sweet tooth will be satisfied. Plus, for the month of October, River Roast will be donating a portion of the proceeds from their Seasonal Cobbler and their H&M Cocktail to the Lynn Sage Foundation in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
John Hogan, Executive Chef and Partner, gives us a delicious look at River Roast…
DiningOut: What led you to working at River Roast?
Chef Hogan: Chef Tony Mantuano and I have been friends for more than 30 years. We were inspired to open River Roast through our travels to Europe. We visited a roast house in London and realized there was an untapped market for a social house in the United States. In an Instagram-obsessed world, River Roast is place where you put down for your phone and focus on the table and your family and friends.
How does the river factor into your menu and dining experience?
Our patio is one of the best in the city, with dramatic city and water views from every seat, inside or out. The goal of embracing the river as a recreational amenity seemed impossible years ago. But today that vision is now a reality, and the Riverwalk is now considered a “must-do” for Chicagoans and folks visiting the city. The river enhances the dining experiences and encourages our guests to take it all in over a hearty menu meant for sharing.
What is your favorite thing on the menu right now?
The Roast Chicken because it’s the best roast chicken I’ve tasted. I’m normally not a white-meat eater, but the breast on the birds are as juicy and moist as the rest. We literally designed the recipe for the chicken and built the restaurant around it.
Photo via Galdones Photography
What cocktail or drink would you pair it with?
A nice glass of Pinot Noir, preferably French. If not, Oregon will do!
You also have some seriously amazing new desserts!
From seasonal cobbler to adult sundaes and a variety of cakes and pie, there is something for everyone. Dive into the S’mores Ice Cream Sandwich featuring all of the ingredients the classic bonfire sandwich boasts. Get boozed with the Adult Sundae Fundae featuring Guinness ice cream, whiskey cherries, rum pineapple, whipped cream, bourbon butterscotch, and potato chips. Go outside the box with Chicago-Style Corndogs…four cornbread battered mini bananas, cinnamon and sugar seasoning, mango mustard, kiwi relish, and diced young coconut.
Photo via Austin Food Magazine
What are some of your favorite fall ingredients?
Wild game, especially birds, celery root and wild mushroom.
Music is part of the experience at River Roast. What performances are coming up?
The Blues & Brunch on the River is available Saturdays and Sundays from noon-3pm. The October lineup of upcoming musical performances is:
- Sunday, October 15 – Ring of Music
- Saturday, October – 21 Peaches Staten
- Sunday, October 22 – Nigel Mack
- Saturday, October 28 – Jimmy Johnson
- Sunday, October 29 – Corey Dennison
What do you hope people experience when they dine with you?
River Roast is a gathering place to connect with friends, old and new. We want our guests to experience the soul-warming dishes that are reminiscent of Sunday night supper, but seven days a week. We offer meat, fish, and veggies all roasted and carved table-side. We recently revamped our beverage menu—offering cold-brewed cocktails from two slow drip infusion towers—plus a large selection of local and Midwestern beers, craft cocktails, and wine.
How would you describe the Chicago food community?
For me, I can sum it up with one word: Camaraderie.
By Kaleigh Glaza, Online Editor
The post In the Kitchen with John Hogan from River Roast appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.