A Tale of Two Experiences at Nobu Chicago
Last evening, my dining companion and I ventured to Nobu Chicago, eager to indulge in their acclaimed $225 per person omakase/tasting menu. Anticipation was high, bolstered by our remarkable rooftop experience in September, which set a lofty benchmark. Unfortunately, our journey through the culinary landscape of Nobu this time painted a starkly different picture.
The evening began on a promising note, with initial offerings that hinted at the culinary excellence Nobu is celebrated for. However, as the night progressed and the restaurant swelled with patrons, a noticeable dip in the quality of our gastronomic adventure emerged. This decline was not subtle; it reached a point where we found ourselves compelled to send one dish back to the kitchen—a move we seldom feel compelled to make. Another dish, featuring fish that was both cold and bland, remained largely untouched on our table. It seemed as though it had been hastily retrieved from the depths of a refrigerator and given a quick makeover in an attempt to pass muster.
This was not the Nobu experience we had envisioned. The dishes, which should have been the stars of the evening, felt average, boring, and executed with a lack of passion. It was as if the soul of the cuisine had been lost in translation between the kitchen and our table. A tasting menu, especially one at this price point, promises an odyssey of flavors and impeccable presentation—a promise that, sadly, was left unfulfilled.
It's crucial, however, to highlight the silver lining of our experience: the service. The staff at Nobu Chicago delivered impeccable service throughout the evening, earning a flawless 10/10 rating in this aspect. Their professionalism and attentiveness were unwavering, a testament to the high standards Nobu sets in customer care. It's a genuine pity that the culinary aspect did not mirror this excellence.
Reflecting on our September visit to the rooftop, the contrast in quality is jarring. That experience was a showcase of Nobu's potential to dazzle and delight, setting a standard that our recent visit simply could not live up to. While the service remains a beacon of excellence, the inconsistency in the culinary execution leaves much to be desired. In the crowded arena of fine dining, especially at such a premium, every dish should sing. Unfortunately, on this occasion, Nobu Chicago's performance was more of a murmur, leaving us longing for the symphony we know they're capable of orchestrating.