Chicago Eats: Adamus

A few weeks ago, Diana and I were invited to check out the summer menu at Adamus, the newest restaurant and lounge along Jeweler's Row. For those of you who are familiar with the area, you may remember the space next to the Silversmith Hotel that once housed Ada's Famous Deli; that oddly shaped space was completely gutted/renovated and is now home to the gorgeous Adamus. The transformation from that decrepit deli to the sleek new lounge is simply amazing - the entire space is decorated in blacks, silvers, grays with diamond accents (a nod to the Diamond District) and elegant chandeliers.

When we first walked in, I was particularly taken with chic bar area and impressive list of specialty cocktails. As much as I loved those delightful cocktails, they weren't even the best part of our visit - the food really took the starring role. I know many people tend to avoid hotel lounges because while the drinks may be fantastic, the food is mostly an afterthought. This is not the case at all at Adamus; Chef Nelson Erazo has created a really impressive seasonally-inspired menu (with locally sourced ingredients) that makes this restaurant a true hidden gem.

Cucumber Fortune: sour apple, house-infused Purity vodka, and fresh lime

 Yellow Tomato Gazpacho with celery and fennel relish, Hass avocado, and citrus crème fraîche

Artichoke Hearts & Goat Cheese Flatbread: confit artichokes, sweet peppadews, soft goat cheese crumble, and garlic cream (one of my favorites of the evening!)

 Vegetable Hummus & Planks: first press olive oil, cucumber relish, and smoked paprika toasted pita

 Diver Scallop Ceviche with mango, shallots, shaved fennel, and chervil, served with boniato (sweet potato) chips

 Raspberry Ginger Mojito: fresh raspberries, mint, Bacardi Silver rum, and fresh lime

Citrus Brined Bell & Evans Chicken Breast with Cippolini onion risotto, roasted summer, plum, and spiced walnuts (another favorite of the evening!)

 
Creekstone Farms Short Rib Tortellini with roasted baby beets, horseradish cream, and mushrooms (yet another favorite of the evening!)

Summer Peach Crème Brûlée with toasted Marcona almond and vanilla whipped cream

Bellwether Farms Fromage Blanc Cheesecake with blueberry cognac compote and citrus meringue

Adamus is not only a perfect fit for the neighborhood, but also, it's a perfect downtown space for after-work drinks or dinner. I used to work right down the street and always lamented the lack of good dining options down this particular stretch of Wabash, as there are a plethora of fast food options, but not much else - Adamus most definitely fills that void!

You can try all of this deliciousness and more at Adamus: 10 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL (entrance is in the Silversmith Hotel).