The Promontory-Chicago Restaurant Review

When The Promontory opened a couple of years ago, I immediately wanted to go. Mainly because it's in my favorite neighborhood, Hyde Park.  Also because of the concept of a restaurant, bar and concert venue all in one place. 

While in my hometown this summer I went there with a couple of friends.  The atmosphere was laid-back. I felt comfortable sitting there chatting with my friends well after the meal was over.  They didn't rush us out.  The staff were friendly and service was excellent. 

The food was very good.  My friend had the salmon and crab cakes. My other friend and I had the lamb burger with chickpea fries.  Yes, chickpea fries!  I had never heard of chickpea fries and was nervous and excited to try them.  The meal was delicious and if I never have potato fries again that would be ok because the chickpea fries were better than I imagined they could be.  

Lamb Burger with Chickpea Fries

I haven't attended a concert there yet, but it seems like every night there is someone performing there.  I like having a neighborhood place where I can just hang out and listen to music on any night.  The concert list is here. 

Salmon and Crab Cakes

The Promontory also gives back to the community with #hashtaglunchbag. On the last Saturday of every month they feed the homeless. Everyone is encouraged to come to The Promontory to help assemble and distribute 1000 lunch bags to Chicago's homeless.  When I'm there next year, I will make sure to attend #hashtaglunchbag.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Promontory with their NYE Tasting Menu. Find out more here.

The Promontory is located at 5311 S Lake Park, Chicago, 312-801-2100.

Hours

Dinner Nightly

Sun–Thurs: 5pm–11pm
Sat–Sun: 5pm–1am

Weekend Brunch

Sat–Sun: 9am–3pm

Weekday Lunch

Mon–Fri: 11am–3pm

Box Office

Thurs–Sat: 5-10pm

To find out more about The Promontory, go to their website.  You can also follow them on Twitter,  Instagram or Facebook.

Healthy Food: Protein Bar (Chicago) Restaurant Review

When I heard about the Protein Bar opening in Chicago I was anxious to visit.  I'm always excited to try a new restaurant and as a person who works out a lot, protein is very important to my diet.  Also it's great to have a healthy food option in downtown Chicago. We visited Chicago in March 2014.  I was able to get to Protein Bar two times.

Protein Bar was clean, very well lit, the wi-fi was great and the service fantastic! The first time I went there I tried the Guac N Roll. A Bar-rito filled with roasted chicken, veggies, and a cilantro lime dressing.  Satisfying meal!  It has 540 calories and 30 grams of protein!

Guac N Roll

The next time I went to Protein Bar I tried the Spinach and Pesto Bowl and the BGT Drink.  The Spinach and Pesto Bowl was a lot better than I thought it would be.  It has quinoa, basil pesto, roasted chicken, spinach and Parmesan cheese. The bowl is 480 calories and has a whopping 38 grams of protein.  The BGT Drink contains milk of your choice, I chose almond, Matcha Green Tea, vanilla whey protein and banana. The BGT Drink has 240 calories and 19 grams of protein.

Spinach and Pesto Bowl and BGT Drink

There are several locations open in Chicagoland.  Most of them are downtown Chicago. Hoping that they will expand to more neighborhoods. If not full restaurants maybe they could have Protein Bar Express restaurants located in grocery stores.  I think a partnership with Mariano's would be great!;-)

I highly recommend Protein Bar.  They are located around Chicagoland, Colorado and Washington DC. Check out their website and connect with them on Twitter and Facebook!

Update 4/3/15: Since I originally posted this restaurant review, Protein Bar has added more locations in Chicago and have expanded their menu!  Can't wait to get back to Chicago and try more things!