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Brunch

VU Rooftop review: my last restaurant brunch before the quarantine

shared by MickyN | Leave a Comment

There are moments in life that stay with you forever because you associate them with extraordinary world events. For example, I will always remember where I was and what I was doing when the Berlin Wall fell or when the 9/11 tragedy unfolded on TV. Similarly, I am sure the days surrounding the escalation of the coronavirus pandemic in early March 2020 will forever be imprinted in my mind. I have vivid memories of that particular weekend as a family, and I most definitely remember what I did on Sunday, March 8: I was invited for brunch at VU Rooftop in downtown Chicago to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Brought to Chicago by The James Beard nominated Concentrics Restaurant Group, VU is a 13,000 square foot concept located 22 stories above McCormick Place, which offers modern design, a chef driven menu and beverage program, and unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and the downtown area.

The bird’s eye location is designed for both al fresco and indoor drinking, dining and lounging. It encompasses soft seating, fire pits, a wood fired oven, and several private event areas.

The restaurant is elevated by the natural light coming through giant windows, and by stylish furniture which radiates warmth. The mix of shades and fabrics ensures a dynamic and exciting interior, while the abundance of glass maintains its cutting-edge appeal.

I fell in love with the main bar area, which epitomized a carefully understated elegance.

Here’s a charming play of lights and shadows. Less is more, and less definitely looks great!

The event I was invited to showcased woman-owned brand Fino Tequila and promised to be a celebration of female entrepreneurship and delicious food, all for a good cause. Fino Tequila-based cocktails were available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Connections for Abused Women and Their Children.

I was excited to try out VU’s brunch menu, which featured famous items I had read about on several occasions. After starting with fresh fruit…

… I moved to the right and got myself a few delightful roasted potatoes…

… in anticipation of the day’s greatest offerings: chilaquiles…

…and chicken & waffles.

Having tried VU’s chicken & waffles at this event, I can see why it’s so famous (bordering on legendary!) among rooftop- and brunch-loving Chicagoans.

VU’s chicken&waffles showcased the perfect mix of assertive heat and languishing sweetness. The chicken was perfectly moist on the inside and deliciously crunchy on the outside, while the waffles provided a solid dessert flair, and counterbalanced the spiciness of the meat. The more I dug into this bowl of quintessential brunch goodness, the more I appreciated the chef’s ingenious re-imagining of traditional flavors and textures.

A classic, executed to perfection!

Ending my brunch experience, VU’s pastry and chocolate offerings brought a smile to my face with their playful sweet lover’s decadence and generous variety.

Like the majority of restaurants nationwide, VU is in a critical situation as a result of the coronavirous pandemic. If you want to help its staff, you are warmly encouraged to donate to VU’s Employee Relief Fund.

I had an amazing time at VU Rooftop trying out its brunch offerings and sipping on Fino Tequila-based cocktails. Looking back to that sunny day and excited group of fellow brunch aficionados, the experience is bitter-sweet. I hope one day, soon enough, I will be able to return to VU for a repeat of brunch. I hope the world as a know it will go back to normal, although I doubt it will. In the meantime, I keep thinking positive thoughts, and I dream that the sun will return over VU, our beautiful city, and the world on the whole.

What’s one dish you miss eating at a restaurant? Let me know in the comments – and stay safe and healthy 🙂

*Disclaimer: While I received a complimentary tasting to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed here are my own.

 

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I have a passion for writing and an appetite for cooking. I love to tell stories about foods, cultures, and people - and I love to eat! Come join me on this delicious foodie adventure! Read More

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