**** (4 stars)
It had been eight years since I visited North Pond, so I thought it was time to check in and see if much had changed. It hasn't.
It is certainly an idyllic setting for a restaurant. When you can sit in the front room with all the walls opened up on a nice evening there is no more pleasant dining venue in Chicago.
The menu is a tasting menu of four courses, with three choices for each course. Courses are large, for a tasting menu. In my previous review I noted they contained many interesting and delicious ingredients that didn't necessarily combine into something greater than the individual parts. That is still true.
This time our two appetizers–a ceviche and a foie gras–were stellar. It was downhill from there though. The entrees–a sturdy wagu strip loin and mundane lamb dish–were particularly forgettable. The lobster–a $40 add-on–was nicely poached. Desserts again rose to a higher level, with a green tea ice cream and banana bread being the best.
There is a wine pairing available, but we chose to bring some high-end wines and pay the $50 per bottle corkage.
Our waiter and all of the bussing staff were terrific.
I will go back again eventually, for the ambiance, which is exceptional.
North Pond
2610 N Cannon Dr
Chicago, IL 60614