The Scout
If you're easily distracted, it's probably not best to go to The Scout, 1301 S. Wabash Ave.
That's primarily because the upscale bar has almost three dozen large-screen televisions. While talking with my friend, I found myself looking around at the screens showing baseball games—and being a sports fan, it was heaven.
However, if you can take your eyes away for a minute, you'll see just what else The Scout has to offer—and I don't mean just the view of people walking by the two-month-old establishment.
Sometimes, these places just skate by when it comes to food; however, The Scout is a notable exception. The pulled-chicken nachos were practically sinful, and my dining partner loved the mussels. The Scout also does well with salads, such as the cranberry Waldorf, which includes walnuts, apple slices, chicken breast and red onions.
However, the height of the meal for both of us was the Black Angus pot roast, which was actually served in a miniature pot. The meat was extremely tender, heightened by mashed potatoes and gravy.
We did not try the place's signature dish, however: the foot-long grilled cheese. I do plan to return to try one of the three varieties, though.
Conclusion: If you want to try great food in a casual ( but possibly distracting ) atmosphere, The Scout is for you.
See www.thescoutchicago.com .
Fleming's unveiling
On Oct. 6, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 25 E. Ohio St., launched its new private-label cabernet sauvignon 46 Diamonds. Fleming's produced its first private label Forty-Six Diamonds wine in 2007.
Salvatore Ferragamo—the man behind Forty-Six Diamonds Toscana 2009; proprietor of Il Borro in Tuscany; and grandson of the legendary Italian fashion designer—was unable to make it the first night, but appeared the following day to help continue the launch.
The label is available in each of its 64 restaurants nationwide.
At the launch, Maeve Pesquera, Fleming's director of wine, told attendees, "You can see that that the Ferragamos' commitment to fashion is also the same type they have with wine." She added that Fleming's has "100 wines by the glass so, as you can imagine, it's a very dynamic and ever-changing wine program."
For more on Fleming's, see www.flemingssteakhouse.com .
Royster with the Oyster
Shaw's Crab House's "Royster With The Oyster" 23rd Annual Oyster Festival and Tent Party took place Oct. 14 at Hubbard Street and Lower Wacker Drive. Hundreds of people attended and enjoyed lobster rolls, fried shrimp and, of course, oysters. Bands included Brother John, Linsey Alexander and Morry Sochat and The Special 20's. The tent party was the finale in a weeklong series of events that included the Slurp-O-Rama National Championships and the Oyster Hall of Fame Dinner. Photos courtesy of Shaw's Facebook page
