These days, when convenience seems paramount, Travelle at The Langham ( 330 N. Wabash Ave.; TravelleChicago.com ) offers something that it hopes will draw lots of people: Travelle To Go.
And this concept should. Located around the corner of the building at ground level ( between Wabash Avenue and State Street ), Travelle To Goavailable Wednesdays through Saturdays 12-6 p.m.offers many delectable items.
They include small plates such as burrata with raspberry and peaches served with honey comb, peach gastrique and focaccia ( $18 ); meatballs with pomodoro, Grana Padano and country bread ( $16 ); and summer solstice panzanella with prosciutto, tomato, melon, and raspberry vinaigrette ( $16 ).
Main dishes include Grand "Maine lobster roll" with Brown Buttered Hollandaise, Celery, and Pickled Peppers ( $27 )a very delicious sandwich; Polish sausage with house sauerkraut, grilled onions, and horseradish mustard ( $18 ); and a very well-made butter chicken with basmati rice, naan, cumin crema, pea tendrils and cilantro ( $19 ).
However, make room for dessert. The key lime pie ( $8 ) I had was incredible, but there are also selections such as the chocolate chip ice cream cookie sandwich ( $8 ) and the banana cream pudding slice with white chocolate mousse and vanilla whipped cream ( $8 ).
But waitthere's more: Travelle's beverage team has also launched a cocktail to-go menu featuring items such as Piazza Bianca, with Ketel One vodka, Italicus, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and citrus syrup ( $16 ).
And ( last but not least ) on Saturdays at 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Pastry Chef Danielle Marelli and Pastry Sous Chef Joyce Park present a rotating selection of enticing pastries such as cinnamon rolls, croissants and Lamington squares ( sponge-cake squares filled with raspberry and topped with coconut ). I'll have to return Labor Day weekend: Strawberry-cheesecake pop tarts and various pies ( key lime white chocolate, peach almond crumb and Michigan blueberry ) are on tap.
So if you can't check out the actual Travelle restaurant in the building, I urge you to check out Travelle To Goand then head on over to the nearby Chicago River for a nice picnic. ( Speaking of which, there are also picnic baskets for retail. )