Chicago...in Marietta?

It was Wednesday night and I was in no mood to cook. My good friend Rick mentioned Chicago Restaurant and I had to try it. It was kind of daunting to have to circumnavigate the construction that was taking place at Shallowford and Johnson's Ferry, but it was worth it. Just walking through the revolving door into the dimly lit cozy atmosphere made me appreciate the drive.
The interior was covered with a hardwood floor, even a raised tier of tables to help isolate some of the diner's from the outlying tables. Each table was lit by its own small lamp, giving a comfortable feel as I slid into the maroon suede backed booth.
I ordered a Bass Ale and a water, which arrived very promptly. For dinner, I ordered a full rack of the "Danish" BBQ ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The server informed me that Danish ribs are shorter but thicker ribs, so I expected a tiny plate.
The salad arrived first, kudos oh wise and powerful server, and it was delicious. The spring mix lettuce was crisp and fresh, topped with Gorgonzola cheese, tomatoes and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette complete with a fresh baked honey glazed croissant. Impressive.
The ribs arrived next, the full rack was enormous...a very healthy portion and worth the price of admission. The meat practically leaped off the bone and the sauce was a tangy sweet blend of BBQ flavors that was finished with fresh cracked pepper. The smoked flavor of the oh-so-tender meat blended miraculously with the sauce to make a symphony of taste,
The Garlic mashed potatoes were also wonderful. Russet potatoes, chunks of skin still in there, with black pepper and slightly sweet, slightly spicy roasted garlic, heated to perfection. I had asked for a side of au pouivre sauce to taste over the potatoes and just to sample for future reference, and it too was amazing...subtle...flavorful...and only a hint of the peppercorn spice.
I finished my meal with a slice of tiramisu. You know, when a restaurant makes their own desserts, I get kind of concerned about tiramisu because there are so many ways to mess it up. Chicago did it right. It was the perfect balance of creamy mascarpone cheese for sweetness, espresso, kahlua and amaretto with ladyfingers for texture that just sent my mouth on overload. If you are ever in Marietta and want a delightful meal, Chicago awaits you.