Feld Year 2: Its Strength Was Also Its Weakness

Feld Year 2: Its Strength Was Also Its Weakness

The strength:

A 23 course meal crafted specifically for the week based on what produce is currently in season, nearly all sourced from midwest-based farmers. Despite these courses being conceivably created only a few days ago, there wasn’t a single bad bite, with the least memorable dishes being a 6/10 at worst. Extremely impressive menu creation.

The weakness:

This approach also led to a lack of true standout dishes on the menu (only 1 10/10 and 2 9/10 dishes imo) and I think they would benefit from having more regular “hero dishes” on the menu. The wine pairing was also underwhelming as it seemed like they were scrambling to match the ever changing menu with what they had in the cellar, rather than planning both out with more advance.

The standout dish:

A peach ice cream in a butternut squash puree with bacon at the bottom. When we asked about this we were told it was added to the menu three days ago, which is extremely impressive but also a guarantee that it will be off the menu in a few weeks when peach and/or squash are no longer in season (if not sooner given their constant changing of the menu).

The verdict:

Given the price and ever changing menu, I would recommend Feld to someone who:

1. Has eaten at most or all of the Chicago tasting menus and are looking for a new and unique tasting menu experience
2. Is visiting Chicago and wants to fully appreciate the local produce of the midwest
3. Values menu seasonality as a highly important part of their dining experience.

I would not recommend it to someone who:
1. Is going to a few (1-3) tasting menu dinners a year
2. Wants a protein focused dinner
3. Is looking for a creative beverage program

The content:

My current Chicago fine dining restaurant rankings which factors in food, service, ambiance and price

1. Oriole
2. Warlord (Enemy tasting menu)
3. Valhalla
4. Omakase Shoji
5. Jeong
6. Feld
7. Kyoten Next Door
8. Indienne

(I enjoyed all these restaurants just for the record and you wouldn’t have a bad meal going to any of them)