Evanston-born Iron Chef winner Kerry Simon is known as the "Rock 'n' Roll Chef," a moniker Rolling Stone magazine reportedly bestowed upon him.
To be honest, I don't know if I'd consider Chuck's: A Kerry Simon Restaurant ( 224 N. Michigan Ave., adjacent to the Hard Rock Hotel; ChucksChicago.com ) a very rock 'n' roll place, save for the hotel that abuts it. However, the fare is as American as that musical genreand it's done very well, to boot.
The restaurant, formerly known as Chuck's Manufacturing, features a front bar/dining area that directs the eye upward, even as it has multiple large screens for the sports fan( atic ). The back area conveys an infinitely more intimate feel, with soft music and comfortable tables. ( Simon's likeness is portrayed on a wall in the back. )
Simon's brother, Scott, is executive chef of the establishmentand his brother can be proud of what he's done. My dining companions and I started things off with charred edamame with ginger salt, lime and togarashi; it's a popular concoction these days, but that still doesn't diminish the fact that these were pretty good.
We then decided to tackle a couple salads. The strawberry salad contains spring mix, candied pecans, dried cranberries and goat cheesea pretty routine melange; however, there was something different about this salad that it was a standout for me. However, the Southern fried chicken salad warrants a shout-out as welland the cornbread croutons don't hurt.
I hadn't tried a salad with cornbread croutons; however, I had never had a deconstructed frankfurter, either. The Classic Chicago Hot Dog Flatbreadwith peppers, mustard relish, tomatoes, pickles, onions and celery salttastes exactly like the best hot dog you've ever had. All that's missing is Wrigley Fieldbut I suppose maybe you can go up front and catch a game to get more of a baseball experience.
As a treat, Scott Simon presented us with Chicago clam chowder, complete with hot Italian sausage, potatoes, clams and tomato cream; it was simply lovelyand I bet it'll be even better on a cold day. As for dessert, go for broke: The Junk Food Platter will convert the staunchest carbo-phobe, with an intoxicating mix of caramel popcorn, cookies, brownies, a cupcake and cotton candy. In short, there's something for everyone.
Drinks are pretty good here as well. The Sun Tea was a little heady, but I liked it. Also, the watermelon mojito was beyond refreshing.
By the way, I have to say that the music was interesting. Again, there are no hard guitars ( especially around lunchtime, which is probably for the best ). However, the tunes were light-jazz versions of tunes such as "Walkin' on Sunshine" and "Lady Marmalade." I think I spent half my time there figuring out songs based on their lyrics.
So please check out Chuck's. While I don't know if it has a rock 'n' roll flair, it presents some tasty and innovative fare.