Citrine: An Anniversary Dinner in Oak Park
We’re usually not restaurant repeaters, but we repeated our anniversary dinner at the same place we went to last year. It worked out that we went out on a weeknight, and with crazy traffic, and wanting to optimize our time out while we had a babysitter, we ended up going to Citrine in Oak Park - again.
I was a little bit bummed at first since I love trying new restaurants. But their menu was big enough that we were interested in trying some new things. I did remember enjoying menu items from last year, but Jason advocated for trying all new things, and that’s what we did - and we were not disappointed! Trying all new things made it feel just a little like we were at a new restaurant. And, some things we tried were even better than what we tried last year.
Here’s what we ordered:
Roasted pistachio, burrata, speck, basil, balsamic glaze, seasonal jam, crostini, herb oil (combinations I would not have thought of but pleasantly surprised me)
*Pork belly, crispy pork belly, creamy polenta, dried plums, guajillo-chili reduction, chives (this appetizer was melt-in-your-mouth delicious)
Pappardelle, lamb bolognese, grana padano, basil, herb oil (a little too spicy for me)
Filet mignon, grilled 8oz filet, Idaho steak potatoes, peppercorn sauce, sea salt, herbs
Long March - bourbon, cherry heering, cynar, demerara, lemon
Espresso Martini
Beignets on the house
& Limoncello shots on the house
Here’s what we ordered last year:
House-made lamb sausage, roasted pepper sauce, tzatziki, arugula, naan pita bread
Gnocchi, mushroom sherry reduction, grana padano, smoked ricotta, crispy scallions (kind of wish I had ordered this again)
Steak frites, grilled prime flat iron, mint chimichurri, frites, sea salt, ketchup
Flourless Chocolate Cake
& Limoncello shots on the house
Both years when we’ve come for our anniversary, we’ve gotten complimentary limoncello shots - and this year we also got our beignets comped. The service is incredible - everyone is friendly and happy to suggest and explain. The waiters check in on you a good amount of times without being annoying, or feeling like you have to flag them down. They’ve got their service nailed down!
I absolutely loved coming back here! By the end of the night, I was already looking forward to our next anniversary, because I think this is going to be our spot. And you know what - although it’s exciting to try new places, it’s comforting to have a usual spot or place, too.
Until next time - may your weekend be full of creativity and style.
