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Posted On: October 8th 2026, 02:57 pm
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Esmé belongs on your Chicago special-occasion restaurant list. This dinner reminded me why.
For one night, Salty Magazine brought Chef Jonny Black of Chez Noir in Carmel-by-the-Sea together with Chef Jenner Tomaska at Esmé in Lincoln Park. Coastal California met the Midwest over a tasting menu that felt remarkably seamless.
Two standouts I’m still thinking about:
🐟 Esmé’s rouget with beef tongue rillettes, fermented Jimmy Nardello peppers, plum, fennel, and basil. Crisp fish skin, deep savory richness, and enough bright acidity to keep every bite interesting.
🍅 Chez Noir’s heirloom tomato terrine with Big Sur calamari, mussel escabeche, and guindilla pepper. Sweet summer tomatoes, tender seafood, brine, and a vinegary kick. A cold dish with a lot to say.
What keeps bringing me back to Esmé is the curiosity behind the cooking. This Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant brings local artists into the experience, gives back to its community, and makes an ambitious meal feel playful and welcoming.
The collaboration was one night only. The restaurant is worth seeking out for its own evolving tasting menu.
📍 Esmé | Lincoln Park, Chicago
Save this for your next anniversary, celebration, or dinner worth making a whole evening out of. Send it to your favorite dining partner.
For one night, Salty Magazine brought Chef Jonny Black of Chez Noir in Carmel-by-the-Sea together with Chef Jenner Tomaska at Esmé in Lincoln Park. Coastal California met the Midwest over a tasting menu that felt remarkably seamless.
Two standouts I’m still thinking about:
🐟 Esmé’s rouget with beef tongue rillettes, fermented Jimmy Nardello peppers, plum, fennel, and basil. Crisp fish skin, deep savory richness, and enough bright acidity to keep every bite interesting.
🍅 Chez Noir’s heirloom tomato terrine with Big Sur calamari, mussel escabeche, and guindilla pepper. Sweet summer tomatoes, tender seafood, brine, and a vinegary kick. A cold dish with a lot to say.
What keeps bringing me back to Esmé is the curiosity behind the cooking. This Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant brings local artists into the experience, gives back to its community, and makes an ambitious meal feel playful and welcoming.
The collaboration was one night only. The restaurant is worth seeking out for its own evolving tasting menu.
📍 Esmé | Lincoln Park, Chicago
Save this for your next anniversary, celebration, or dinner worth making a whole evening out of. Send it to your favorite dining partner.
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