At my very first job after grad school, a co-worker posed the following question to a few of us: “When dining out, would you rather have awesome food with mediocre service or mediocre food with awesome service?”

Of course my shameless response was, “Neither, I want awesome food AND awesome service…I want it all!” But, if I could only choose one of the proposed options, I said I would prefer the awesome food and mediocre service. My co-worker that asked the question adamantly rebutted with the opposite; he preferred mediocre food with outstanding service. We are all entitled to our own opinion, but I do find it very interesting that I still so vividly remember this question and the LONG ensuing discussion afterwards. What would your answer be?

In any case, I’ve recently discovered a spot here in Chicago that fulfills both of my dining needs in response to that age-old question; awesome food and awesome service. This particular restaurant is Acanto on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park.

Acanto Chicago

Not only were there some great vegetarian offerings on the menu, but some unique ones at that. Of the dishes I tried, some of my favorites included the artichoke hearts appetizer (the artichokes are actually baked and take on the texture of something almost like a potato…so unexpected and good!) as well as the apple taleggio tortellini (walnut and mint pasta, charred apples and mushroom) and the mushroom risotto with shaved truffles (perfect, creamy winter comfort food). Another great thing to know and try out at Acanto is the “cheese program” that has been carefully and thoughtfully curated to offer an exquisite selection of specialty cheeses. If you love cheese like I do, it’s a must-have.

Baked Artichoke Hearts Appetizer

Apple Taleggio Tortelinni

Mushroom Risotto With Truffles

In addition to the awesome food, I have to say I was completely blown away by the impeccable service. Initially I thought it was just because I was at a private media dinner and “they” were going out of their way for me. And when I say “they” I mean (in addition to the waitress), the wine director, owner of the restaurant and executive chef. Each one of them stopped by our table multiple times to chat, ask what I thought about the food/restaurant and get my honest feedback right on the spot. Like I said, I thought I was just getting special treatment or something…

But, throughout the course of the evening, I noticed that this same group (wine director, owner and executive chef) were each visiting every table throughout the restaurant and talking to the guests. Wow, I loved what I was seeing…talk about service! How could you not feel special with this kind of attention and level of hospitality? It’s a truly elevated dining experience when you know you are taken care of like that and didn’t have to go to a high-end restaurant to get that level of service and attention.

So, if your shameless answer is that you too “want it all” with great food and great service, Acanto is your place. I truly hope your experience is as delightful and tasty as mine!

Please Note: I was invited to a private media dinner; all opinions are my own.