Deliciousness at ABC Kitchen

I have been wanting to go to ABC Kitchen for some time now, so as birthday season (yes season- my boyfriend and I are 4 days apart and I have designated it a season) rolled around once again I decided it was time.


Nestled next to the famous and beautiful ABC Home store, lies the equally as dazzling ABC Kitchen. A restaurant by Jean Gorges Vongerichten, this rustic and chic restaurant impresses just as much on their menu selection as they do with their decor. From the eclectic mismatched silverware to the diverse collection of house made sodas, this place excites all of the senses.

The menu focuses on local ingredients and it was easy to tell which ingredients happen to be in season. Figs, concord grapes and squash flowed throughout the list of delicious dishes. 

We started off with Housemade Ricotta and Fig Compote from the "Market Table" section. A perfect combination of creamy, salty cheese and sweet figs were delectable spread over grilled rustic bread. 

Next up off the "Appetizer" section we selected the Roasted Butternut Squash, Hazelnuts, Goat Cheese and Spicy Onions and Pretzel Dusted Calamari with Marinara and Mustard Aioli. The squash satisfied every taste; sweet, salty, spicy, creamy and crunchy. The calamari was the best I have had in a very long time. Not one bit rubbery or tough. The crispy crust and delicate center paired perfectly with the sweet marinara sauce and strong mustard aioli. I must also add how fantastic the service was. Never a glass left half empty and never an empty plate sitting for more than a few moments. 

Lastly on the savory front, we ended (each) with the Roasted Suckling Pig with Braised Turnips and a Plum and Bacon Marmalade.  Its birthday time, go big or go home right? I'm drooling a little just looking at the picture again. The pig was served in a tightly packed rectangle and tasted like the most glorified pulled pork you could imagine. It was topped with thick, crispy skin and sweet and salty-well--bacony jam. 

Last, but never least, was dessert. My favorite time of all, for obvious reasons. With incredible options including Apple Pie with Cinnamon Ice Cream, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake, Concord Grape Tart and Red Wine Poached Pairs, we opted for the most classy dish on the menu--the Ice Cream Sundae. But this was not just any ol' sundae, this sundae was Salted Caramel Ice Cream with Candied Peanuts and Popcorn, Whipped Cream and Chocolate Sauce....I think this one pretty much describes itself.