Saltaus

On the weekends, my girlfriends and I usually choose a neighborhood dive bar or BYOB sushi spot to celebrate our singledom (and stretch our inadequate pay checks). But I’m afraid Saltaus, a contemporary, Zen-inspired destination in Chicago’s West Loop, has changed our low class taste for good.

This posh restaurant and lounge, located at 1350 West Randolph Street, is where “the hottest of the hot” gather, per the restaurant owner’s beaming declaration. The VIP space reserved for a friend’s Bachelorette party was ideal for the small plates/wine pairings that were previously arranged. And to top it off, our attentive waiter couldn’t have been more adorable, I mean, knowledgeable about each course.

The sleek architectural design of the interior and minimalist outdoor patio highlighted the contemporary chef-selected canapés, including the group fav-Risotto Cakes. These lightly fried spheres, made with parmesan cheese and served with a pesto sauce, were crispy on the outside and had a creamy, risotto-y center. The Crabcakes, flavored with fennel and lemon and served with red pepper vinaigrette, were another favorite while the Curry-Coconut Chicken Satay kabobs served with tomato ginger jam proved to be a dipper’s delight. Each finger food was more fab than the next and I definitely plan on hitting up this hot spot again.

During the experience, my friends and I felt very city, so now, if you will, just sipping vino and noshing on our bite-sized savories in the most chic way. Until I get a job promotion, however, I’ll have to settle for $5 bottles of Barefoot Pinot and $6 California rolls. Guess I’ll just have to ask our waiter from Saltaus to join us until that raise kicks in.

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