Sunday, March 4, 2012

Notes From: 'Keepin' It Classy' Crawl

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Lucky participants, who came out for Google Chicago/312 Dining Diva's first-ever 'Keepin' It Classy Crawl,' chilling out in Tru's gorgeous cocktail lounge. (Photos: 312 Dining Diva)

Google Places teamed up with 312 Dining Diva and Uber car service for the first-ever Keepin' It Classy Crawl on Saturday.

• Through a contest, 12 guests won seats on the "underground" drinking-and-dining tour, which took them to three upscale hot spots in the city. They had no idea where they were going until they arrived at each destination.

Owly Images

Owly Images

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• First stop: Tavernita's Barcito, where guests noshed on a number of Spanish-inspired small plates from Executive Chef Ryan Poli. Highlights included pork belly bocadillos, foie gras conserva and Iberico lardo.

• Guests also sipped the signature Booty Collins cocktail and sangria—which were on tap behind the bar.

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• Second stop: L20, where guests were whisked through the kitchen to the luxurious private dining room.

• Executive Chef Matthew Kirkley whipped up a number of canapes (cantaloupe & foie gras!) and a scallop dish of foie gras, hon-shimeji and argan oil.

• Generous pours of Riesling Kabinett complemented the dishes.

• Desserts were custom-designed macarons in signature Google colors.

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• Final stop: Tru, where guests settled into the gorgeous cocktail lounge for the most decadent part of the evening.

• Indulgences included Executive Chef Anthony Martin's stunning white sturgeon "caviar" dish with avocado and hazelnut accents.

• Guests also previewed new cocktail Scotsman Can Take A Punch (Glenmorangie 10-year, Chartreuse, green tea and ginger), set to appear on the menu this spring.

• Plans are underway for the second Google Places/312DD collaboration. Follow 312 Dining Diva on Twitter for the 411 on our next fabulous feast!

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