Tru's Levitating Dish, Monkey Business & More

This amuse of house-made potato crisp, crème fraîche and reserve Kaluga caviar from Tru really is levitating. (Photos: Tru)

When Tru Executive Chef Anthony Martin first told me about a so-called "levitating" caviar dish he recently created for the restaurant's latest menu, I gave him some serious side eye. It just didn't seem possible.

So I had to go see for myself. That dish, an amuse of house-made potato crisp, crème fraîche and reserve Kaluga caviar, miraculously and momentarily floated in the air and set the pace for the next 14 plates to come.

"It's kind of an out-of-this-world (experience)," said Martin to his astonished staff in this amazing video (set to the music of rap star Lil' Wayne) of the dish in action. Alas, he'll only divulge this little tidbit about the magic: magnets, polarity and temperature. I actually don't blame him!


The "naturally inspired" collection of "Array of River Salmon."

Martin came to Tru almost four years ago to work as a sous chef and was groomed to take over as executive chef/partner in late 2009. Previously, he worked at the three-starred Michelin rated Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas.

This is a chef who is quickly coming into his own, and he credits much of that influence to the time he clocked at Robuchon. "I learned many techniques that have helped shaped my menus today," he said.

In his current and upcoming menus, Martin showcases a little gimmicky flavor as with Levitation, but his biggest goal is to wow his customers with dishes that actually taste good.

Now This Looks Really Fun . . .

This should hold us off as we continue to wait with bated breath for that still unnamed Melman tiki-lounge concept in River North.

Kitsch'n On Roscoe is doing a tiki-themed, pop-up event—for one night only—6-11pm August 2. This is part of a new series of events they're doing to promo the new private menu options.

For the occasion, they're going all out with a $25 three-course, prix-fixe menu, Polynesian-themed cocktails, exotica-type music and a decor blown out in full tiki theme. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited.

Here's what to expect on the menu:

Get A Sneak Preview of BellyQ Saturday!

Yvonne Cadiz Kim and Bill Kim of BellyQ.

Chef Bill Kim and his wife, Yvonne Cadiz Kim, are one step closer to opening the West Loop's next sensation, Belly Q, in the old onesixty blue space.

To generate a little buzz, they're doing a complimentary tasting noon-2pm Saturday at FoodEase, in Water Tower Place. Guests will get a taste of what's to come: Asian barbecue and seasonal, locally farmed ingredients.

Celebrate Summer with a Significant Other

Alfresco diners on a perfect night on the town.

Sometimes you want to hang out with the girls or the guys at a rowdy outdoor café, and other times you just want to chill with a sig other—on a quiet patio far away from the action.

For those rare occasions, we’ve lined up the ideal situations where you can drink and dine in relative peace, from sipping sparkling Italian vino at Prosecco to a cozy Sunday morning brunch with Bloodys at Southport & Irving.