Burrata with Black Truffle // Longman & Eagle, Chicago IL

Housemade burrata cheese, braised celery, barigoule carrot, and porcini marmalade in a black truffle vinaigrette served with crunchy toasted baguette.

I finally tried out Longman & Eagle the other night, fully expecting to be let down. How could it possibly live up to all the hype? And yet it does. The venue is cool but unpretentious, the menu is exciting, the drinks are inventive and delicious, the staff is friendly and knowledgable, and the food is out of this world.

This is one of the best preparations of burrata cheese I have had since the burrata craze began. Like many places, Longman & Eagle makes their own burrata in-house and it is springy and soft and incredibly delicious. I love the flavor of truffles but find that many places tend to overdo it a little. Not so with this light but flavorful vinaigrette that paired so well with the cheese, the vinegared braised vegetables, and a delightful porcini tapenade.