Grand Lux Cafe, Chicago, IL - April 2006

We had a fabulous lunch at Grand Lux Cafe on Michigan Avenue, which was visually stunning and very nice for a chain. Loaded up with marble, gilt, unique light fixtures, and colorful murals, it was like a giant, shiny bauble perched enticingly in a shop window on the high-end retail drag, beguilingly beckoning platinum-card-wielding shopoholics to take a break from their foraging and gathering and come inside for fortification. Everything inside was wonderful...from the service, to the lovely window seat with the fine view of Michigan Avenue, to the Grand Appetizer Platter we shared (including Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Crispy Thai Shrimp and Chicken Spring Rolls, Buffalo Chicken Rolls, Duck Potstickers, Coconut-Macadamia Chicken Satay, and Vietnamese Summer Rolls) which we washed down with Limoncello Lemonades (Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Limoncello, Chambord, and Lemonade). Yum!

Because you're feeding me so well, I'll share a bite of my Banana Bread Pudding with you.

http://www.grandluxcafe.com/