Longman & Eagle (Logan Square, Chicago — 2657 N. Kedzie)

Normally, I don’t really pay much attention to restaurant awards and accolades. Sure, I’m follow various food media and am aware of what’s hot and what’s not, but I usually rely on word of mouth when it comes to choosing a restaurant. 

However, it’s hard to ignore all the positive buzz surrounding one of Chicago’s hottest new spots — Longman & Eagle. One Michelin star. GQs best new restaurant of the year. Esquire Top 20. The list goes on. Which is why I chose it as the destination for my birthday dinner.

Awesome beer/whiskey/bourbon/scotch selection. Delicious food with a focus on local ingredients. Cool and cozy atmosphere. Nice and helpful wait staff. Reasonable prices. What more could a girl ask for?

Here’s what we ate, clockwise from top left. (Conveniently, this foodie nerd had her point-and-shoot with a 2.0 f-stop on her so she could shoot steath-like photos in low light sans flash.)

• Slagel Family Farms meatballs, creamy polenta, parsley pesto, fonduta (beer: Bell’s Hop Slam)
• Chanterelle agnolotti, black truffles, veal heart, huckleberries, Brussels sprouts
• Seared Maine scallops, braised oxtail, black truffle gnocchi, celery root, fontina fonduta
• Maple braised pork, Brussels sprouts, Anson Mills grits, chanterelle mushrooms, braising jus

I was very impressed and my husband and I had a great time. I’ve heard their brunch is great, too — and I can never say no to brunch. Plus, they also have a beautifully designed inn upstairs, which I’d love to see in person one of these days.

I’m pretty sure Longman is in it for the long haul. Fab-u-lous.