Elske: A Culinary Gem in Chicago

Nestled in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Elske offers a unique dining experience that seamlessly blends modern Scandinavian cuisine with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant, which opened in 2016, is a collaboration between husband-and-wife team Chef David Posey and Anna Posey. You can find this culinary haven at 1350 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607. Elske welcomes guests Tuesday through Sunday, with opening hours varying. It’s best to check their website or call them at (312) 733-1314 to confirm the current schedule. The restaurant’s elegant and minimalist decor creates a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. Ready to plan your visit?

Want to know how to plan your meal to meet your dietary needs? Check out this handy calorie and protein calculator!

Menu Highlights

Elske’s menu is a testament to the seasons, with dishes crafted using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Each dish showcases the chefs’ expertise in balancing flavors and textures. Here are some menu highlights, grouped by category:

Snacks

Smoked Trout Roe & Crème Fraîche: Delicate roe bursts with flavor, a perfect appetizer.
Crispy Potatoes with Dill Aioli: Golden, crispy potatoes with a creamy and herby dip.
Pickled Vegetables with Rye Cracker: A mix of tangy pickles with a delightful crunch.
Focaccia with Cultured Butter: Warm, crusty bread served with rich, creamy butter.
Pork Rillettes with Mustard: Rich, slow-cooked pork spread, a classic French delight.
Beef Tartare with Rye Crisp: Finely chopped raw beef with a savory, satisfying bite.
Oysters on the Half Shell: Fresh, briny oysters, a taste of the ocean.
Mushroom Toast with Herbs: Earthy mushrooms on toast, garnished with fresh herbs.
Radishes with Salted Butter: Simple, fresh radishes, an unexpected treat.
Deviled Eggs with Smoked Paprika: Creamy, classic deviled eggs with a smoky twist.

Starters

Chilled Cucumber Soup with Dill: Refreshing and light soup perfect for warm days.
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Basil: Sweet tomatoes with fragrant basil, simple and delicious.
Grilled Squid with Chorizo: Tender squid with spicy chorizo, a flavorful combo.
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese: Earthy beets, creamy goat cheese, a perfect balance.
Scallops with Cauliflower Puree: Pan-seared scallops, creamy puree, pure elegance.
Duck Liver Mousse with Brioche: Smooth, rich mousse served with toasted brioche.
Wild Mushroom Tart with Truffle: Savory tart filled with mushrooms and truffle aroma.
Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan: Tender asparagus with salty parmesan cheese, simple pleasure.
White Bean Soup with Garlic: Creamy, comforting soup with hints of garlic.
Lobster Bisque with Herbs: Rich, decadent bisque, perfect for special occasions.

Main Courses

Pan-Seared Halibut with Lemon: Flaky, tender halibut with a bright, zesty lemon.
Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables: Classic roasted chicken with seasonal roots.
Grilled Steak with Potato Gratin: Juicy steak with creamy potato gratin, a hearty meal.
Pork Chop with Apple Sauce: Tender pork chop with sweet applesauce, a classic.
Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce: Tender duck breast with tangy cherry sauce.
Braised Short Ribs with Polenta: Melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, creamy polenta.
Lobster Pasta with Herbs: Luxurious pasta dish with chunks of lobster.
Vegetable Risotto with Parmesan: Creamy risotto with fresh seasonal vegetables.
Mushroom Ravioli with Truffle: Homemade ravioli, a truffle-infused, earthy delight.
Roasted Salmon with Dill Sauce: Flaky salmon with a creamy dill sauce, fresh and light.

Desserts

Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Coulis: Rich, decadent cake with a tart raspberry sauce.
Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm apple tart with creamy vanilla, a classic.
Lemon Posset with Berries: Tangy lemon dessert with fresh seasonal berries.
Brown Butter Cake with Caramel: Buttery cake with a rich caramel glaze, sweet perfection.
Ice Cream Selection with toppings: Assortment of ice cream flavors.
Chocolate Mousse with Hazelnut: Smooth mousse with crunchy hazelnut, a textural treat.
Strawberry Shortcake with Cream: Light, airy shortcake, fresh strawberries, and sweet cream.
Cheesecake with Fruit Compote: Creamy cheesecake with a fruity, flavorful compote.
Pistachio Cake with Cream: Moist pistachio cake, sweet and nutty with cream.
Affogato with Espresso: Coffee and ice cream, a perfect ending.

The interior of Elske is minimalist, creating a tranquil ambiance. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the dining experience. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the quality of ingredients and culinary expertise. The restaurant’s vibe is sophisticated yet comfortable, appealing to those seeking a refined dining experience.

A Culinary Journey at Elske

Elske stands out for its innovative approach to Scandinavian cuisine. Their menu is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, with dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. The pan-seared halibut and the roasted chicken are particularly famous, along with their decadent desserts. This restaurant is a great choice for foodies, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. Overall, Elske is a must-visit for those seeking a sophisticated and delicious meal. Highly recommended!

some of the images and information is taken from other sources

Elske Chicago offers exquisite dishes, Elske Chicago provides great service, Elske Chicago has a stylish atmosphere, Elske Chicago showcases culinary excellence, Elske Chicago is perfect for special occasions, Elske Chicago serves seasonal menus, Elske Chicago sources local ingredients, Elske Chicago elevates the dining experience, Elske Chicago presents creative plates, Elske Chicago uses fresh and high-quality products, Elske Chicago has fantastic reviews, Elske Chicago is a destination restaurant, Elske Chicago features Scandinavian cuisine, Elske Chicago caters to food lovers, Elske Chicago delivers fine dining, Elske Chicago offers a unique experience, Elske Chicago is a top choice, Elske Chicago creates memorable meals, Elske Chicago is a West Loop gem, Elske Chicago provides a relaxed yet refined setting.