Oriole Chicago: A Vegetarian Tasting Menu Deep Dive

Welcome to Oriole, an **exquisite** culinary destination nestled in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop at 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661. Oriole offers an unforgettable dining experience, especially for those seeking a **vegetarian tasting menu** that’s both innovative and delicious. With its intimate setting and impeccable service, Oriole is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable night out.

Oriole is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. To reserve your place at this coveted table, you can contact them at (312) 877-5339. Be sure to book in advance, as reservations are highly recommended!

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## Menu Highlights

Oriole’s vegetarian tasting menu is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and culinary artistry. Here’s a glimpse into the delightful offerings you might encounter:

### Amuse-Bouches

* **Beet Tartare Cone:** A crunchy cone filled with savory beet tartare, a burst of flavor.
* **Mushroom Arancini:** Creamy mushroom risotto formed into a ball, breaded, and fried golden.
* **Compressed Watermelon Skewer:** Refreshing watermelon with a hint of mint and balsamic glaze.
* **Sweet Corn Fritters:** Light and airy fritters made from fresh sweet corn kernels.
* **Tomato Gazpacho Shooter:** Chilled tomato soup with cucumber and bell pepper garnish.
* **Avocado Toast Bite:** Miniature avocado toast with pickled onions and chili flakes.

### First Course

* **Heirloom Tomato Salad:** A vibrant mix of colorful tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella pearls.
* **Cucumber & Yogurt Soup:** Chilled cucumber soup with Greek yogurt and dill.
* **Grilled Peach Salad:** Sweet and smoky grilled peaches with arugula and goat cheese.
* **Roasted Carrot Risotto:** Creamy risotto infused with roasted carrots and parmesan cheese.
* **Eggplant Caponata:** Sicilian eggplant relish with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
* **Zucchini Blossoms Tempura:** Lightly battered zucchini blossoms served with dipping sauce.
* **Butternut Squash Ravioli:** Homemade ravioli filled with creamy butternut squash filling.

### Second Course

* **Wild Mushroom Consommé:** Clear and flavorful mushroom broth with delicate flavors.
* **Ricotta Gnocchi:** Pillowy gnocchi served with brown butter and sage sauce.
* **Truffle Polenta:** Creamy polenta infused with truffle oil and parmesan cheese.
* **Artichoke Barigoule:** Braised artichokes with white wine, herbs, and vegetables.
* **Cauliflower Steak:** Roasted cauliflower with romesco sauce and toasted almonds.
* **Asparagus & Morel Tart:** Flaky tart filled with asparagus, morel mushrooms, and cheese.
* **Pea & Mint Risotto:** Refreshing risotto with sweet peas and fresh mint.

### Third Course

* **Black Truffle Risotto:** Decadent risotto with black truffle shavings, luxurious and earthy.
* **Potato & Leek Gratin:** Creamy gratin with thinly sliced potatoes and leeks.
* **Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni:** Baked cannelloni stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese.
* **Mushroom Wellington:** Puff pastry filled with mushroom duxelles and vegetables, hearty.
* **Pumpkin Agnolotti:** Delicate pasta filled with pumpkin puree, topped with sage butter.
* **Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese Mousse:** Earthy beets with creamy goat cheese mousse.
* **Fiddlehead Fern Tempura:** Lightly battered fiddlehead ferns served with soy-ginger sauce.

### Dessert

* **Chocolate Lava Cake:** Warm chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center, classic delight.
* **Lemon Tart:** Tangy lemon curd in a buttery crust, refreshing and zesty.
* **Pistachio Cake:** Moist pistachio cake with raspberry sauce, nutty and sweet.
* **Strawberry Panna Cotta:** Creamy Italian dessert with fresh strawberries, light and refreshing.
* **Mango Sorbet:** Refreshing mango sorbet, the perfect palate cleanser.
* **Coconut Cream Pie:** Creamy coconut filling in a flaky crust, tropical treat.
* **Affogato:** Vanilla ice cream with a shot of hot espresso, simple and satisfying.

## Ambiance, Service, and Price

Oriole boasts a sleek and intimate interior, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and thoughtfully curated artwork contribute to its charm. Service is impeccable, with attentive staff providing detailed explanations of each course. The price point is on the higher end, reflecting the quality of ingredients and the culinary expertise involved, making it a worthwhile investment for a special occasion. The overall vibe is one of refined elegance and culinary adventure, perfect for those seeking a unique dining experience.

## Conclusion

Oriole’s vegetarian tasting menu is a journey of flavors, textures, and aromas that showcases the best of seasonal produce. Dishes like the **Black Truffle Risotto** and **Heirloom Tomato Salad** stand out for their exceptional taste and presentation. This restaurant is perfect for food enthusiasts, couples celebrating anniversaries, or anyone looking for a sophisticated and memorable dining experience. My mini-review? A resounding five stars for creativity, execution, and overall ambiance. The vegetarian options truly shine and will impress even the most discerning palates.

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