Through the course of years I attended trade shows at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.  I finally started staying at the Hotel Nikko just off the river and a couple block walk to the Mart.  I found this hotel to be advantageous because I could fly into Midway Airport, which was always less hectic, and take the El to the loop and walk the two blocks to the hotel.  It made life simple, because it was easy in and easy out.  The hotel was built originally to cater to the influx of Japanese business men, and was later acquired and known as the Westin River North.

Most of the time I would arrive the night before the show would begin, and that way I could enjoy two quality meals while in Chicago.   Through my vendors I heard of a new restaurant that was getting rave reviews called MK.  The initials stood for the chef and owner Michael Kornick and one must be very proud and sure of one’s work to let everyone know who the top dog was.  I made a reservation, knowing that it was Market time, plus it is in Chicago and the urbanites enjoy dining out.   After a short walk from the hotel we arrived and had a cocktail, as the restaurant was just preparing to open for dinner.   I already saw a group of vendors and mid-west merchants that I knew, so the fame of this new restaurant was already in-vogue.

We started with an appetizer of scallops and a plate of yellow fin tuna Tartare.  My Bride was delighted to order a salmon dish with an Oriental Fusion influence.  I was amazed to see on this menu side by side with some exotic dishes liver and onions.  I opined that the dish must be great to be featured in a restaurant of this quality, and that is what I ordered.  All the dishes were excellent, but I must admit that it was the finest presentation and the finest dish of liver and onions that I had ever had, and possibly ever will.  The texture was superb and perfectly prepared, even my Bride was surprised by the quality, as she was surprised that I would order a dish like this.

The wine list was large, but manageable and very well presented.  On the first page of “Cabernet Sauvignon, Proprietary Wines, Merlot & Cabernet Franc” was a wine that I had heard of, but had not had the pleasure of meeting.  There were three different vintages of Far Niente from Napa Valley (1992, 1994, and 1997) and I chose the 1997 vintage.   I really was sorry when we finished the last sip of that wine; it was so enjoyable from the first taste.   I could understand why I had heard so many recommendations from customers and friends that I must try the wine.

Needless to say that what the first of many visits to MK, and we have enjoyed to fruits of Far Niente as well.