Next *
Some restaurants change their menu. Next changes its identity.
Every few months, the team completely transforms the restaurant into an entirely new concept new story, new cuisine, new service style, and a completely different dining experience. We've made it a point to experience as many of these concepts as possible over the years, and while every one has been memorable, Wall Street 1987 has officially claimed the top spot.
What. A. Night.
Transporting guests to Manhattan during the height of the financial boom, the evening celebrates the excess, confidence, and unmistakable glamour of the late 1980s. It was a time when Wall Street seemed unstoppable, lavish expense accounts (remember those) fueled legendary power lunches, and the city's most coveted dining rooms became extensions of the boardroom. Every detail from the music and service to the presentation and pacing immersed us in that world.
And because we love embracing a theme just as much as we love fine dining, we arrived dressed for the occasion. Envelope pants, a gold glitter skirt paired with fingerless gloves, a double-breasted pinstripe suit, and enough hairspray on Emma and Kira to make open flames a legitimate concern by dessert.
The evening opened with Opening Bell, a clever first bite inspired by the ringing of the New York Stock Exchange to begin the trading day. Immediately, the staff pulled us into the story creating an experience that would be far more than dinner.
Naturally, the next stop was the legendary three-martini lunch. A tableside martini service perfectly captured the era's unapologetic indulgence before a stunning shrimp cocktail paid tribute to the iconic power lunches once enjoyed in Manhattan's most celebrated dining rooms, particularly the famed Grill Room at the Four Seasons.
One of the evening's most decadent courses was the Beggar's Purse, inspired by the legendary Quilted Giraffe. Imagine luxurious caviar resting atop what appeared to be a gleaming brick of gold a playful nod to both extravagance and excess. It was every bit as dramatic as it was delicious.
Then came the Oysters Rockefeller. Only Next could elevate an already iconic dish into something this visually stunning. Served in a brilliant gold-rimmed oyster shell, it embodied the elegance and opulence of the era. Alongside it was beautifully toasted honey-oat bread from Chicago's own Publican Quality Bread. We always appreciate when exceptional restaurants celebrate other talented artisans within their city. It speaks to the collaborative spirit of great hospitality.
The Pasta Primavera deserves its own standing ovation. Radiatori pasta, spring ramps, and morels came together in what can only be described as perfection. Some dishes are so balanced and satisfying that explaining them almost diminishes the experience.
The aptly named Greed Is Good course featured an impossibly juicy Chicken Kiev alongside blanquette and broccolini. Rich without feeling heavy, it perfectly embodied the unapologetic luxury that defined the decade.
The seafood course continued the financial theme with a clever interpretation of "Fish Where the Fish Are." Beautiful turbot, finished with an elegant velouté. Emma stated this was her favorite course of the evening.
The Intermezzo was as much art as palate cleanser. Bergamot, peach, and basil were presented atop a towering sculptural crystal vessel. We have always admired beautiful crystal, and this presentation perfectly illustrates what makes Next so special. Every plate, every vessel, every serving piece is intentionally selected to become part of the storytelling.
The final savory course transported us to the quintessential New York steakhouse because, after all, this was Wall Street in 1987. The Wagyu was perfection, but once again we couldn't stop admiring the presentation. Next and Alinea consistently have some of the most remarkable plateware in the industry. We immediately recognized the iconic giraffe plate from previous dinner, and if those pieces ever appear at auction, we'll be the first ones raising our paddles.
Dessert closed the evening with Crash and Burn, a spectacular Baked Alaska commemorating the infamous stock market crash of October 1987. Flames danced across the dessert while Emma and Kira kept a respectful distance, fully aware that their combined hairspray had turned them into a fire hazard.
Beyond the flawless execution, what makes Next extraordinary is its commitment to complete immersion. This isn't simply a tasting menu inspired by an era. It's a fully realized production where cuisine, hospitality, music, design, service, and storytelling work together seamlessly to transport guests somewhere else entirely.
For a few unforgettable hours, we weren't dining in Chicago.
We were in Manhattan 1987.
Next stop: Fashion. We will not disappoint and will come dressed for the runway!
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