Mercat a la Planxa The Blackstone Diego Lopez Amat Mercat a la Planxa

Mercat a la Planxa

The Blackstone
638 S. Michigan Ave. (Balbo Ave.)
Chicago, IL 60605
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Cuisine: Spanish / Tapas / Small Plates
Mod setting overlooking the park sets the tone at this Catalan restaurant.
Openings: Dinner nightly, Brunch Sat.-Sun.

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Mercat a la Planxa, Chicago, IL


Mercat a la Planxa Restaurant Review:


A riot of colors in the high-ceilinged, second-floor dining room overlooking Grant Park on some level prepares diners for the full-on flavor fest they’ll experience on the plate. Located in The Blackstone hotel, the restaurant crafts Catalan tapas plus grilled-to-order seafood and steaks. Wind your way through the large menu, starting with the generously sized charcuterie (jamón Serrano with pickled peppers and grainy mustard is hard to beat) and quesos (we like the Garrotxa with sweet-savory roasted garlic-dulce de leche garnish). Small plates are highly seasoned --- as in the super-garlicky shrimp. What really sticks with us, though, is the flatbread topped with tuna, manchego and roasted capers and tomatoes. Of the grilled meats, skewers of traditional Catalan blood sausage are standouts. Innovative cocktails make for good fun. With advance notice, parties of four or more can order a feast of roast suckling pig served with grilled green onions, herb-roasted fingerlings and rosemary white beans.