Ask any of my friends, and they’ll confirm that random is my middle name. Last week, I asked my college roommate, Samantha Bullion to meet me at The Peninsula Chicago and we’d grab lunch nearby after my meeting with General Manager and Regional Vice-President, Maria Zec.

During  our coffee, I learned that The Peninsula Chicago has just announced a new Chef de Cuisine, Chef Lee Wolen who hails from the acclaimed Eleven Madison Avenue Park in NYC.  He is in the process of developing the dining experience and describes his new menu concept as “simple flavors, but complex dishes.”

As luck would have it, Chef Lee preferred to have Samantha and I test run a few of the dishes he was working on.  While they are still top secret until unveiled later this fall,  I will spill that Chicagoans are in for a real treat.  Let’s just say, he believes that “people are craving something more acidic”.  And to quote Samantha who was quite humored by our surprise gourmet tasting, “it’s all about the pickle.”

To make a reservation for The Lobby, call 312-573-6695 or e-mail: diningpch@peninsula.com.