As I climbed into a cab to meet a group at the new hot restaurant, I thought to myself, where is 123 North Jefferson Street? I don't remember ever going to anything on Jefferson, much less a restaurant. And don't all of the president streets run East / West?
Well, my first trip to Jefferson Street was a memorable one; 123 North is tucked into a largely business district just west of the Loop. When I pulled up to the new "hot spot" Sepia on a rainy but warm (for Chicago) Winter's eve, I was greeted by a comfortable, subdued interior of a former early 1900s print shop with sepia-tones (Sepia, get it?) and pictures of Chicago history. The light fixtures cut against the interior to some extent; kitschy chandeliers surrounded by a translucent mirrored oval adds some edge to the look.
Sepia sports some of the best service staff in the city; immediately upon being seated, we were presented with the extensive wine and drink list. In addition to some excellent cocktails (try the Sepia Mule), the wine list was filled with little known, limited production organic wines.
The menu is also focused on local, organic-farmed ingredients. The selection of flatbreads are seasonal and a great way to start as you mull the broader menu. For appetizers, the tartare (again, organic) is fabulous, as are the hand-made pasta with rock shrimp. The grilled octopus is flavorful and perfectly cooked. For entrees, our group had an excellent Kona Kampachi (the fish of the moment), a well prepared Elk steak (very tasty and not gamey at all) and Guinea Hen.
Throughout the meal, the service continued to be exemplary. Desserts were solid, and consistent with the themes of the organic, local ingredients. Definitely worth figuring out where North Jefferson is . . .
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