Chicago: Topolobampo (August 2001)

My spouse and I dined for dinner at Topolobampo in mid-August 2001 with another couple. Topolobampo is located on Clark Street, just south of Illinois Avenue, in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Rick and Deann Bayless opened Topolobampo in 1989, a few years after opening Frontera Grill. The two restaurants were designed to have the same front door, but that would be one of the few things they would share. If Frontera Grill rocks and claps, Topolobampo slinks. She is the quiet, sleek, classy sister. She’s also the more daring one. Topolobampo’s food has always been contemporary, and it becomes more so every year. Now almost 25 years old, our menu is divided not into appetizers and entrees but rather into categories like “soulful,” “vibrant” and “luxurious.” You can have all of those experiences, or you can choose just one. At Topolobampo, we don’t dictate what kind of experience you have, so long as you have a good one. Topolobampo’s dishes are organized under eight categories, such as “vibrant,” “soulful” and “enchanting.” Guests choose from these categories to create their own three-, five-, or seven-course tasting menus. A fourth option, The Perfect Seven, gives guests a seven-course meal chosen by the chefs.