Restaurant Tue Apr 01 2014

Rethink Sunday With mK's 'Sunday Suppers'

By Brandy Gonsoulin

While most of Chicago approaches Sunday thinking about brunch, mK wants you to consider thinking about the meal after that -- supper.

To celebrate their 15th year in business, mK recently launched a new Sunday Supper Series, a three-course casual yet fine dining meal for $30/person or $60/couple crafted around seasonal ingredients and set in their updated lounge.

Upon invite, I skipped the regular Bloody Mary and made plans for their Sunday Supper.

The atmosphere at mK is chic, classy and calm and even on a busy night for Chicago Chef Week, I didn't feel overwhelmed. The waiter took notice of my dinner companion cozied up in a black leather lounge chair.

"You see this gentleman, here," he said, "see how relaxed he is? He sums up everything we're trying to do with Sunday Supper. You sit back and relax, we bring the food. The only thing you need to stress about is what wine to pair with it."

With that instruction and to his recommendation for a Riesling, the 2010 Barth Charta Riesling at an approachable $58 dollars, we leaned back and let Sunday take over. (Note: I don't normally get behind Riesling, even dry, but the 2010 Charta makes me rethink my preconceptions.)

Our menu started with a classic brandade (pictured), a warm and starchy yet delicately flavored emulsion that was hearty but not overpowering. It could satisfy as a light dinner with a salad on any average night.

For the main course we shared a seared quail in a pinot noir reduction. The reduction was nice and there was a great sear on the quail. After the heaviness of the brandade, it offered a nice shift.

For dessert, a Sundae on Sunday, I guess the pun was too delicious for mK to resist. There was no reinvention here: scoops of vanilla, chocolate and coffee ice cream topped with bittersweet chocolate and a salted caramel sauce. It was classically simple and the perfect way to end a tasty meal.

The full menu also offers some nice bites, including the bison tartar, a beautiful single bite heightened with mint, pine nuts and Sriracha (which may seem kitsch, but it actually works). Chef Michael Kornick is a founding member of The Bison Council so he gets access to some of the best cuts.

The Sunday supper menu could be slightly heavier in portion size since it's split by two, but if you're looking for a relaxed way to end the weekend, mK's Sunday Supper is the perfect way to enjoy fine dining in a casual atmosphere with exceptional service. They are also offering "Wine Wednesday's," a cheese and wine pairing for $24/person every Wednesday starting at 5:30pm.

Hidden off of Franklin just north of Chicago, mK often gets overlooked to places that are popping up on the more trafficked River North or destination areas like Logan Square, but they are offering a dining experience that's not to be missed.

Reservations to the Sunday Supper series can be made by emailing mjeyifo@mkchicago.com or calling 312.482.9179. Check their Facebook for menu updates.