| « The "New" Villains Prevails | The Ultimate Dinner Party » |
Review Fri Jul 24 2015
Unconventional Disappointment at Bohemian House
I first dined at Bohemian House in River North last year, and my overwhelmingly positive experience with the food and service inspired me to return again. Which was unfortunate, since my recent experience showcased a water-downed menu with lackluster execution.
The appetizer knackwurst sausage was decent--nothing overwhelming exciting or memorable--but I wouldn't get it again. The salt and vinegar chips were surprisingly good--sour, salty, and just a whiff of bacon smoke all over. Hidden underneath kale, the Chicken Paprikash with yogaball-sized dumplings--or grilled chicken in thick paprika roux--tasted like muddled disappointment. Either the sauce or the chicken lacked salt and acid, though I really couldn't tell which one.
Fortunately, the perfectly-cooked pork schnitzel sandwich--topped with a fried egg and Kohlrabi slaw--was incredibly juicy and crispy. However, the actual schnitzel sat atop a semi-burnt Kaiser roll slice, which ended up soggy and uneaten. For dessert, there was a strawberry kolacky or dark chocolate custard.
If I hadn't dined at Bohemian House before, the food would be decent, maybe even good. I don't readily eat Central European food (the Czech insist they're not Eastern European), so rye, mustard, and pickled things excite my palate. The restaurant truly is unique in style and culinary offering, but delicious memories of Boho's potential left me a disappointed diner.
Bohemian House
11 W Illinois St.
312-955-0439
