Kinmont has closed since this story was published.
After we left Chicago, we hopped on a quick flight to Jackson Hole. Just kidding, still in Chicago, but Kinmont is an escape in the middle of the city. It truly feels like you’ve stepped out of the city and into a sophisticated hunting lodge in the mountains. Our friends recommended that we visit since it’s one of their favorite neighborhood restaurants. Now it’s one of ours too!
Step through the wooden doors at Kinmont in River North and you’ll be transported to an elegant and refined rustic hunting and fishing escape filled with vintage Americana. The dark wood, candle light, and brick walls make for a warm and inviting getaway. We LOVE the oriental rugs that are hanging from ceiling (in addition to looking awesome, they dampen the sound in the large space). Even the bathrooms get a special touch, wall-papered with pages of Field and Stream magazines.
We tried the “KG&T,” made with lemon-thyme infused gin, which is made in-house. We also tried the “Cozy T,” made with Mezcal and Reposado Tequila, and the “All Laced Up,” a fun bourbon cocktail.
Kinmont is the first sustainable seafood restaurant in Chicago, so we definitely wanted to try some of their seasonal fish dishes. Have you ever had a Fish Charcuterie Board? We hadn’t until now. We loved all the different ways Chef Dennis Gutierrez prepared fish and perfectly grilled bread. The “charcuterie” includes Salmon Gravlox, Smoked Trout Rillette, Tuna Conserva, Radish-Red Onion Salad, Creme Fraiche with Chives, Capers, Boiled Egg, and Salmon Roe, Grain Mustard, and Cornichons.
We shared a delicious Rushing Waters Trout that was pan-fried and served with black-eyed peas, Werp Farms Bordeaux spinach, almonds, and meuniere. Our favorite dish was the NOLA fried catfish. We’ve never been huge fans of catfish, but we were intrigued and it was mind-blowingly delicious. Chef Gutierrez served this spicy cajun catfish alongside gumbo and braised swiss chard with mustard seed and rice.
Be sure to stop here if you need a break from the city life in Chicago! Thanks to Kinmont Restaurant for partnering with us on this post.