There’s probably a number of ways to do Restaurant Week well and the Tortoise Supper Club’s rendition ranks high among them. Keeping it very simple and straightforward, they corral a diverse selection of their standard offerings and feature them at a dramatic discount. And they don’t skimp on either the portions or the quality. The diner gets a true representation what the restaurant brings to the table on a daily basis; allowing them to make a reasoned decision to return or not.
Although it’s still not clear whether lunch is absolutely the best way to do Restaurant Week, the Tortoise Supper Club version presents a convincing case for the theory. Ordered separately on the standard menu, the prime rib sandwich, seasonal (split pea) soup and cherry pie would have totaled $33.85. Adhering to the city wide standard three course set price of $22 for lunch; Tortoise’s lunch deal is excellent. Course options are broad enough to appeal to a wide range of tastes and include a tuna poke bowl and whitefish as main entrees.
Bacon, finely diced carrots, and onions dotted the rustic and wonderfully savory first course soup. Ample and succulent slices of prime rib overflowed a warm and crispy baguette. A light Au jus, mayo and a generous tin of rosemary flecked fries shared a serving board with the sandwich. The fries could have been less pillow soft and the pie could have been warmed; but those grievances are miniscule compared to the total experience.
As delightful as the lunch was, the atmosphere of the room was just a pleasing. Lunch seating is in a smaller eating area adjacent to the main dining room and will be a spoken preference when making future reservations. With only a dozen or more tables, it’s a much more intimate space and exudes a quiet air of classy serenity. Crimson walls, low lights and wonderful banquettes in red leather.
Waitstaff goes a little formal in black dresses and pearls; adding yet another note of polish to the experience. Attentive and respectfully cordial, they flowed through the space with efficient precision.
Tucked in the shadow of Marina Towers on the State St. side, the Tortoise Supper Club feels like an oasis of calm in the midst of a bustling city. As an added bonus, for Restaurant Week, TSC also featured Martinis for $6; a $4 price reduction. The gin version was quite acceptable and just a tad too potent to finish.
Tortoise Supper Club
350 N. State St.
Chicago, Illinois 60654
312-755-1700
https://www.tortoisesupperclub.com/
Live Jazz
7:30p – 11:30p Friday
8:30p – 12:00a Saturday
