TRU’s innovative prix fixe Sommelier Collection is more than a meal; it is an entire dining experience. TRU’s resident sommelier Chad Ellegood collaborated with executive chef Tim Graham to construct a menu to accentuate a selection of cocktails, wines and after-dinner drinks. “We want the customers to taste where the inspiration came from,” says Ellegood. Since only a wine list is presented at the table, the meals are unidentified until served. “It’s a show as well. We talk the customers through the meal, and describe how each pairing is unique to its dish.” This is the second Sommelier Collection at TRU. The first collection was well received and ran on menus from March through the second collection, which began at the beginning of August. “Customer response has been really great,” says Ellegood. “We were able to learn a lot based on their responses, which has been helpful in creating the second collection. They have a lot of fun.”
Dining and food culture in Chicago
