***** One of the great parts of trying new foods at new ( and established) restaurants is the education that goes with the fine dining. The dining experience itself is just a part of the entire meal. Tonight, we went to Rogers Park, on Sheridan Road, just a few blocks north of Devon Avenue. This is right in the heart of Loyola University’s North Campus, and on a beautiful Sunday evening, Sheridan Road was quite busy. The restaurant is Haun Hhmai- Fine Dining, located at 6580 N. Sheridan Road, The food is Cambodian and very authentic.
When I first heard about this dining experience, that is how I was told about it. Yes, an experience that you will be glad you had the opportunity to dine at. The restaurant is warm and the staff very friendly. In order to feel the true experience, our server , Nick ,worked with the kitchen to make sure that we had an experience that we would remember. We started the evening with cocktails- a Kampot old fashioned ( very tasty), a give me passion ( sort of a passion fruit drink), and a Sach Chrouk Bampoung, along with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Our appetizers were Mai’s egg rolls and Chien Tropp. The sauces were unique and flavorful. We had the option of spicy or not so spicy. Even the kick was pleasant to the taste buds. We also enjoyed the ribs.
The Specialty Dim Trio Covers was an amazing assortment of fruits and vegetables with some very special Cambodia “bread”. The dips were of three different types and allowed us to see where our taste buds might take us/
The Sach Ko Tuk Prahok- this is a special preparation of brisket with veggies and again, several sauces allowing for each of us to select the amount of “kick” we wanted. As each item was brought to the table, we were informed about the food and the sauces. Part of the menu explained the history and the story of how this restaurant came to be. The chef’s family came to this country as survivors of the Khmer Rouge Genocide,
settled in Chicago, and decided to create a dining experience that would satisfy diners’ taste buds while also educating them on Cambodian traditions and customs. By the way, our dessert was Borboa Sdai- a kind of sticky rice pudding with tapioca and very tasty.
Khmai has some very special activities for diners who truly want to learn more. They are journeys and take place in a special dining room. These are unique menus with fresh ingredients and bold flavors Each of these meals travels to a different province, so you get to enjoy the experience of more than one area.
Khmai is open Thursdays through Sundays: Dinner 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Happy Hour: 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
BRUNCH NOON- 3 p.m., again Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
For reservations call 312-626-7710 or www.khmai-fine-dining.com
Parking can be a problem, but the hotel will valet if needed.
We found a space 1/2 block away/ Read the signs so you will be safe.
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