Harbinger is owned by Chef Joe Tripp who has been a semifinalist 5 times (nominated 7 times) for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Midwest award.  He is assisted by a fine team who traveled with him to Asia to find new ingredients, cooking techniques and flavors,  Opening in 2018 the menu changes regularly as seasonal ingredients become available.  The menu is just one page and many of the dishes are meant to be shared.  We were there duing their 9 year anniversary celebration and so a special 9-course tasting menu was available for just $99 and we both jumped at the opportunity.  The medium-sized place looked to hold about 50 people with additional seats at the bar.  The open kitchen was at one end of the space with windows to the street opposite it.  Music was in the background, lights were dimmed and the wood floor was opposite a painted tin ceiling.   It was super busy with several tables turning over when we arrived and thus got off to a slow start but it was worth it – the food was fabulous and creative.  Service was very friendly even if sometimes a bit jumbled, but then they had a new person working on the floor with the experienced ones.  I know what we had isn’t on the regular menu but it showed me a quality and talent that lets me know it’s a place I’d heartily recommend you try.   Relaxed, casual and food full of flavor- it’s a winning combination. Continue reading →