One of our favorite things about what we do is discovering new venues to introduce to our couples. We all know that Chicago is filled with dozens upon dozens of gorgeous hotels, urban lofts and raw spaces, top-notch museums, and private dining rooms of phenomenal restaurants. But every once in a while, something new comes along that you just have to add to the list of possibilities.
The new Pullman Barn at the Chicago Botanic Garden is our latest love.
We were fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at the venue last week, during a private and intimate gathering for Chicago planners. Fortunately, the talented Jeremy Lawson was also present to document the details.
First, we were whisked away in an antique trolley and taken to a tucked-away spot within the Garden walls.
As we departed the trolley, we were handed mugs of Peach-Bourbon Iced Tea to sip as we strolled around the lush grounds. Several paths led to different private areas, including one that would be perfect for a ceremony and another that hosts an inviting fire-pit.
Juxtaposed against the greenery of the garden is the charming, rustic barn. The front door was adorned with a heart-shaped wreath of yellow flowers and with inviting farm tables and exposed wood-beamed ceilings inside, we felt right at home.
Tables were set with BBJ Linen’s Sarah’s Garden runners and Cornsilk Bengaline napkins (hand-tied with raffia), while Hall’s Rental complemented the vintage feel with a mix of their Sevre china and simply stunning Murano goblets. Cheerful floral arrangements by Jan Channon Flowers added just the right touch to this casual yet elegant setting.
The Pullman Barn believes in a farm-to-table approach when it comes to food, and custom menus by Chef Jacob Peck of Culinary Landscape are carefully created with seasonal ingredients, many of which are selected from the herb and vegetable gardens on the grounds.
Passed appetizers included sweet potato bisque with white Miso foam (one of the most unique and delicious pairings we’ve had in a long time); coffee-cured pork tenderloin on buttermilk crackers with marmalade; and pan-roasted duck with cherry jam on lemon thyme crackers.
Our meal was served buffet-style, a perfect way to set the tone for an afternoon of mingling and sampling.
* Jalapeno cheddar corn muffins with whipped honey butter
* Salad of taragon-roasted fennel and heirloom tomatoes (above)
* Local fall greens, lavender scented pear, pickled pearl onion, dried cherry, and Moody bleu cheese salad with pear banyuls vinaigrette (below)
* BBQ-spiced shrimp with red eye gravy and smoked Wisconsin cheddar grits
* Garlic and basil grilled chicken breast, served with pimento mac & cheese, grilled corn and tomato Buerre Noisette
* Blackened grilled hanger steak with sweet potato hash
We thought we would never be able to save room for dessert. But somehow, we did. And it was so worth it.
The sweets table offered stone fruit with simple syrup; campfire S’mores flamed to order served Naughty {alcohol spiked} or Nice; and shooters of pumpkin cheesecake with caramel corn, peach cobbler, and Mississippi mud pie. We were also invited to take home a jar of Chef Jake’s homemade apple butter.
The Pullman Barn really is the perfect marriage of rustic charm and lush gardens and is an ideal setting for a rehearsal dinner or intimate wedding. We could easily picture a Sunday brunch wedding celebration where guests will be able to enjoy all of the features of this space in glorious sunshine in Spring, Summer, or Fall. We can even hear the Bluegrass band playing and smell the fragrance of flowers in bloom…
To learn more about the Pullman Barn and other event spaces at the Chicago Botanic Garden, please contact Connie Bolle at 847.835.6827 or email her at cbolle@chicagobotanic.org
