Blackbird's Mike Sheerin to Debut Trencherman at Chalkboard

Former Blackbird executive chef Michael Sheerin will debut food from his forthcoming restaurant, The Trencherman, during a takeover of Chalkboard on Dec. 21. On a normally closed night, Chalkboard chef/owner Gilbert Langlois will open the doors to let Sheerin play and experiment, giving guests a first look into his future restaurant.

The $70 five-course prix-fixe menu will begin at 6:30 p.m with a short cocktail reception and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Sheerin will give a sneak peek into the sort of food we can expect from The Trencherman and will talk about the restaurant's concept. Guests can make reservations starting today online at the restaurant's website or by calling (773) 477-7144

The menu will feature seasonal ingredients, and may be subject to change. But here's what's planned so far:

· First Course: Sepia noodles with guallio chillies, sorrel and buttermilk
· Second Course: Sweetbread bacon with graham cracker and pickled golden raisin
· Third Course: Scotch quail egg with cauliflower and caviar
· Fourth Course: Braised pork belly with sauerkraut ramen
· Dessert: Pumpkin churro with sake sorbet and quince crystals

Michael Sheerin [Photo: James Beard Foundation]