Get fueled with our chef’s recommendations on our best carb dishes for the Shamrock Shuffle hosted at Grant Park.
Are you gearing up for the Shamrock Shuffle? With the world’s largest timed 8k race right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about fueling your body for peak performance. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or tackling your first race, carb loading is key to ensuring you have the energy you need to power through the course and celebrate at the finish line. And here at Venteux, your go-to Chicago French restaurant, we’ve got you covered with our top carb-loaded dishes to fuel your Shamrock Shuffle success.
Shamrock Shuffle: A Celebration of Running Season
Before we dive into our carb-loaded recommendations, let’s take a moment to celebrate what the Shamrock Shuffle is all about. This iconic race marks the beginning of the running season, bringing together over 28,000 participants to run through the heart of Chicago’s Grant Park. Runners feel the energy of the cheering crowd lining the entire course, creating an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie that lasts well beyond the finish line. And what better way to celebrate your achievements than with beer and food at the after-party?
Carb-Loading Done Right with Venteux
Carb loading is a time-honored tradition for endurance athletes, designed to maximize glycogen storage and provide the fuel needed to sustain energy levels during prolonged exercise. Here are some of our chef’s top recommendations for carb-loading before the Shamrock Shuffle:
- Warm Baguette with French Whipped Butter: Start your carb-loading feast with a classic favorite – a warm baguette served with fluffy French whipped butter. It’s the perfect way to kick off your meal and get those carb storage replenished.
- Spaghetti Homard: Indulge in a decadent bowl of Spaghetti Homard, featuring tender lobster meat, crispy bacon, and a rich brandy-infused lobster cream sauce, topped with fresh chives. It’s a luxurious dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
- Venteux Burger: Sink your teeth into our signature Venteux Burger, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with melted Gruyere cheese, crisp frisée and mâche greens, local tomatoes, and garlic aioli, all sandwiched between a soft brioche bun. It’s a hearty and satisfying option for carb-loading before the race.
- Roasted Chicken with Brown Butter Couscous: Treat yourself to a hearty serving of roasted chicken, served with fluffy brown butter couscous, roasted squash, and a flavorful vadouvan sauce. It’s a protein-packed dish that will replenish your energy storage and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Lobster Cobb Salad: For a lighter option, try our Lobster Cobb Salad, featuring creamy avocado, succulent Maine lobster, hard-boiled egg, crispy bacon, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a refreshing champagne herb vinaigrette. It’s a fresh and flavorful choice that’s perfect for carb-loading without feeling weighed down.
Join Us for Your Carb Loading Dinner
If you’re looking for the perfect carb-loading dinner before the Shamrock Shuffle, look no further than Venteux. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, our Pendry restaurant offers a chic and stylish atmosphere perfect for pre-race fueling. So gather your running crew and join us at Venteux for a carb-loaded feast that will fuel your Shamrock Shuffle adventure and leave you feeling ready to tackle the course with confidence.
Present your race bib or medal on Sunday, March 24th and enjoy a complimentary brew coffee. After your run, refuel with our delightful brunch menu featuring favorites like the Venteux Breakfast, Egg Sandwich, Venteux Burger, and Croque Madame Sandwich. Let’s toast to your achievement at Venteux!
