Bloody Mary's, Mimosas & Tots, Oh My!
Medici, a beautiful restaurant located in Uptown Normal, may be commonly known for their gastroburgers and pizzas, but it's not only the food that visitors continuously come back for. It's the look and and feel of the place. Inspired by the owner's love for forestry, the restaurant's interior is designed using wooden decor and has a cabin feel. This design is further shown through the massive 30-foot Mulberry tree located in the center of the restaurant.
The tree, originally located behind the restaurant, was lifted through the roof into the restaurant's dining area. This tree is definitely Medici's most distinguishing feature. Not to mention, the tables are created with tree rings and the overall surroundings are elegant and sophisticated. Both the interior and exterior of Medici are beautiful and so unique for a restaurant in Normal, IL.
Allie has been to Medici several times for occasions as casual as a weekend dinner out to more formal such as celebrating her acceptance to graduate school. Medici serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, plus has a special gluten-free menu which always wins Allie over. Additionally, they have two bars which have more beers on tap than any other restaurant in the area.
When Allie recommended dining at Medici, she noted that we must go on a Sunday morning for their infamous brunch (including their Bloody Mary and mimosa specials). The staff was friendly and efficient and made small talk with us before taking our order. Our waitress seemed genuinely interested in what we were saying, and not because it was her job to do so. Although Medici had a huge brunch menu where everything sounded incredible, Allie and I (guiltily) had already eaten doughnuts with our coffees that morning. Therefore we ordered side items: sweet potato tator tots (to die for) and potatoes o'brien.
The fresh and hot sweet potato tots came with three different tasty dipping sauces (I only recommend the wasabi sauce if you REALLY like spicy flavors). Allie opted to do the self-serve Bloody Mary bar and received her alcohol and a shrimp on the side of the glass. The rest was up to her tastes and interests.
There was a variety of things to add to the bloody Mary's: several kinds of cheese and olives, pickled Brussel sprouts, green beans, salamis, and spices. There were also three tomato juices to try. This was our first experience with a Bloody Mary, so we took what our waitress recommended and got the Medici special. It had a delicious tomato-y taste to it, but was a lot spicier than I would have anticipated. I settled for the more predictable brunch drink: a mimosa. Both drinks were on brunch Sunday special- $6 for the Bloody Mary and $4 for the mimosa. You definitely got your money's worth (i.e. they were strong!).
The sides we ordered were extremely filling so we had to take them to go. On our way out of the restaurant, we took a pit stop to the outdoor patio seating. I kid you not, this restaurant felt like an adult tree house! We climbed some stairs and came out on a porch overlooking Uptown. It was beautiful and had the day been a bit cooler, I totally would have preferred sitting outdoors. All in all, this restaurant was fabulous in taste, service and good company. If you are ever in the area, I would highly recommend trying Medici for brunch, lunch, or dinner. They even cater and have the capacity to host private events in their banquet room.
Allie and I are both extremely excited to go back soon and try something different (and maybe this time without eating doughnuts first)!
