By all accounts, the TOC launch of its Dining & Libation Society earlier this evening was a smashing success. I know what you’re thinking, I’m just saying that because I work at Time Out. It’s true, I bargained my way into foodie bliss by agreeing to host the video segment of the evening (stay tuned, we’re currently editing the footage together), but I swear it was a near perfect evening without my bias, and the footage proves it!

Restaurant L2O, located inside Lincoln Park’s Belden-Stratford hotel, was the setting for our four-course $68 tasting menu (including tax, tip and wine pairing with each course), and chef Laurent Gras graciously prepared a head-to-tail tasting experience of the Hiramasa fish we won’t soon forget (and gave a thoughtful Q&A with us eager foodie folk afterward). Still don’t believe me? Take a look at the photos above for a guided tour of the restaurant and dazzling pictures from behind-the-scenes at L2O and from our private D&LS event. Reflections from the attendees, videos and much more are on their way.

Today, TOC is excited to announce our Dining & Libation Society, a (somewhat exclusive) league of eaters who are into the idea of intimate, one-time-only events with the best chefs in the city. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? We thought you’d think that. But we’re confident that one look at the details of our first event, an impossibly reasonable ($68) four-course head-to-tail meal at L2O, should rid you of any doubts. Check it out, and if you’re inclined to do so, buy your tickets now at DLSChicago.com. We’re predicting they won’t last long.