Blackbird or Everest

Price isn't an issue here- we've got what looks to be 2 nights to eat in Chicago in May- one night is to be taken by Alinea- the other I think will be Blackbird or Everest- which would you choose or would you choose something else for high end dining?

We've already done Topolobampo, Moto, Ambria and a few others who don't come to mind right now. No steakhouses for this one- Ideally a multicourse tasting menu + great wine list.

Thanks!

jpschust wrote:Ideally a multicourse tasting menu + great wine list.

Blackbird doesn't offer a multi-course tasting menu. Everest does.

Best,
Michael

Since you'll already be doing Alinea, it might be nice to have something a bit more casual to balance it out. Although there is no tasting menu, I would go with Blackbird.

I ate at Blackbird for the first time only last week. I really enjoyed it and would return. All of the menu was well concieved. All of the dishes "worked", and the cooking was to a tee. It was outstanding value given the quality.

That said, and its got a flaw or too. Primarily, the place is noisy, really noisy. My kidz called me 8 times* and I never heard the phone ring. Also, the service was not quite on par with the food. It seems (to me) that they use their resources more for the back of the house than front--which given the choice is what I'd do if I owned the place. Finally, as much as I loved the food, I was a bit dissapointed that the menu was so international. I see Chef Kahan often at the Green City Market, so I know he shops local. I'd just love to see him extend that to the off-season like Vie does.

*Funny story, the kidz social engineered Comcast into unlocking the TV, but then they were guilt ridden that we'd come home and not be able to watch TV with the new code. Hence all of the panic calls.

Although Everest is a very fine restaurant, I would select Blackbird, particularly in contrast with Alinea. Blackbird has a more distinctive style. It is likely to be a more memorable meal. Although Everest has the view and Blackbird is, as VI, "energetic."

Next time try Schwa.

I would also pick Blackbird ahead of Everest, just to enjoy the lovingly prepared pig in many flavors.

If you want a multi-course alternative, Avenues would be my next choice, assuming you had been to Tru. Spiaggia is yet another contender here, as is Moto though I cannot imagine following a meal at Alinea with one at Moto the next night - my head hurts just considering the possibility.

My answer to your question is Blackbird. Mt personal preference would be Vie (try it before it is annointed a great place, as it soon will be), but if it has to be prix fixe, multi-course, Avenues.

Enjoy, indeed.

Having just eaten at Everest, I was reminded again of what a civilized experience it is. I love Blackbird, but, as Vital Info pointed out, it is very noisy, and service is always not top-notch. Everest is comfortable and the service is flawless. The food is perhaps less adventurous than at Blackbird, but superb. There are several different tasting menus to choose from, too. We had a risotto with snails, a marbe of pheasant, quail and one other bird, and I had the venison for an entree - my husbamd had a lobster dish. It was not what I would call cutting edge, but it was wonderfully delicious and well-executed.

Or, as someone else suggested, think of Avenues - again, several different degustations available, fabulous food, in an elegant room with wonderful service.

jesteinf wrote:Since you'll already be doing Alinea, it might be nice to have something a bit more casual to balance it out.

I agree. As much as I love Everest, and as high as my expectations are for my upcoming visit to Avenues, they both play in the same formal-ish, uber-creative part of the restaurant scene in Chicago.

However, for a bit more casual place to balance it out, there are other places I would choose over Blackbird (I like Blackbird a lot, I just like these two places even more): the new star in our dining scene Aigre Doux, and the always stellar One Sixty Blue.