Winnetka?

We have to meet my folks for dinner next week in Winnetka. Not Glenview, not Evanston, not Northbrook. Winnetka. Don't ask.

My knowledge of Winnetka eateries is non-existent so I need some help. The folks are into their 80s and their hearing is slowly going, so we need a place that isn't very noisy. As to type of food, the less "exotic" the better. What that means, in other words, is that Italian, French, Chinese, or Middle Eastern are all fine. Peruvian and Ethiopian are not. "American" (burgers/steak etc.) would be dandy, too. Let's keep the entrees around $20 (or less), if possible. Does those criteria allow me much in the way of choice?

Mahalo nui loa.

(PS. Yes, I have looked at prior threads but am uncertain enough after doing so that I wanted to start this specific thread.)

I've been to Harbour House, in the Laundry Mall, a couple of times, although not recently. It's a bit seafood-oriented, but has a broad range of "safe" options for the 80+ set.

O'Neil's is also a little heavy on the seafood, a little Italian-esque, but would also be a safe bet. Again, it's been a few years since I've been there.

I've also heard good things about Michael (ex-chef from Le Francais, among others), but haven't been there. As I understand, it might stretch your budget a bit.

Harbour House Restaurant
566 Chestnut St.
Winnetka

O'Neil's
1003 Green Bay Rd.
Winnetka

Restaurant Michael
64 Green Bay Rd.
Winnetka

I think Harbour House has closed - that spot in the Laundry Mall seems to have bad luck. O'Neils is probably a good bet as would be Frank & Betsie's (French bistro) just a few doors north. My parents (both in their 80's) enjoy both O'Neils and F&B's. There is also a Boston Blackie's just a couple of doors north of F&B's, but that might be a challenge because of the the noise factor. Michael's is excellent, but I can vouch that it's out of your requested price range.

Frank & Betsie's
51 Green Bay Road
Winnetka

Boston Blackies
73 Green Bay Road
Glencoe (but barely Glencoe)

Hope this helps!

Gypsy Boy wrote:We have to meet my folks for dinner next week in Winnetka. Not Glenview, not Evanston, not Northbrook. Winnetka. What that means, in other words, is that Italian, French, Chinese, or Middle Eastern are all fine. Peruvian and Ethiopian are not.

Peruvian and Ethiopian in Winnetka!!! Where do I sign up.

La Bella is a perfectly nice Italian place

La Bella
505 Chestnut
Winnetka, IL

I loved La Bella Winnetka - Georgio, the owner, is one of the most gregarious greeters I've ever known - even from back in the days he owned La Bella Italia in Evanston (in the old Fritz, That's It! space).

It would be another great choice, if they hadn't had a fire in February. They're still agonizing over the details of when/if they can re-open.

Don't forget Cap'n Nemos!

There's a rib joint called Little Ricky's on Lincoln, to the east of the train tracks. If you can venture a tad bit west, Jacky Pluton has a brand-new place where Melange/Brasserie T/MK North used to be, on Happ Rd., just west of 94...the name is escaping me, though.

sundevilpeg wrote: Jacky Pluton has a brand-new place where Melange/Brasserie T/MK North used to be, on Happ Rd., just west of 94...the name is escaping me, though.

IIRC it it to be called Brasserie Haussmann and it should be in it's soft open stage about now....

Got invited to a wine dinner there this coming weekend but can't go

I'd recommend Michael great classic french food and a very nice (not too loud) room

I strongly recommend Michael. I ate dinner there at the end of 2006 and with all the wonderful meals I've had since then, at some spectacular (and well-known) restaurants, that dinner at Michael was better than any of them. I also ate at Michael for lunch a couple of months ago (they're open for lunch only on Fridays) and it was just as good as that dinner. I wish I had some of their seared foie gras over foie gras and mushroom strudel in front of me right now; it's one of the best dishes I've ever had.

A few points regarding what's been said above...

The food at Michael is not strictly traditional French. It's more contemporary, with French, American, and global influences. Take a look at the menu on their website at restaurantmichael.com to get a better idea.

Entrees are in the upper twenties, a bit more than what's been stated above, but not by that much. They also have some specials - at least, they did at lunch, any 3 courses for $xx. And if you're not eating on Saturday, you can buy a coupon on restaurant.com to save a few bucks on your dinner.

I also love the casual, fun atmosphere at Michael. It's just a really, really relaxed place for a French restaurant - exactly the opposite of whatever "stuffy" impression you might have of French restaurants.