Another Birthday Dinner Thread

All,

As the title suggests I'd appreciate your expert opinions on a birthday dinner for my wife.

Criteria:
* Budget driven: $100 or less for both of us is best (can go a tad over with tip)
* Accessible seating (unsure about that whole long-table model...)
* No Indian food!
* No comically loud dining rooms - I'd like to hear her
* Ideally a short drive from the Loop, or in the Loop.

We're huge fans of Hot Chocolate, our finest dining experience to date, and definitely like that food style, atmosphere, and hip-but-not-scary-hip attitude. Business casual is the max dress code we're comfortable in; we'll save the super formal for an upcoming anniversary.

(ETA: I'd originally requested a restaurant open Mondays, but am open to Sunday as well.)

Further interrogations are welcomed. Thanks in advance!

Paul

I recently had a dinner for my graduation with my family at Quince in Evanston.

The whole experience was fantastic, with the food hitting on all cylinders. It is certainly not an informal place, but business casual would be totally appropriate and both the cuisine and staff are extremely accessible. I found the space to be very modern and clean, but still extremely comfortable and not distracting.

Prices are exactly in line with Hot Chocolate. Contemporary American....just like Hot Chocolate (okay, the desserts aren't quite as good....). Still, I think an excellent choice.


http://www.quincerestaurant.net/

DClose wrote:I recently had a dinner for my graduation with my family at Quince in Evanston.

The whole experience was fantastic, with the food hitting on all cylinders. It is certainly not an informal place, but business casual would be totally appropriate and both the cuisine and staff are extremely accessible. I found the space to be very modern and clean, but still extremely comfortable and not distracting.

Prices are exactly in line with Hot Chocolate. Contemporary American....just like Hot Chocolate (okay, the desserts aren't quite as good....). Still, I think an excellent choice.


http://www.quincerestaurant.net/

So glad it worked out! We've got to get back there.

Quince is also closed Mondays.

pmcaleer,

You might want to go out Sunday or Tuesday. Monday night is going to severely limit your options. Every reasonable recommendation I've thought of is closed Mondays.

Best,
Michael

I can consider that for sure.

In that case, in addition to Quince (which looks great), I'm interested in your suggestions!

Thanks.

Paul

pmcaleer wrote:In that case, in addition to Quince (which looks great), I'm interested in your suggestions!

In that case, I'd recommend mado.

If you like Hot Chocolate's use of seasonal ingredients with a slight Mediterranean influence, you'll love mado. Rob and Allie Levitt take those two concepts further than Segal, with excellent results. It's byo and I think it's probably the best value in the city.

Closed Mondays.

Best,
Michael

Sola in North Center is open on mondays. I was just comparing menus w/hot chocolate and I *think* the prices are comparable. The atmosphere is definitely right, and the food is wonderful, I'm just not 100% sure on price. The menu's online, check it out-

Sola
3638 N Lincoln (entrance on Byron)
http://www.sola-chicago.com

sweetsalty wrote:Sola in North Center is open on mondays. I was just comparing menus w/hot chocolate and I *think* the prices are comparable. The atmosphere is definitely right, and the food is wonderful, I'm just not 100% sure on price. The menu's online, check it out-

Sola
3638 N Lincoln (entrance on Byron)
http://www.sola-chicago.com

Sola has a $30 prix fixe three-course menu using the ingredient of the month. They offer this Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I think adding wine pairings bumps it to $45. I've liked Sola the few times I've been.

Thanks again, all. This was a surprisingly tough choice, but we're going to give mado a try - I'll be sure to post after next weekend. Sola and Quince will be next on the short list!

Paul