I'll Take Romance

I'm celebrating my first anniversary with my lovely lady this Friday evening. I've made a reservation at Blackbird (a favorite of mine, and a place to which she's never been) but it feels perhaps a little spare and minimalist. So I'm asking for your ideas of the truly most romantic (and gastronomically-rewarding) spots in the city. I'm open to everything but the priciest spots in the city (your Everests, Trus, Alineas, L20s, etc.)

Here's where I've been already, because I know they'll be suggested.

Geja's -- Fondue is out for this occasion.
North Pond -- Love it to death, but been there a few months ago for a birthday celebration.
Signature Room -- Love the feel, obviously, but we made a recent trip to the lounge for a cocktail. The ambience was right.
Sweets and Savories -- Enjoyed it, but not this time.

I've looked over the old Valentine's Day threads but am wondering what you all feel really makes for more than simply a nice restaurant. Look forward to your suggestions!

We had a really nice dinner at Cafe Matou, and it felt very Romantic to me...
it was cozy, not overly loud and bustling,
service was at that correct level of being "there" without being intrusive,
and the food was the right balance of portions large enought to satisfy,
yet not so large as to overwhelm, stuff too full for ......(need I say more?)

Love Cafe Matou for the ambience, but the food was not up to par the last time I went. It was the spot for one of our first dates.

Right now I'm thinking Rose Angelis -- it's an old standby for me but on a weekend the no reservations policy might be a drag.

Agree with the Cafe Matou comments. What about Le Bouchon? Cozy, quaint, simple bistro food. Just make sure when you get a reso, it's a single table for two, not on the banquette side of the room where you would have neighbors.

I think a one two punch of Hot Chocolate and the Violet Hour might be fun. Hot Chocolate is really good food and mind blowing desserts -- and while the tables are VERY close together (not that dissimilar from Blackbird, actually), it's dark and I really enjoyed the ambiance there.

And of course, Violet Hour, which is a short walk away, is really one of the more intimate spaces in town. Those booths are really isolating and it's dark and serene and filled with delicious cocktail fun. It never fails to put me in a receptive mood...

I also like eating at Hopleaf on their balcony overlooking their main restaurant floor. There are only 4 or 5 tables up there and you do feel as if you're above it all (and in fact...you are!) and the food at Hopleaf is quite tasty.

jsagoff wrote:Love Cafe Matou for the ambience, but the food was not up to par the last time I went. It was the spot for one of our first dates.

Right now I'm thinking Rose Angelis -- it's an old standby for me but on a weekend the no reservations policy might be a drag.

I had some other things in mind, but perhaps based on this you'll like Via Carducci, which I believe does take reservations.

I know you probably don't want to spend this much money, but I just went to Les Nomades for the first time this past weekend and I thought it was spectacular. Hushed, romantic, and some pretty amazing food. It's your first anniversary, so if you can swing it I'd recommend the splurge.

Please don't go to Rose Angelis...they really don't need the encouragement.

How about Merlo on Maple? The food isn't on the level of Blackbird, but it is excellent Italian cuisine in a very romantic setting. The food is the same at the Lincoln Avenue location, but the setting is not romantic at all.

http://www.merlochicago.com/

God, I would love Les Nomades, but my girl is a pretty low-key person and I think that'd be a little over-the-top. Hot Chocolate (which I've never been to) is in the running, and I'll look at the others mentioned. Keep the ideas coming

happy anniversary!!

I love Bistro Campagna for a homey, romantic supper. If the weather is cooperative, the patio is lovely--well-spaced tables, picturesque setting, etc. Inside is comfortable as well, particularly if you tell them you'd like a table in one of the less traveled areas (they have several rooms, kind of like a little house). Service there is always reliable, nice well-priced wine and beer list, and the food is fresh, "low key" and seasonal bistro french.

I absolutely agree with Jesteinf re: Rose Angelis. Not a favorite. If Italian is preferred, Anteprima (again, sitting outside would be the best option "romance-wise" if the weather is agreeable); Piccolo Sogno's outdoor seating is also gorgeous and the food is supposed to be quite good (haven't been myself) or even La Scarola would be better options for a special, reasonably priced dinner.

What about GNR A Tavola? Very small and cozy. You feel like you're dining in someone's home. And the back patio is also very nice.

Cafe Spiaggia?

May I suggest KIKI's Bistro at 900 N. Franklin.
For sure, this restaurant which has been very successful for the last 20 years is not located in one of the most sexy or trendy neighborhoods in Chicago. But the place is charming, intimate and on week nights a romantic atmosphere prevails.
The menu is made of well-executed classic French bistro dishes, with good affordable specials and the wine list is quite attractive and decently priced.
Service is unpretentious and competent.
Check their menu at http://www.kikisbistro.com
Tel: 312-335-5454
They are on open table

Depending on your definition of romantic, I'd suggest one of the following

Chez Joel (bistro french, on Taylor St) - I love the garden there.

Vivere (italian, Monroe & Clark, fab italian & ever more fab decor)

Le Colonial (vietnamese, 937 North Rush Street)