Eating in the city this weekend-HELP

Need some help for dining out in the city this weekend. We have some friends coming into town who are big foodies, like we are, and are looking for a good place to eat. We were thinking about going to the Park Hyatt for drinks before dinner.

I thought about Salpicon and Frontera Grill....Does anyone recommend anything new/good that has a great atmosphere and neat food. My wife is pregnant only can eat certain things and one other person does not eat meat....

Not looking for a chain restaurant, but something neat....ANy help would be appreciated...

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Was at Ambria last week and was really pleased with the food....the service was not as high as it used to be.....

Kevin,

Could you be a little more specific about what you're looking for as far as price, atmosphere and location preference?

KevinT wrote: My wife is pregnant only can eat certain things and one other person does not eat meat....

What can't your wife eat?

Regarding Frontera: you will surely have to wait a long time for a table there -- maybe not the best option for the pregnant member of the party?

Chilpancingo is always a logical alternative to Frontera-- easier to get into, a handsomer room, and better food at least 18 months or so ago when I last went (my wife's been more recently and thought so too).

Probably the two high-end places I've enjoyed the most overall of late were Follia and North Pond. The former is authentic Italian and ultrachic, the latter has a marvelous Arts-and-Crafts room and very good seasonal-regional American food. North Pond would be fairly expensive, Follia has excellent pizzas and such which you could eat and get out of at a more reasonable price.

Beyond that, give more clues as to price, what you like, etc.

I personally have been disappointed in Salpicon and would not recommend it.

Lovitt is a small, intimate place (reservations STRONGLY suggested) which I would highly recommend. Would require driving as it is not in the Loop (on Ashland just south of North Ave) but the food is great, the space small and intimate and they specifically feature at least one vegetarian option for the non-meater in your party. The menu changes weekly based on seasonal ingrediants.

Yoshi's Cafe is another restaurant I have never been disappointed in, located up in Lakeview, it too would require some driving from the Loop but they do have valet and is well worth it.

If you are eating out this week or next, take a look at www.Opentable.com and look at the "Dining Out Chicago" promotion. 15+ some Chicago area fine dining restaurants offering special $35/person menus for dinner (and some a $20/person lunch) with some of proceeds going to charity and with a free bottle of Pelligrino included in the price (Pellegrino is one of the sponsors).

My girlfriend and I are going to Le Lan on Monday to enjoy the special - by making our reservation online, we'll also get 1000 "opentable points" which basically means a $10 gift certificate for future dining. All in all a great deal (and a bargain for most of the restaurants participating) and a fun evening out. Might be a good option for your outing.

Cafe Spiaggia would suggest itself as one very good option. Le Lan perhaps another, but look over the full list, many of the sites are quite good.

My wife cannot handle anything with fish or soft cheeses right now, and alcohol, of course.

Somewhere in the loop, or lakeview, or anywhere in between....We will always drive for good food.

We just moved back to Chicago from South Carolina, where there best seafood was rated as Red Lobster and Best Steak as Outback, if that tells you anything....

One of the people going with us has parents that own a great bakery in LA, so some place with good freash ingredients, and great desserts...

Thinking about Jin Ju too, but have not been there in a while....

KevinT,

One of my favorite places that rarely gets discussed is Opera. They serve upscale-Chinese-style food in a too-hip atmosphere. While I am not a huge fan of the clubby atmosphere, the food has consistently blown me away. The "Hunan-style crispy snapper" is delicious, I love the "Three Preparations" Peking duck, and the simple "Chicken with Chantrelle Mushrooms" has memorable fresh flavors.

They have plenty of vegetarian options and even a vegan menu.

For a bit of quiet and privacy there, they have old vaults in the back which have been converted into semi-private booths. Make a reservation and request one. You might have to wait at the bar since they can't guarantee one for your time, but if you make the reservation, you'll be first in line when you arrive.

Best,
EC

Opera
1301 S. Wabash
312-461-0161

What about Green Zebra?

Have been there a couple of times, most recently last weekend and am impressed. Great creative food, mainly vegetarian with a few poultry and seafood options.

1460 W. Chicago Ave.
312-243-7100

you can read more about it on www.metromix.com

I second Green Zebra. Here is my account from a few months ago.

http://chowhound.com/midwest/boards/chi ... 47663.html