Celebratory Dinner

Hello all,

It looks like I'll be promoted at some time this week. It won't be a huge promotion but it only happens once every few years. I'd like to stay <=200 budget for 2 with wine but am open to less or possibly more (if it's amazing).

What would you do to celebrate? I'm open to anything from Smoque with a 6 pack to Blackbird.

I'd like a great easy going atmosphere, great food, and great value. My favorite restaurants in Chicago thus far have been: Il Mulino (for the ambiance), Sushi Toro (I love a good maki), One Sixtyblue (for the sticky toffee date cake), The Violet Hour (for each and every thing they've done for me the many times I've gone), Francesca's (because I love Italian food), Graham Elliot (for everything), etc....

Any ideas?

I really love Cafe des Architectes; it's my favorite restaurant in the city. All of the food I've had there has been absolutely amazing, including the soups, starters, main courses (meat and fish dishes), and the wonderful desserts. The dining room is lovely; it's at the front of the modern Sofitel, with its curving glass facade. What's even better is that it's so affordable for such outstanding food! Every night they have a 3-course prix fixe menu for $42 in addition to their a la carte selections. It's even better on Sundays through Tuesdays, when they also have their limited "neighborhood friends menu" with 3 courses for $29. Highly recommended.

North Pond is another very special place - not only for its food, which is excellent, but for its exquisite setting. It's in the middle of Lincoln Park - the park itself, rather than the adjacent neighborhood of the same name. It faces its namesake pond, with the city skyline looming over the opposite shore. The renovated building formerly served as the warming shelter for ice skaters on the pond. And it's fun, whether you're sitting in the front room looking out over the pond, or the rear room with the open kitchen along one side of the room.

Both of these are great choices for contemporary American cuisine. If you'd like something a bit different, you might consider one of our interesting upscale Mexican restaurants. Rick Bayless's places offer the ultimate in creativity; however, Frontera Grill can involve long waits to be seated (although this past Thursday night there was virtually no one waiting) and Topolobampo is a bit pricey and some portion sizes are skimpy. I love Mundial Cocina Mestiza in Pilsen, although it's a bit on the casual side for a celebration, but the food is yummy; don't miss their steamed mussels slathered with chunks of bacon and poblano pepper. And Mexique, in West Town, offers Mexican food with a French accent, in a lively bistro setting.

if you like italian food hit up terragusto. that place is wonderful. great house-made pastas, complex favors, and the damen/addison local is byob, so bring a big old bottle of kristal to partay (or just aubry). get the pope hats, send me an email at sailingfanbluesrlzthel2h@goodrecommendations.com when you wanna thank me.

sfb

Sweets and Savories....best deal in town= $30 three course, BYO, and dishes prepared with exceptional ingredients and beautifully executed. Laid back atmosphere, but still a "nice night out". Try the lobster risotto....and the milk chocolate walnut pie.

Merlo on Maple! http://www.merlochicago.com/ The Maple location is very romantic (if you're into that sort of thing) and the food authentic and delicious. It's a cozy spot for a cold winter's night.