Charlie Trotters or Alinea

I will be going to Chicago after Christmas and am finding it difficult to decide between taking my fiancee and parents to either Charlie Trotter's or Alinea.

My parents and fiancee loved TRU and I think they enjoy the slightly more traditional approach of Charlie Trotters, but from what I have read it doesn't seem that Charlie Trotter's would be a much different experience than TRU and I'd hate to have such a similar experience.

I look forward to your comments.

I should also note that my fiancee is a vegetarian if anyone would like to comment on her enjoyment at either restaurant.

Well, as far as Alinea goes, the best thing to do is read reports like this one or this one and decide if you think the 'rents would find Achatz's cuisine intellectually stimulating or the worst load of bullhockey they ever sat through in their lives.

As far as Trotter's goes, the one person who's posted about the vegetarian menu seemed quite impressed with that. If I could bring myself to spend a wad like that and not get any meat, I might well go and have it. (I guess I could swing through the Wendy's drive through after.)

As far as Trotter's versus Tru goes, take this for what it's worth as the comments of someone who hasn't been to Trotter's in 15 years or Tru ever, but I don't think they'd strike you as especially similar. Or I think that Trotter would strike you for suggesting they're similar....

I don't think Trotter's and Tru are similar at all, but for the record, I prefer Tru. That being said, I'd take Alinea any day of the week over Tru or Trotter's. I've only been there once but it was the best meal I ever had and in a both stunning and comfortable room. The staff does a fantastic job of making you feel welcome. My siblings and I took my parents to Alinea for their anniversary and we were a little nervous since my dad tends to prefer more traditional food (such as Tru). But my dad absolutely loved Alinea. While the food might seem to be very unconventional from afar, you'll find that Grant Achatz is a master at creating dishes with amazing flavors and textures.

thank you for that great commnent. That helps put my restless mind at ease. Just out of curiosity, what makes you say that trotter's and TRU are not alike. Based on my experience at TRU and the website of Trotter's, they both seem to have french influence with similar ideas about food although the atmosphere seems much different.

babern38 wrote: Just out of curiosity, what makes you say that trotter's and TRU are not alike. Based on my experience at TRU and the website of Trotter's, they both seem to have french influence with similar ideas about food although the atmosphere seems much different.

I find that Tru uses more butter and cream, whereas Trotter's tends to rely more upon the natural flavors and juices of the meats, fish & vegetables that he uses and tries to avoid the use of butter and cream as much as possible.

Alinea. Hands down. Most fun meal of my year, for sure. Great food, fascinating flavors, attentive and friendly servers, and exciting. I could remember almost every course I had. Trotter's? Don't ask me what I had the last time I was there - it wasn't very memorable. I tried the non-alcoholic beverage pairing with dinner at Trotter's and it just didn't work. Good idea, but no cigar. There is no doubt in my mind that Grant Achatz could pull something like that off. But Charlie Trotter? No.

I am very excited and interested to see how such interesting looking cuisine, with such unusual combinations of ingredients can taste as good as BR says. Not that I doubt the goodness of the food, but I have heard from numerous people that Trotter's food is so excellent, it seems hard to believe that Alinea could be even better as BR mentions.

Also, has anyone heard from or been to Alinea with a vegetarian. I'm interested to see how that experience fared?

I have to agree with those that have said Alinea. I went to both within a week a few months ago. Charlie Trotter's is still one of the great restaurants in Chicago, but it no longer has the real creativity that it had a few years ago. Alinea was simply amazing. The food was creative and interesting. Moreover, the food actually tasted good. I love Tru, Everest, and Trotter's, but I believe that Alinea has surpassed them all.

I vote Tru.