2 People, $200

I know this isn't really the type of topic y'all normally do, but I'm a little bit stuck and am hoping LTH can help me figure out where I'd like to go for an anniversary meal with my husband.

We are looking for something memorable and at least slightly romantic, with wine, for around $250 or so all told.

Our original thinking was to go to Arun's ... but I'm not sure I really want to eat that much fish, and other places have started calling my name.

We both enjoy very good food, but aren't into trendy locations. I personally would prefer to stay far away from the whole Randolph strip.

The husband is especially fond of game, duck, and beef. I tend to not enjoy shellfish. We both like a lovely cheese. Ethnic is fine.


Any suggestions for us?

Earlier this month we celebrated Beth's birthday at North Pond. It was quite good, and fits your price range.

I had a great fennel/pernod soup and a very good pheasant. Beth had an outstanding beet salad and an equally outstanding squab.

Desserts were less memorable, but not bad.

The amuse, a very thin slice of very nice filet, with horseradish creme fraiche, was absolutely lovely.

I haven't been, but have only heard great things about the Custom House (metromix info. here). Lot's of meaty comfort food (but luxury comfort food), perfect for the weather now. Please report back if you do end up there so I can live vicariously.

(And I would also second the North Pond recommendation.)

I'll 3rd the North Pond suggestion. And besides the food being excellent, and the fact that they offer a very nice cheese service, it's a beautiful setting too.

Another place that seems to fit the bill is Crofton on Wells, but I don't think they offer a cheese course.

Meritage has always seemed good and romantic to me. However, I have not eaten there since Dirk left, so I can't speak for the food. Troy Graves, the chef there niow, did work with Dirk for years, so I'm sure he is more than capable. And I know they always had a game influence in their menu and specials.

BR wrote:I'll 3rd the North Pond suggestion. And besides the food being excellent, and the fact that they offer a very nice cheese service, it's a beautiful setting too.

Another place that seems to fit the bill is Crofton on Wells, but I don't think they offer a cheese course.

Oy, I almost mentioned but then didn't that we've enjoyed the North Pond in the past, but are thinking about going somewhere we haven't been before.

It's where I would send us, too

Thanks for the suggestions so far ... Meritage, Custom House, and Crofton on Wells will be mulled over extensively!

I would suggest Sweets & Savories. From what I can tell, the other suggestions you would be hard pressed to get away at just $200 if you mean to include 3 courses, wine, tax, tip. If you figure that wine will cost $50 ( a low estimate), and you leave a 20% tip, then you're really looking to spend about $50 a person on food. (50 + 50 + 50 (wine) + 30 (tip) + 15 (tax) = 195)

Which brings me back to Sweets & Savories - a 7 course meal for $50! It's been written up extensively on this board and elsewhere. I've had one of my best meals in Chicago there. The last time I was there, they actually made 10 courses for my boyfriend and I as we (belatedly) celebrated our five year anniversary.

I would add Naha, but also add a second for Sweets and Savories. You can easily be under $200 with wine for two tasting menus.

If you really want to splurge there, however, you can arrange to have a white truffle tasting menu. The cost is $150 per person which includes wine. I went last week and it was one of the best meals I've had this year.

I'd check out Spring. I love the food there. I'm not sure I would describe it as romantic--they've got the Zen, minimalist vibe going on.
For less than $200 you could have a great meal there.
I'll also 2nd (3rd, 4th, 5th) North Pond--innovative dishes in a terrific unique setting.

Avenues! My husband just took me there for my birthday last weekend. It was perfect. They really know how to make you feel special. My husband had told them ahead of time that it was my brithday and everyone wished me a happy birthday and they even personalized my menu! We had a table by the window with a view of Michigan Ave. and the Water Tower. Plus, the room is realy warm and intimate with widely spaced tables -- ver romantic. Finally, the food is out of this world. I did a more detailed review on another thread. There is a lot of game too, so your husband should be in heaven.

If you go for the regular three-course menu, it is $75 a person, so even if you add wine, you should be able to get out of there for around $250. For our dinner, they paired half-flights of wine with each course for like $25 a person. One tip though: parking at the hotel is

I guess this time of the year you miss the late afternoon/sunset experience at North Pond. Does that detract from the setting? Have never been and was thinking of going there for a celebration in the next couple of weeks.