Wine Pairings

Hello, Looking for a little help on this one. Been to some of the high priced places that do a fixed price menu with wine pairings and the only ones I know that are good are a little out of budget these days.

Looking for some places that could be around $100 per person for a fixed course meal with wine pairings, maybe less. Looking to find a bargin for the 2 or 3 times we indulge.

May not be the right place to post but I used to lurk here a bit and saw good info. Thanks in advance.

RobG wrote:Looking for some places that could be around $100 per person for a fixed course meal with wine pairings, maybe less. Looking to find a bargin for the 2 or 3 times we indulge.

Topolobampo seems to me to be a good value: a 5-course tasting menu with 5 paired wines for $115.

Hammond

RobG wrote:Looking for some places that could be around $100 per person for a fixed course meal with wine pairings, maybe less. Looking to find a bargin for the 2 or 3 times we indulge.

In my opinion, there is no better "chef's tasting" bargain in town than Sweets & Savories. They do not always offer wine pairings with each course, but it has been available in the past.

Best,
Michael

Oceanique in Evanston has a 6-course tasting menu for $68. The wine pairing is an additional $39/person.

Oceanique
505 Main St
Evanston
847-864-3435
http://oceanique.com/

Altho they don't mention it on their website, Chef's Station in Evanston has had in the past a prix fixe menu with wine pairings for about $60-$70. The two times I've been I felt that this was an excellent value.


http://chefs-station.com/

The best food and wine gig that I've ever run into was the prix fixe on a Tuesday evening at Vie Restaurant in Western Springs. The food and wine was $45 per person if memory serves. It was ridiculously inexpensive and fabulously delicious.

Le Titi de Paris in Arlington Heights does wonderful wine tastings that offer six courses and six wines for $78 to $88, depending on the wines. (Usually only one or two dinners a year are at the $88 level -- Champagne, for example -- all others are $78.)

They have two wine tastings a month. The last Friday of the month is the "Tour de France Gastronomique," with a differnt wine region every month. This is hosted by Marcel Flori, the semi-retired former sommelier of Le Titi, who not only offers commentary, but also entertains with a few classic French bistro songs at the end of the meal.

Le Titi also has an American wine dinner each month, with wine from different wineries offered. This is hosted by the current sommelier, James Crooker, who is often joined by a representative from the winery being featured, to offer history and production information about the wines.

Both dinners offer outstanding food and an interesting range of wines. And at $78 per person, come to about $101 with tax and tip.

I love this restaurant, and it just seems to keep getting better. I go at other times than for the wine dinners, but the wine dinners have been a wonderful way to sample lots of things I might not have ordered otherwise -- and I've discovered a lot of new favorites that way.

The wine dinners all start at 7:30.

Le Titi De Paris
1015 W Dundee Rd
Arlington Hts, IL 60004

Tel: (847) 506-0222

Info@letitideparis.com

Lunch Hours:
Wednesday-Friday 11:30am-2:30pm

Dinner Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:30pm
Friday 5:30-10:00pm
Saturday 5:00pm-10:00pm
Sundays 5:00 pm - 9 pm

Cynthia, I would have to wholeheartedly agree with you about Le Titi de Paris. I usually go there for a "special" dinner (most recent was Bastille Day) and the food nearly always exceeds my expectations. They have a very extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff. Chef Michael and his wife are super nice hosts... I never seem to get there often enough!!

rosie wrote:Cynthia, I would have to wholeheartedly agree with you about Le Titi de Paris. I usually go there for a "special" dinner (most recent was Bastille Day) and the food nearly always exceeds my expectations. They have a very extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff. Chef Michael and his wife are super nice hosts... I never seem to get there often enough!!

Well, you can always PM me if you need someone to go with. I love the place, and I too never seem to get there often enough.

Sensaitonal food and wonderful people.

And it will soon be bouillabaisse season!

I'll definitely keep it in mind. I'm in the process of renovating my new house but are usually up for a yummy dinner anytime! I absolutely love that little soup that he serves for an amuse bouche - that leek and pear delight - too bad it's only a few sips!! And boulliabaise (sp) sounds heavenly right now with the pouring rain outside...

I came back to this post and realized that I forgot to thank all for thier suggestions. Will be picking a place today for tomorrow.

Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry for the delay

This won't help you for tomorrow, but for future reference, Nacional 27 has a five course tasting menu matched with wines for $44 each Wednesday. The menu is always based on what was available in the market that day.

Nacional 27
325 W. Huron St.
Chicago, IL
312.664.2727