Please Help.It's my birthday!

Hello all,
Longtime lurker and very very occasional poster here.
I am at wits end on trying to pick a place for my b-day. I am torn between Aigre Doux and Vie, but now, after reading several posts, I feel underwhelmed by both. I have been to blackbird, once for lunch, several years ago, and was again, underwhelmed. Anybody have any suggestions. Not looking for molecular gastronomy and Alinea prices that will break the bank. ( been there done that) Just somewhere moderately upscale with really good food and a nice casual atmosphere. So that i can have a nice quiet evening with my hubby. Thank you to all in advance for your help.

I'd recommend:

Sola
3868 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 327-3868

Welcome. I would say go next door to Blackbird to Avec, which is casual and has occasionally mind-blowing food, but it could never be recommended for a "quiet" evening since it's a narrow, loud, music-filled space that literally spills out onto the sidewalk on a beautiful evening like this.

Have you considered Bonsoiree (2728 W. Armitage)?

http://www.bon-soiree.com/cafe/dinnermenu.htm

A great value and not usually so difficult to come up with reservations. Same thing with Schwa (1466 N. Ashland). All three have dedicated threads here.

A final thought: if you're willing to go to the near suburbs, La Piazza in Forest Park will not treat you wrong. They have a truly prodigal tasting menu at an excellent pricepoint and a friendly, proud, delightful staff. Give them a heads-up that you want the chef's choice (they do a big plate version and a small plate stuzzichini version) when you make the reservation.

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=4354

I've been trying to fiugre out where to go for my b-day, too, and decided recently I wanted to try either Baccala or Timo.

Baccala
1540 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL
773-227-1400
Wednesday - Saturday 6-11

Timo
464 N. Halsted St.
(312) 226-4300

als2554 wrote:I am torn between Aigre Doux and Vie, but now, after reading several posts, I feel underwhelmed by both.

Did you read this thread about Vie?

As I was just saying to another LTHer over dinner last night, I think we're lucky to have Chef Virant at the helm of his own kitchen in (near) Chicago. I think he's at the top of his game and there are woefully few restaurants quite like Vie. Also, I'm sure the peak of the spring season is a wonderful time to visit. If you're passing on the chance to dine at Vie, I'd urge you to reconsider.

Best,
Michael

Ah, yes, Springtime at Vie. I have rhapsodized enough in the linked thread, so all I will say is that I think I will be going very soon. Can't wait to see what gems of the season Paul has treated with love.

Of course, you do not say how and why Blackbird underwhelmed you, so maybe you would experience the same at Vie. But I can't wait to go back and definitely prefer Vie to Blackbird. However, I do like Blackbird other than the outdated modish-ness of the setting and staff, which I found quaint and sometimes even funny.

But Vie in apsparagus season is heaven.

or this thread, which has some signficant Vie stuff.

I've found the cooking at Blackbird to be as good or better than Vie, but Blackbird is not nearly as comfortable (by a long shot).

Closest to Lincoln Square, and all very good:
Sola
Magnolia Cafe
Sweets and Savories
North Pond

A bit further, but even better, with food that is so sinfully good that it will be perfect for the occasion:
Oceanique
one sixtyblue

I like Blackbird a lot, but I like these two even better.

Since it's a weekday, Oceanique has a special 3-course tasting menu for $39. Everything they have is superb, from the soups, to the sauces, to the scrumptious desserts. one sixtyblue is equally good but they don't have a weekday special like that.

I also don't particularly like Avec. The food is fine, but I don't like going to a place that doesn't accept reservations, and risking having to wait a while for a table. I also don't like the communal seating.

I'll second Oceanique. It's great, and doesn't get enough LTH love. I was there a couple of weeks ago for a friend's birthday and had the 3-course tasting menu (which was actually 5 - 7 courses with the freebies thrown in). Food was outstanding (sorry, I didn't take notes) - flavorful and beautifully plated - and service was impeccable.

But two caveats:
If you look at the menu, you won't see a mention of the 3-course $39 deal - you have to know to ask for it (available Mon-Fri only).

And, the massive wine list (maybe one of the best in the area) can be pricey. While there are a few bottles in the mid $30 range, there are also a few bottles in the $5,900 - $8,900 range.

nr706 wrote:If you look at the menu, you won't see a mention of the 3-course $39 deal - you have to know to ask for it (available Mon-Fri only).

The last time I ate there (last fall), they presented us with the special menu along with the regular one.

It's also worth noting that they have a coupon on their website good for $25 off a dinner for $75 or more. It's not good on Saturdays or with the $39 menu, but it's still a good deal.

My one visit to Sola was excellent.

I also highly recommend 160 Blue. EVerything I had their was outstanding, but the highlights that stick with me are the scallop appetizer and the chocolat souffle dessert. A great place to celebrate.

nsxtasy wrote:I also don't particularly like Avec. The food is fine, but I don't like going to a place that doesn't accept reservations, and risking having to wait a while for a table. I also don't like the communal seating.

I wouldn't make too much of the wait times at Avec, particularly if going during the week. I was there tonight. We were a party of 3, walked in at 8, and were seated in about 5 minutes. There were seats available the whole time we were there.

Also, everything we had tonight was great. Chorizo stuffed dates were superb as usual and a pizza with baccala, bacon, white anchovies, and olives was damn near perfect.

I think you might be underwhelmed by Magnolia, especially for a birthday dinner. We've eaten there a few times, and each time we leave thinking, "eh," and "why did we just spend 120$?" However, North Pond is really lovely at this time of year, and we went there for a birthday last year and it was perfect.

Let us know where you end up!

Happy Birthday!