Where would you go for special occasion?

Planning a special meal to celebrate a big occasion - which of the following restaurants would you choose if you wanted great food and atmosphere, something a little lively but not too hip, and an overall memorable experience?

Trotters
Spiaggia
Everest
Zealous
Ambria
Les Nomades

Please keep in mind that I have been to a number of other restaurants that some would put in this class (Tru, MK, North Pond, etc.) but I wanted one I have never been to before.

Thanks.

Obviously, any would be excellent, But I'd go with Charlie Trotter's, since it's probably the best-known nationally and internationally. Bragging rights with friends not in the area have to count for something. (Feeling very shallow these days ...)

Trotter's is the only one I've been to on the list (gotta start somewhere...) and I would absolutely go back, but I wouldn't call it a lively atmosphere. It's very serious-- maybe a little too serious.

Ambria or Everest would be my choice; atmosphere and food are elegant and special without being stiff. Trotters doesn't seem celebratory; more like being in a church worshipping Charlie's creations. Don't remember why, but I wasn't that impressed with Spiaggia, and I've never been to the other two on your list. But you probably couldn't go wrong with any of them.

I would choose Ambria. I have been there twice and it is one of the only true formal restaurants in Chicago where you can have a conversation in a normal voice. Their seafood degustation is fantastic. They will also customize many of the entrees to suit your specific tastes.

HI,

I have been to Trotters once at the kitchen table. Our party of 4 was a pretty chatty group isolated from the other diners. On the few occasions I passed through the dining room, it seemed to be a very quiet subdued atmosphere. Any conversation would have been clearly heard across the room. Just a bit too quiet or maybe it was the mix of guests that evening.

However, I don't enjoy the hard surfaced noise boucing off the wall where you cannot hear yourself think atmosphere. I generally prefer a happy hum with everyone concentrating on their dining companions oblivious to what's occuring elsewhere.

I guess that's what was missing at Trotter's was the happy hum.

Les Nomades is a lovely place for a special occasion....the atmosphere tranquil and romantic (if, however, the occasion is for a job promotion, romantic might not be what you want) The staff are attentive but not instrusive.

Ditto on Les Nomades (and also Trotter's) but hasn't Les Nomades lost its chef recently?

In thinking about it, I'd throw Carlos in Highland Park into the mix ...

jbw wrote:Ditto on Les Nomades (and also Trotter's) but hasn't Les Nomades lost its chef recently?

Roland Liccioni will depart in the next few weeks to take over at Le Francais.

if you're between Ambria and Les Nomades, chose the latter. The food, service, and atmosphere are much better in my opinion.