Where should we eat tonight

I'm in one of those picky moods today.

So a buddy of mine and myself are going to dinner tonight and I have that feeling that I've been everywhere I'd want to go too often recently or just not interested in many of the new places, for a variety of reasons.

We really like Chalkboard, Erba, Le Bouchon and those kinds of places. We're looking for a good menu, a good (interesting) list and a not too formal room.

Price really isn't all that important but I'm not looking to go much over $150 a head.

Thoughts?

I'd suggest reviewing the list of Great Neighborhood Restaurantsand picking from that list.

stevez wrote:I'd suggest reviewing the list of Great Neighborhood Restaurantsand picking from that list.

Thanks Steve. I actually had done that prior to this post.

Mods, if you think this needs to be removed feel free.

I don't think it needs to be removed but I don't know how to get you any closer to an answer... lumping all new places together (and having no idea which ones you mean) pretty much keeps me from suggesting any new place because it's probably one of those. Try asking for something more specific-- hot scene, Italian food, Andersonville, something that gives people something to latch onto.

Good point, I suppose my original post was extremely vague.

Upscale Italian would be good.

We haven't been to the Sepia, Allahambra's and Della Costa's of the city yet but don't think we're looking for anything quite that trendy either.

The neighborhood isn't that important but we do want to stay in the city.

I'd say Italian, French or upscale American are the types of foods we're looking for.

Have you been to Folia? I've been meaning to return for quite some time.

Best,
Michael

We had two very nice dinners last weekend, one at Terragusto the other at Bistro Campagne. Maybe one of those would work?

ETA - Bonsoiree would also be a good choice.

Follia's a great idea. It looks uber-trendoid but it's more relaxed and the Italian food is taken seriously.

Has anyone been to Merlo in a dog's age? That was sort of the authentic place of the moment circa 2004 or so, it's probably still good.

eatchicago wrote:Have you been to Folia? I've been meaning to return for quite some time.

Best,
Michael

Ooh this looks promissing.

Thanks.

jesteinf wrote:We had two very nice dinners last weekend, one at Terragusto the other at Bistro Campagne. Maybe one of those would work?

ETA - Bonsoiree would also be a good choice.

Thanks for these tips. I've been to both Terragusto and Campagne and for reasons that would be better discussed in other threads I would rather go elsewhere.

Bonsoiree looks intruguing too.

La Scarola on I believe Grand near Milwaukee is my favorite Italian place in the City. I would term it "upscale" Italian but it certainly is not an "extremely formal" setting. La Scarola is a wonderful Chicago Italian restaurant. I've seen local celebs and the Governor is there once. Now, it is a loud place, so if this is a romantic dinner or you want qwuiet I would not go there.

But, this is an excellent place in the City, eswpecially if you've never been - you'll love it!

BTW - Unless you're gonna order 3 or 4 bottles of wine, you'll probably spend around $150 total or so.

I highly recommend the Chianti Ruffino Ducale 2003 and a very resonable mark-up on the menu if you like Italian reds, It is not light, as I find most Chiantis to be.


Bster

JLenart wrote:We haven't been to the Sepia, Allahambra's and Della Costa's of the city yet but don't think we're looking for anything quite that trendy either.

do not bother with Alhambra Palace !

JLenart wrote:I'd say Italian, French or upscale American are the types of foods we're looking for.

There are so many good Italian places, in various neighborhoods and price points. (And about the only Italian place you'll rule out at $150 per person is Spiaggia.) Consistently excellent Italian places include Cafe Spiaggia on Michigan Avenue, Coco Pazzo in River North, Vivere and Trattoria No. 10 in the Loop. I'd throw in Va Pensiero in Evanston, but you said you want to keep it in the city.

For French, Bistro 110 on Michigan Avenue. I was a bit disappointed in my last visit to Cafe Matou in Wicker Park.

Upscale/contemporary American, you've got dozens of choices, the best of which IMHO are one sixtyblue, Blackbird, and Aigre Doux, although other excellent ones include Custom House, Spring, Naha, North Pond, Sweets and Savories, Lula, Sola, Magnolia Cafe, MK, and many, many more.

I think you could impress anyone with any of these.

How about Anteprima in Andersonville? I've had excellent experiences there for dinner.

JLenart wrote:Good point, I suppose my original post was extremely vague.

Upscale Italian would be good.

We haven't been to the Sepia, Allahambra's and Della Costa's of the city yet but don't think we're looking for anything quite that trendy either.

The neighborhood isn't that important but we do want to stay in the city.

I'd say Italian, French or upscale American are the types of foods we're looking for.

How about Gioco, down in the South Loop, for upscale Italian? That's where we will be dining later tonight.

So, where did you wind up?

nsxtasy wrote:So, where did you wind up?

After a round about of driving and talking about where tio eat we ended up at Kevin

The room was really empty when we sat down (around 6:30) but was full by the time we left.

We started off with a few perfectly made Tanqueray martinis.

The staff at Kevin has always been very gracious and accomadating and this trip was no different.


Starters included quail with braised cabbage, chantrelles and a nice reduction sauce. Also a Rabbit and white truffle rissotto that just rocked.

Main courses were rack of lamb (maybe just a shade under, but thats being extrodinarily picky) and duck breast with leg confit (I'm a sucker for that combo) that was outstanding.

Desserts were a coco cornette filled with a perfect milk chocolate mousse and a very nice house made honey/vanilla ice cream, as well as a perfect lemon mousse.

I really like the wine list at Kevin, we selected a very nice Russian River Sara Lee's vineyard froma winemaker who's name escapes me at the moment.

Thanks for all of your help.

Why not Follia you may be asking? Well, I work in a fairly casual work environment and just felt I wasn't dressed for it.

If you were dressed up enough for Kevin you're dressed up enough for Follia.

If we had to be as well-dressed as the staff at Follia we'd never get to eat there.

Thanks Mike.

I just figured with the whole "fashion" thing about Follia it may have been more of the "see and be seen thing" going on there.

I guess I shouldn't be so self conscious and just embrace my desire for great food, and have taken the advice of those whom I sought it from.

Anyway, I thought this thread might have just been a fun exercise on a Friday afternoon.