Other than Alinea . . .

A friend has offered to take us to a "nice" restaurant. What nice restaurant gives the most consistently best dining experience? We've eaten at Everest and Trotters but were disappointed at each.

Define "best".

Does it mean unusual ingredients and preparation techniques? If so, consider moto and Schwa.

Does it mean most luxurious and expensive? If so, consider tru or Avenues. And NoMI, perhaps only slightly less so.

Can it be a place specializing in seafood? If so, consider L2O. Italian? Spiaggia.

Want a unique and exquisite setting? If so, go to North Pond.

Must it be in the city? If not, consider Michael (Winnetka), Tallgrass (Lockport), Vie (Western Springs), Le Titi de Paris (Arlington Heights), Chef's Station (Evanston), and other standouts in the suburbs. Throw in Sanford in Milwaukee, if you want to stretch the distance qualification.

Can it be a more casual and not quite as expensive place? If so, you've got one sixtyblue, Blackbird, Naha, and lots more.

Someone who loves steak would probably include one or more of our high-end steakhouses (take your pick - Gibson's, Burke's, Saloon, etc).

Oh, and if you're asking where each of us has gone back several times and been absolutely blown away every single time... I haven't been several times to all of the above, especially the super expensive ones (which tend to be a one-time experience, for me anyway), but of the ones I have, I would answer with Michael and Tallgrass, and maybe Chef's Station. I would add one sixtyblue except that Chef Noguier recently left so I'm hesitant for that reason.

Thanks so much. That's exactly the kind of opinion I was hoping for.

I actually gave some thought aboput how to word it and ultimately decided to go with the wording i choose knowing there would be helpful replies no matter how it was phrased. My friend likes to go out to what my mother in Palatine would have called "fancy" restaurants. Maybe you could call it "top tier", possibly "expensive", or "fancy-schmancy". In any case, I think if he wants to drop a load of money, I want to go where the food and service are consistently top-notch (another way to put it). Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

cleanplateclub wrote:My friend likes to go out to what my mother in Palatine would have called "fancy" restaurants. Maybe you could call it "top tier", possibly "expensive", or "fancy-schmancy".

By that criterion, I think you probably want to look at tru, Avenues, Spiaggia, Sanford, L2O, and possibly NoMI, moto and Schwa (although this latter trio has a slightly more casual feel). Granted, you start getting into very subjective opinions, but those are the ones I would consider the "creme de la creme".

I would put L20 high up in this category; going there in a few actually and will report back.

Seconding Moto (special nod for service that is generous, personalized, and ultra-attentive but never fussy or imposing), Avenues, and Vie.

I'm just curious...why not Alinea? Personally, I would go to it in a heartbeat over Moto, North Pond, Nomi, and Spiaggia, et al, and I am a big admirer of these restaurants.

Can't speak for the OP, of course, but it didn't sound to me like he was ruling it out. The subject line merely indicated that he was already aware of it and didn't need for it to be suggested.

OTOH, I could be completely, totally wrong. I've been told it's happened before.

cleanplateclub wrote:A friend has offered to take us to a "nice" restaurant. What nice restaurant gives the most consistently best dining experience? We've eaten at Everest and Trotters but were disappointed at each.

Why were you disappointed at Trotters and Everest? Poor value, so to speak? Not as luxurious/upscale as you wanted?

I've had two outstanding meals at L2O. If you are interested in "fine dining", it would be my current first choice. Not every dish is a home run, but everything has been at least very good (except for the fact the I am not a big fan of their pork belly preparation. I am in a vast minority regarding this matter.) Last year I might have preferred Avenues.

If you have ruled out Alinea as a result of avoidance of "molecular gastronomy", I would immediately cross Moto off of my list.

If you're not going to Alinea, then I would strongly recommend L2O if you're looking to stay at a comparable level.

jesteinf wrote:If you're not going to Alinea, then I would strongly recommend L2O if you're looking to stay at a comparable level.

This would be my thought, as well.

=R=

original poster here. We were disappointed in Trotter's the last time we were there because we came for 9:00 reservations and we were not seated until 11:20. There was at least 1/2 hour between appetizers and the main course -- and no apologies. We were too tired to enjoy anything when we staggered out. Admittedly this was about eight years ago but we have not been back.

Everest was really just a matter of taste; we weren't wowed by the food.

I eliminated Alinea because I would feel guilty suggesting my friend spend that kind of money. If I were paying, I might do it, but this is his show.

L2O is in the Alinea price spectrum...

As a point of reference, when we ate at L20 on June 30, dinner for two (tasting menu with paired wines) cost $735 (including tax and tip). So, I don't think you'll be saving any money compared to Alinea there.