Special Occasion in the North Burbs

Hello LTH-

I posted a couple months ago regarding a restaurant for my graduation dinner and got some great advice. However, recently there have been some changes and now dinner needs to be not much further south than Evanston and can go as far North as....well....the state of IL goes.

I am looking for something fairly contemporary and forward-thinking...definitely a "special occasion sort of place". Nothing too old school traditional, even if the food is great. Also, not TOO stuffy...I don't want to have to whisper at dinner! Price is not really a concern.


Thanks in advance!

How about - Prairie Grass Cafe?
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=21035

Great suggestions, Dave!

I've never even heard of this place but it looks great. Seems like you can never go wrong with a GNR....

Keep 'em coming!

I haven't been recently enough to either to comment more, but I think Va Pensiero and Chef's Station may meet your criteria. Hopefully someone else who has been recently will have more to say.

Va Pensiero
1566 Oak Ave., Evanston
(847) 475-7779
http://www.va-p.com/

Chef's Station
915 Davis St., Evanston
(847) 570-9821
http://chefs-station.com/

-Pam

How about Quince? Nice location, pretty dining room and you can have cocktails either on the veranda before dinner or in their new cocktail lounge.

Quince at the Homestead Hotel
1625 Hinman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
847-570-8400

http://www.quincerestaurant.net/

Some suggestions:

Gabriel's in Highwood. Chef Viti is one of the best.
Chef's Station: I second this, and they have a very good tasting menu.
Michael's: A French restaurant in Winnetka with excellent food. Lot's of rich sauces.
Oceanique: A seafood slanted place in Evanston.
Stained Glass: Contemporary Evanston restaurant with features wine flights.

I really like the idea of Quince!

I understand they have a "Kitchen Table" where you can watch you food being prepared. Has anyone experienced that at Quince before? Do you recall what the tasting menu cost? There is no info on the website about the special table.....

Turns out I'm an idiot. Just found the info on the Kitchen Table!

Born and raised in HP, i highly suggest Gabriel's or Miramar Bistro. No one gets food AND service quite like Gabe Viti and his staff!