Work dinner in Northern Burbs - your $.02
Work dinner in Northern Burbs - your $.02
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Work dinner in Northern Burbs - your $.02
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Post #1 - August 28th, 2009, 7:54 amThought I would throw this out there. My wife and I are taking my boss and his wife out for dinner in a couple of weeks. Problem is: I live in the city and he lives in Antioch and I don't know the restaurants in the northern burbs well enough. I asked him what would be a "half-way" point for us to meet and he mentioned Deerfield / Lake Forest / Wheeling / Libertyville.
Through searching some posts here, I've looked at both Tramonto's Steak and Seafood and Prarie Grass Cafe as possibilities. I haven't been to either and the Tramonto posts are old so does anyone have a preference or better yet, any other ideas. I'd like to keep it focused on meat/potatoes/American/steak type of place. Can be upscale, I don't mind but shouldn't be stuffy. Thanks much..."It's not that I'm on commission, it's just I've sifted through a lot of stuff and it's not worth filling up on the bland when the extraordinary is within equidistant tasting distance." - David Lebovitz
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Post #2 - August 28th, 2009, 8:27 amBetween thost two choices (having eaten at both), I'd pick GNR Prairie Grass Cafe hands down.Steve Z.
“Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
― Ludwig van Beethoven
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Post #3 - August 28th, 2009, 8:28 amSupposedly, at the beginning of this year, Tramonto himself left the Westin, and the restaurants were supposed to change names.
They haven't changed names... I do not know the status. I'd recommend calling the (cough) "North Shore" Westin and asking if the restaurant is still run by Rick Tramonto. Just down the street is Pete Miller's, very good steaks.
Prarie Grass is well loved here (I haven't been though)
If your price point is not an issue, you might want to try Lovell's in Lake Forest -- run by the son of Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell, lots of memorabilia. I've heard it's good, but haven't been there either (it's high on my list).What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
-- Lin Yutang
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Post #4 - August 28th, 2009, 8:39 amI have been to Lovell’s and would recommend it. I would also recommend the ‘Tavern in the Town’ in Libertyville, although they have changed their name to just the Tavern. IMO both would be a very good choice.
I would say they are both upscale, without being stuff.
D.
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Post #5 - August 28th, 2009, 8:40 amI'll add:
Don Roth's Blackhawk
61 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling
847/537-5800
www.donroths.comNever order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
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Post #6 - August 28th, 2009, 8:45 amDon Roth's, what is that place like? I know of it more from the spinning salad bowl ads on Saturday afternoon old time radio shows. I haven't known anyone whose gone.
Regards,Cathy2
"You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
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Post #7 - August 28th, 2009, 9:04 amdodger wrote:I have been to Lovell’s and would recommend it. I would also recommend the ‘Tavern in the Town’ in Libertyville, although they have changed their name to just the Tavern. IMO both would be a very good choice.
Same here."Your swimming suit matches your eyes, you hold your nose before diving, loving you has made me bananas!"
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Post #8 - August 28th, 2009, 9:08 amCathy2 wrote:
Don Roth's, what is that place like? I know of it more from the spinning salad bowl ads on Saturday afternoon old time radio shows. I haven't known anyone whose gone.
Well now you do.
I have dinner there about once a year with a friend who lives nearby. Nice outdoor patio. Still top notch prime rib and yes, the spinning salad bowl. IMO, an overlooked destination in the Wheeling dining corridor.
I still remember as a kid going to the the downtown location on Wabash for "special occasions" with my grandparents.Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
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Post #9 - August 28th, 2009, 9:19 amI would second the recommendations of Lovell's and The Tavern. I would say that Lovell's is a little more formal and expensive. Both places have an excellent "cowboy cut" ribeye. Tavern has a more extensive steak selection, usually south American grass fed, waygu, and prime. While Lovell's has a nice wine list, Tavern has an amazing one.
-Will
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Post #10 - August 28th, 2009, 9:26 amThanks to everyone. I would just like to say that I've made reservations at Lovell's and I'm looking forward to it. Great suggestions as always. Cheers - enjoy the weekend..."It's not that I'm on commission, it's just I've sifted through a lot of stuff and it's not worth filling up on the bland when the extraordinary is within equidistant tasting distance." - David Lebovitz
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Post #11 - August 28th, 2009, 9:27 amI definitely endorse the Prairie Grass Cafe suggestion. I love the place and have had many pleasant business dinners there over the years. It's a bit more casual than some of the other suggestions being made here.
As for Tramonto, I thought the steakhouse was perfectly fine but I haven't been since Tramonto himself left the venture, back at the beginning of 2009.
What about Bank Lane Bistro in Lake Forest? I haven't been there since chef de Rosiers left, though. Has anyone else been there recently?
=R=
Bank Lane Bistro (web site)
670 N Bank Ln
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847 234-8802By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. --Kambei Shimada
Every human interaction is an opportunity for disappointment --RS
There's a horse loose in a hospital --JM
That don't impress me much --Shania Twain
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Post #12 - August 29th, 2009, 10:40 amCathy2 wrote:Don Roth's, what is that place like? I know of it more from the spinning salad bowl ads on Saturday afternoon old time radio shows. I haven't known anyone whose gone.
Don Roth's is terrific. Old school, to be sure, but they do everything well.
