Suggestions for a parental birthday with specific conditions

Dad likes a bit of red meat and doesn't get it at home much as mom as drifted into a kind of quasi-vegetarianism. In addition, mom has a very "delicate" stomach, and requires blandness (e.g. no black pepper, no chile heat at all, no curries, etc.).

Last year, took them to Fogo for Dad's birthday and it worked out perfectly. The buffet worked for mom, the meat was great, the freedom of choice exciting and liberating, the gaucho exoticism just right for air of celebration and special occasion.

Could do it again, but interested in trying something different if possible while adhereing to the same restrictions.

Both are elderly, frail, and a bit hard of hearing, so atmosphere becomes important. Quiet room. Old-style politeness and solicitude in the service; nothing too hip or jocular from the hosts/servers thank-you-very-much.

Probably a lunch, as they fade early.

Who does a nice, genteel, lunch with good meat and something nice for the veggie?

If your parents are up to the short walk from the road to the restaurant, North Pond serves lunch through September, but if by red meat you mean beef, then I am afraid all North Pond offers at lunch is Cheesburgers (they do have Lamb).
link to NP lunch menu: http://northpondrestaurant.com/text/menu.cfm?menuid=13

On the more meatatarian side, Dave Burke's is open for lunch as is Custom House. Come to think of it, so is Blackbird, but that mightn't meet the quiet room requirement. Maybe Naha (I found it pretty serene), of course the fiddlehead ferns served with the prime rib might be a little confusing (I know it confuses me).

If it has to be downtown then the first thing that comes to mind (maybe the other brunch thread got into my head) is one of the hotel restaurants. Custom House is good, although maybe a touch on the exotic side for mom. The Cafe at the Ritz may be more to her liking. Which then immediately brought Prairie Grass in Northbrook to mind. If that's close to where they are it's also a good spot.

If you do decide to go the brazilian steakhouse route again, I'd suggest giving Texas de Brazil a try. Although their meat can be somewhat salty, they always accommodate requests for meat with less salt, and their salad bar puts all others to shame. The lobster bisque and the beef ribs in particular are pretty tasty. I tend to think eating at Brazilian steakhouses are like having way too much to drink...you say you'll never do it again but you somehow always end up back there.

Would Sabatino's fit the bill? In my experience, they've been remarkably good with everyone from the very young to the very old, the service is unfailingly polite, and the food is good for omnivores and vegetarians alike (my husband loves just about all of their veal preparations, and I'm a big fan of the fettucine primavera). I'm trying to remember the noise level, and I'm fairly certain it would work, especially at lunchtime.

Lawry's sounds like exactly what you are asking for.

I think The Melting Pot would fit your bill. They have quiet, booth-style dining. Your mom could order fish or just veggies or get full on the cheese and chocolate fondue! Your dad could cook his own meat to his heart's content. Most of the flavor comes from either the cooking broth/oil you choose or the dipping sauces so you can all stylize your own to some extent.

Prairie Grass?