Locavore + Casual + Comfort = ?

I need to pick a place for dinner this Sunday night, where I will be meeting with my *future boss* (hope!) who is visiting from Portland. I opened my big mouth and said I had the perfect place that would fit his desire for low-carb and local cuisine, and my desire for casual atmosphere with fall, comfort foods.

You can probably guess the place I had in mind that totally fit the bill: Mado. Turns out, this Sunday is their family-style "mutton dinner," which will not work for a business-ish meeting. I am so bummed, because it would have been perfect.

I then went to my second choice, which I thought would work well, especially in terms of atmosphere and use of local ingredients: West Town Tavern. Checked website; they are closed on Sundays.

So now what?

The only other catch is that it needs to be within an easy cab ride from the Mag Mile, where he's staying.

Any and all ideas appreciated. Thanks.

-Susan

Perennial. It's got a bit more of a hip factor than Mado, but not overly so. Excellent seasonal, local food and a comfortable setting. The crowd should be mellow on a Sunday night.

Perennial?

Excellent! Two votes for Perennial then. I've never been there; it's still on our list. And they do have availability Sunday night (thank you, Open Table), so I am considering it my #1 option of the moment.

I am wondering how the "vibe" would compare to a place like Mado or even Lula Cafe (another great option, though I think it a bit too far a cab ride for him...). My husband had initially suggested Sepia, but thought it might be a bit too "fancy" for this meal.

I am going for a casual, neighborhood vibe. Will Perennial feel much more upscale than Mado or Lula?

I know, I'm being picky, but want to know how it's going to feel...

I don't think Perennial is noticeably more upscale; like Kenny said, it's more hip, that's all. But the space is what you'd normally expect a coffee shop to go into, which lets its hair down a little. Seems pretty dead-on to me.

North Pond would be another choice but it's probably more expensive and definitely more romantic, which you presumably aren't looking for. Or, moving much more casual, there's Crust.

What about Mana? Neighborhood place, casual, local, some very autumn items on their menu now, including an outstanding pumpkin tamale that Fork and Road riders tried last Sunday.

Mana Food Bar
1742 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622-3229
773-342-1742

I really don't think Sepia is fancy at all. And it's closer to him. I'd take a look at the menu before choosing it though. I don't know about the low carb part. I see Mana mentioned, I thought it was vegetarian, also make sure they have low carb.

I think Terragusto fits the bill, though you'd have to check if they are open on Sundays. Plus, some of their dishes are meant for sharing. Not sure if this is desirable in your situation.

Kenny and Mike, you've clinched it for me. I'll think I'll book at Perennial and stop looking! Thanks for your comments about the atmosphere. Hip and casual will be perfect.

I had thought of Crust, too, but then remembered the "low carb" part of his request. I know they have great salads, but the star there is the pizza, so it was out. And you were right on when you said I am going for a decidedly non-romantic place.

Sepia felt rather romantic to me, but maybe that's because I've only been there on "date night" with my husband, and anytime without our kids feels romantic. The food there IS amazing; perhaps I'll give him the choice of Perennial or Sepia...

p.s. Thanks Happy_Stomach, for the Mana Food Bar rec. I have a vegetarian client coming to town next week, and you've reminded me where to take her. And it's walkable for me!

Another vote for Perennial

Mike G wrote:I don't think Perennial is noticeably more upscale; like Kenny said, it's more hip, that's all. But the space is what you'd normally expect a coffee shop to go into, which lets its hair down a little. Seems pretty dead-on to me.

North Pond would be another choice but it's probably more expensive and definitely more romantic, which you presumably aren't looking for. Or, moving much more casual, there's Crust.

I disagree with Mike G. I think Perennial is noticeably more upscale in its decor than Mado(not that there is anything wrong with that). I would go with Lula cafe if you want locavore and neighborhood vibe.

pairs4life wrote:

Mike G wrote:I don't think Perennial is noticeably more upscale; like Kenny said, it's more hip, that's all. But the space is what you'd normally expect a coffee shop to go into, which lets its hair down a little. Seems pretty dead-on to me.

North Pond would be another choice but it's probably more expensive and definitely more romantic, which you presumably aren't looking for. Or, moving much more casual, there's Crust.

I disagree with Mike G. I think Perennial is noticeably more upscale in its decor than Mado(not that there is anything wrong with that). I would go with Lula cafe if you want locavore and neighborhood vibe.

It might look a bit more upscale, but I dress identically at both.

I enjoyed a good meal at Perennial Saturday, not as good as my previous meals, but there were a couple of standouts . . . in particular, the duck liver mousse was about as good if not better than any foie gras presentation I have ever tasted.

On the upscale scale, Mado gets a 3.6/10, and Perennial gets a 4.2/10. Official scores.

Kennyz wrote:On the upscale scale, Mado gets a 3.6/10, and Perennial gets a 4.2/10. Official scores.

Note that all these scores come up a quarter of a point when you take out the Russian judge who was just upset because there wasn't borscht on the menu.

I love you guys.

-Susan

Kennyz wrote:On the upscale scale, Mado gets a 3.6/10, and Perennial gets a 4.2/10. Official scores.

I'd score Perennial slightly higher on the upscale scale, in particular if taking the hip factor into account. Either way, I quite agree with Perennial as the best suggestion given your parameters.

Slightly more upscale and terrific food-wise is NaHa, which I highly recommend. Beard Award-winning chef Carrie Nahabedian is a founding member of the Green City Market and focuses on local as much as anyone in the city.

=R=

NaHa
500 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654-7188
(312) 321-6242

ronnie_suburban wrote:Slightly more upscale and terrific food-wise is NaHa,

5.7/10 for those interested in the Official Score

I hadn't heard of Perennial until now, so I read the thread on it. The reviews range from good to ho-hum. I'm surprise so many people recommend it hear.

Above I mentioned Terragusto. Other ideas are Tallulah, Bistro Campagne, and (as mentioned up thread) Lula Cafe.

ronnie_suburban wrote:Slightly more upscale and terrific food-wise is NaHa, which I highly recommend. Beard Award-winning chef Carrie Nahabedian is a founding member of the Green City Market and focuses on local as much as anyone in the city.

Another excellent suggestion. in a string of many, from Mr. Suburban.