Last minute lunch

I'm unexpectedly trying to host a foodie guest from out of town, looking for somewhere interesting and memorable for lunch at the last minute. Currently leaning toward the Purple Pig, but any help would be welcome. Somewhere for a long lingering lunch and chat rather than an eat and be done, and somewhere downtownish (ok to travel, but relying on public transit).

I enjoy lurking on the board, but you were all so helpful last time I had a dilema that I hope you don't mind me asking for help once more.

HI,

You may also want to ask your guest. If they are indeed a foodie, they may already have a list of places they are dying to try.

Regards,

Good advice - sadly the guest in question knows nothing about food in the US, so hasn't arrived with a list of restaurants.

We have Topolobampo reserved for dinner tomorrow.

Chris

While Purple Pig will certainly satisfy the "foodie" aspect of your request, it might not fulfill for the hanging out and talking requirement--it's primarily communal seating (although there are some individual tables, they are quite close together) and can get pretty crowded during prime lunch hours. They also don't take reservations so depending on your tolerance for the unknown and likely arrival time, that might be an issue as well.

A few other options that would likely be great, depending on where you want to be:
Terzo Piano in the new wing of the Art Institute
Sable--great food, wonderful cocktails (if your lunch can roll that way)
Balsan--in the Elysian Hotel.

All have threads here I think (not sure about Terzo Piano) and all take reservations.

Good luck and let us know where you end up and how it went!