Parents 50th Wedding Anniversary meal

Hi all:

I was hoping to solicit some ideas from my LTH peeps on options for my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary dinner. They're coming to town in June and it's a Friday night. They are not super adventurous eaters and most probably would appreciate something closer to a steakhouse environment, but I found out that they'll be doing that sort of thing with some friends a few days earlier than their anniversary, which they are having with me. So..I'm left with needing ideas for a place that is superb and not too "cheffy" and lovely. They'll be okay spending some cash but dining at 16 is too much. Best to be in the Loop, River North, Streeterville, Gold Coast, as they are staying at the Palmer House. Someplace special would be great. I was thinking Everest maybe but they've eaten there and my Mom loves trying new places. Spiaggia also came to mind but they're redesigning and debuting the week of the anniversary -- probably not possible.

Any ideas comrades?

My top two recommendations are Naha or North Pond. "Superb and lovely" fits both places. Both have outstanding food - which is why both chefs (Carrie Nahabedian and Bruce Sherman, respectively) are James Beard Award winners. Both offer very special experiences, without the super high prices of the top tables in town. (Both have $40ish entrees and generally total in the $100-130 range per person including moderate alcohol and tax/tip.) Naha offers the pampering atmosphere of those super-expensive places (but without the formal attire requirements). North Pond provides its exquisite setting in the middle of the park, facing its namesake pond, with the city skyline looming over the opposite shore.

http://www.naha-chicago.com
http://www.northpondrestaurant.com

A bit less expensive, and within walking distance from the Palmer House, are Vivere (the fine-dining Italian restaurant in the Italian Village complex) and Atwood (contemporary American with the view of passersby outside, in the Hotel Burnham).

http://www.viverechicago.com
http://www.atwoodcafe.com

Wherever you go, when making your reservation, let them know it's a big anniversary dinner.

Unless you're concerned about things not running smoothly at Spiaggia which I wouldn't expect from them at all, I would email and ask about booking for this special anniversary--I think they'd do a fabulous job and everything will be newly gorgeous inside.

Other suggestions would be Nico (the new Kahan place), Grace (though it is a tasting menu, it seems a bit more classic than some of the others), Henri or Sepia.

It's not exactly cutting edge, but back in the day I took my parents to Geja's Cafe for their anniversary. They weren't adventurous eaters either, but they enjoyed the novelty of fondue.

Geja's Cafe
340 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-9101

Another possibility is Acadia. It's pretty convenient from the Palmer House, comfortable seating and conversation friendly (i.e., good for parents). And not only is the decor very attractive, but the food is fantastic - a great place to celebrate a special evening.

You might want to consider Les Nomades--along with Everest one of the few citadels of French haute cuisine still alive and kicking in Chicago (There's a quite lovely and romantic--altho perhaps, somewhat stuffy with its Lalique vases, fireplace et al--room on the second floor):

http://www.lesnomades.net/

Carolyn and I spent an anniversary dinner at North Ponda few years ago. Thought it was excellent.

Last month, I had a charcuterie platter there that will haunt my food dreams forever:



With crusty bread and a good red, this is kind of an ideal food for me.

I'm a little confused because you say that Sixteen is too expensive, but you mention Everest and Spiaggia, both of which are about as expensive as Sixteen (typically $200-300/pp including moderate alcohol and tax/tip). (Based on Spiaggia's pre-remodeling prices, anyway.) I guess this confusion explains why some of the recommendations you're getting are also in that price range or higher.