hard to put a price on romance

Once again, I need help. My boyfriend has a romantic weekend planned in Chicago the weekend of Oct. 29. He has taken care of the spa and other treats for me, but he wants me to select a dinner spot. He's seen and heard so much about LTH that he trusts you more than himself to find a great place.

We'll be downtown (he said near Gold Coast/loop area). We'll have a car and about two hours for dinner because he planned something after. I would like a romantic spot for about $100 for two.

He doesn't drink, I do. He loves meat, I don't (I know, a match made in heaven...) Places that interest me from your ideas include Green Zebra, Bruna's, Sabatino's, Grotto on State...but I could be way off never having been to any of these.

What romantic places do you suggest? As always, thank you!

It's not on your list, but I might try reserving one of the old vault tables at Opera. They've got a vegan-only menu to go with the normal, omnivorous menu. Good french-tinged chinese food, close to the Loop, and it'd fit your budget.

I'm a fan of Green Zebra, but I'm not sure it's romantic. The tables are very close together, and it's a pretty noisy space. That being said, the food is quite good.

I should add that I'm not a vegetarian, just not a steak lover...
Thanks

You might have to spend a tad more than $100 for 2, but I'd highly recommend North Pond. The setting is beautiful in the heart of Lincoln Park, and the food and service are outstanding. They have valet service, but I think you're better off having a cab since the restaurant is tucked away a bit in Lincoln Park and unless you're very familiar with the roads, you might drive in circles for a bit. It's only a 5-10 minute ride from the Gold Coast/Mich. Ave area. Check out their menu: www.northpondrestaurant.com.

I love Green Zebra, but I couldn't call it romantic. Grotto is very good, but it is a steakhouse in the Gibson's mold.

For reference, a couple other "romance" threads:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=4525

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=4714

Best,
Michael

You should check out the Sweets & Savories thread. Several people on this board - including me! - highly recommend it. For $50 you get a 7-course meal - you can specify vegetarian, no meat, etc. - though total with tax & tip will come to slightly over $100, you won't find a better deal in town for the quality.

gleam wrote:It's not on your list, but I might try reserving one of the old vault tables at Opera.

While this suggestion would certainly work for a lot of people...in fact, I rarely have heard a bad word about Opera...it doesn't for me.

The vault rooms are not private, so yes you're out of the main room, but you may be stuck in a "vault" with another couple. I didn't mind sitting there, but I didn't find it particularly romantic. More importantly, I just don't think Opera's food is very special.

After dinner, you may want to go out on a boat for a romantic cruise. The Minnesota Vikings did, and they had a great time.

A restaurant that sounds like a perfect match for your palate is A Tavola on Chicago Ave. There are only 6 or 8 tables, it's cozy and romantic, they have a lovely seasonal menu, which isn't huge but everything I've ever had there was immensely satisfying. In autumn the chef does a simple but sublime ravioli with sage butter but he also starts doing some hearty slow cooked meats, like braised ribs and such. Seeing how at least one of you doesn't drink, I think you should be able to stay within the $100 price range. You have a car, so you can drive and just park on the street. If this sounds too far from downtown (it's in the Ukranian Village neighborhood) then I also vote for North Pond Cafe. We went there for our anniversary and they made us feel quite special. But I think A Tavola is just a skinch more romantic in an off the beaten path and cozy kind of way.

bjt

I think one of Sabatino's ponti rooms would fill the bill nicely. The food is so good and they have the variety you require. And what could be more romantic then crepes suzette or baked alaska flamed at your table?

The wine list can be spotty, but they do offer several by the glass - sometimes you just need to ask, and you'll get something that's not on the list - Enzo and Angelo know their wine.

And the prices will amaze you. You can eat like a king on a princes' budget.

Also, they have parking. And depending on the night, a strolling guitar and violin duo.

I agree with Sweets and Savories and the North Pond suggestions, however depending on your order, North Pond could be over $100. a couple. Do a search here and on Metromix of Sweets and Savories.

Jim

Romantic places of my past:

With only one drinker you could get away under 100 at Geja's...my favorite romantic spot. I remember having to split the bill with one date years back in order to go...I'm a feminist.
One problem is you smell like bubbling oil after so, if that is a problem....

Joe's Prime Steak and Seafood is a special night out in my book. Our service there was top notch as was the food. Fun atmosphere. Expensive.

You could eat like kings or queens at Cafe Iberico. This is my absolute favorite Chicago restaurant. It's a night out, but you have to like crowds. We go at off times...or start at Iberico for apps and drinks, then eat somewhere else.

I've walked from Iberico to Frontera where it's fun to eat and be. You get to see the chef walking around stopping to talk to people. I think Bayless is the coolest guy--wish he was my dad so I could go on his show and eat from his garden. Some people complain about it, but I found it to be a worthwhile experience. The $9+ margaritas are small, but killer to sip. It might be tough to get a decent reservation there, though. I find the Frontera Kitchens website a marketing nightmare.

Have fun and report back!

Cafe Iberico

Geja's

Frontera, et. al.

Joe's Seafood

I like the suggestion of North Pond both for romance and for a real Chicago experience, but you'll never get out of there for $100 for two. $150 is more like it.

Crofton on Wells is hands-down my favorite restaurant in town and very romantic, I think, because of the intimate size of the room and the ambience. But again, I think $150 is a more realistic price for a dinner for two there.

My husband and I went to Kiki's Bistro for a recent date night and had a great meal for closer to $125, drinks and tip included. It's not super romantic, but it is French (that's kind of romantic right there) and very pleasant, IMO.