Wife's Birthday Dinner... between these two options?

My wife's birthday is a month from today, and I'm trying to decide where to take her. I grabbed a reservation at Topolobampo, which we've never been to, but I also see seats were just released for her b-day at 42 Grams. We've never been to Topolobampo but love Bayless' other spots and his TV show, and from the recent reviews it appears to have been rejuvenated. But 42 Grams sound interesting, too, and it a little more off the beaten path. I like to try and surprise her with someplace unexpected or that she's amazed we could get in to. Her last 4 birthdays have been: Girl & the Goat (opening month), Next (Thailand), El Ideas, and Bavette's (she loves steak, so went more mainstream). All were big hits. Want to keep my streak alive...

Based on the information you've provided, I think either one is likely to be a hit, for all the reasons you've stated.

So often, the dilemma in Chicago dining is so many great choices from which to choose.

Disclaimer: I haven't been to 42 Grams, only read about it here.

42 grams is really special. Topo seems like a place you could go pretty much any time--I like it but 42 grams really seems like it would be more in keeping with the other things you've done. And you can really trick it out with some splashy BYOB

boudreaulicious wrote:Topo seems like a place you could go pretty much any time

Only if you book way in advance. Last time I checked, they start accepting reservations for any given date three months out, and they pretty much fill all the desirable times within a few weeks of that. That's for dinner; for lunch they only fill a few weeks out, not 2+ months like with dinner.

There aren't a lot of places in Chicago where you can't get a dinner reservation at a desirable time a month in advance, but Topolobampo is one of them.

Checking Opentable, I see that the only opening on August 2 for a table for 2 is at 9:30 pm. Is that acceptable to you? If not, that may make your decision for you.

nsxtasy wrote:Checking Opentable, I see that the only opening on August 2 for a table for 2 is at 9:30 pm. Is that acceptable to you? If not, that may make your decision for you.

I've already got the reservation at Topolo... made it about a month ago. But I could always cancel it now that 42 Grams has the date up.

Looking at the web site for 42 Grams (because I'm interested in going) they say there is a counter for 8 and a communal table for 10. So another factor is whether you're up for communal seating. I'm personally not a fan, but lots of people must dig it because it's popping up all over the place.

42 Grams should be a really interesting, fun experience with some highly creative food. The only caution would be if your wife wants an intimate experience; 42 Grams has no tables for two; just a communal table and a chef's counter. At both of these you'd be seated with a group of people and be served your courses simultaneous. So long as your wife is not expecting a more intimate celebration, no big deal, but something to consider if she would find a communal dining experience acceptable for her birthday dinner.

Another restaurant similar to 42 Grams and El Ideas in terms of providing a lengthy tasting menu of highly creative, unique cuisine would be Elizabeth Restaurant. While Elizabeth used to be communal tables, they now are set up like a more traditional restaurant where each party is seated at their own table and dined at their own pace. It is set up somewhat similar to El Ideas with an open kitchen and some interaction with the chefs. The food has a farm-to-table emphasis and Chef Regan plays a role in obtaining much of the food herself via foraging, growing and occasionally hunting and fishing.

Other restaurants I love that are in the price range of 42 Grams/Topolobampo/Elizabeth, that likely have availability and that I think would be good for a special occasion would be Senza (modern American cuisine; choice of a nine course tasting menu of five course prix fixe - fine dining quality food but neighborhood bistro ambiance and extremely friendly staff) or Boka (Contemporary American; a la carte menu - though tasting menus sometimes accommodated upon request; simply amazing food, very nice decor and space and wonderful staff). Boka is even a bit less expensive than the other venues.

Topolobampo would not be my choice for a special occasion. I love the cuisine but find the ambiance very touristy and tables are uncomfortably close together; service I also have found to generally be quite poor. Awesome food, but I just wish the overall experience was better.

42 Grams, 42 Grams, 42 Grams . . . and never look back. And if I'm not mistaken, it looks like the summer menu at 42 Grams has a pretty special beef course.

But I thought 42 Grams was such a wonderful experience in every respect and they really seem to be aiming very high, and hitting every note. No detail is overlooked. There, now I need to get back there soon myself.

The counter seating, so long as you are on the end which would be easy to request as a party of 2, didn't feel that communal to me. We had very minimal interaction with the others seated there. It's a very well orchestrated service, and there is just not a lot of time between courses to encourage mingling. As an example, I love El Ideas--it's my favorite high end spot--but even without communal seating, it's more "interactive" which seems to always result in a lot of new friends . I didn't get the same vibe at 42 grams. I would steer you towards one of many other options if I thought it would be unromantic.

OK, you guys convinced me! I just booked 42 Grams... communal table on Aug. 2. Looking forward to it!

Wanted to report back and say that we absolutely loved 42 Grams! The 14 courses were across the board amazing, the setting was cozy and friendly, and the service was perfect. Jake, Alexa and their team created quite an experience. And most importantly, it was a big hit with my wife!

Happy to hear yet not surprised . . . can't wait to get back there soon to try the summer menu.