30th Anniversary Dinner: Where?

My parents (and sister) are coming into town for my parents' 30th anniversary this weekend. I'd like to take them somewhere nice. Outside of molecular gastronomy and sushi, their tastes are pretty eclectic. Where would you want to go if it was your 30th anniversary?

Are you saying that they do, or don't, enjoy molecular gastronomy and sushi? When you say their tastes are eclectic, what do you mean - perhaps that they don't like contemporary cuisine and prefer something more mainstream? And when you say "nice", does that mean you'd like to go to one of our expensive fine dining restaurants, where you'd need to dress up (e.g. jackets) and that might cost $250-350 per person including alcohol and tax/tip, or would you prefer to spend less than that and/or have less formal attire?

For expensive, dressy fine dining, you can't go wrong with Grace or TRU. If you want to spend less ($110-150/pp) and/or not get as dressed up, my top picks would be Naha and North Pond. I've enjoyed all of these and they're all great choices. However, if it were MY special anniversary, I'd go back to Alinea in a heartbeat, although it leans towards the molecular gastronomy end of the spectrum.

Thanks. I meant they're not really into molecular gastronomy (at least my dad isn't), so that kills Alinea (plus it's probably outside my price point).

We did North Pond for my birthday a few years ago, and although I love it I'd like to try something different. What about MK? Is it overpriced?

If you are planning for this weekend, I'd go on Open Table and see what's even available--most fine dining spots will likely be booked...

jsagoff wrote:What about MK? Is it overpriced?

I haven't been there in a while, but it was very good when I went. It's in the same price range as Naha, with a la carte entrees in the upper thirties and a tasting menu for $90. It's not as much as Alinea/TRU/Grace, and I wouldn't it call it overpriced, but not everyone wants to spend even that much. If that price range works for you, I think MK and Naha are both excellent choices.

boudreaulicious wrote:If you are planning for this weekend, I'd go on Open Table and see what's even available--most fine dining spots will likely be booked...

Excellent point. Especially if you are not flexible on day and time.

nsxtasy wrote:

boudreaulicious wrote:If you are planning for this weekend, I'd go on Open Table and see what's even available--most fine dining spots will likely be booked...

Excellent point. Especially if you are not flexible on day and time.

Looking at tables for four this Saturday on Opentable, availability at Naha is wide open. MK only has openings at 6:00 (or earlier) and 9:30 (or later), not in between. If you and your sister have spouses/companions so you need a table for six, MK has openings at 6:30 and 9:30, but Naha has nada.

I've liked my experiences at MK. I did a small private dining event there last year and it got rave revues from the attendees. I was most impressed by my interactions with the staff.

I would also say that if you are using Open Table to get an idea of availability, remember that a lot of restaurants will hold back the peak times on Friday and Saturday nights. It's always worth a phone call.

I'm a sucker for a view since I live in the suburbs. I'd consider the Signature Room at the 95th Floor in the John Hancock Center or Cite which is on the top of Lake Point Towers (next to Navy Pier). Even if the meal isn't perfect, you'll still have those views!

What about La Sardine? The food is great and you can have one (or more) of their delicious soufflés for dessert?

Ram4 wrote:I'm a sucker for a view since I live in the suburbs. I'd consider the Signature Room at the 95th Floor in the John Hancock Center or Cite which is on the top of Lake Point Towers (next to Navy Pier). Even if the meal isn't perfect, you'll still have those views!

Unless you're socked in by fog, which happened to me when I took a special friend from out of town to dinner at the Hancock during her visit back in the 80's.

My vote is either Naha or Sepia - both terrific options.

Surprised no one's mentioned Everest yet. Oh, wait. I just did.

Also, we're taking my sister to Oceanique for her birthday soon. It might be worth the trip, if you don't mind venturing almost a full mile outside of the city of Chicago.

stevez wrote:

Ram4 wrote:I'm a sucker for a view since I live in the suburbs. I'd consider the Signature Room at the 95th Floor in the John Hancock Center or Cite which is on the top of Lake Point Towers (next to Navy Pier). Even if the meal isn't perfect, you'll still have those views!

Unless you're socked in by fog, which happened to me when I took a special friend from out of town to dinner at the Hancock during her visit back in the 80's.

Or if it's after dark and you're looking at Michigan....

If you want something very classy,but comfortable, and I should say classical with nice touches of creativity, I would think of Les Nomades on Ontario.

jsagoff, where did you end up going, and how did it work out for you?