Special occasion dinner....with interesting restrictions?

I've been lurking here for months, but have finally registered so I can ask a question that may not have an answer.

My husband and I have been planning a celebratory dinner out for over a year, but have yet to pull the trigger. This is mainly because our aging bodies are tossing up new and exciting food restrictions. For extra fun, they seem to contradict one another!

My husband was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and does best with fairly low-carb meals. I have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome - and no, I will not give more details than that!) and am happiest with low-fat vegan plus fish and chicken/turkey. Starches are good, overstuffing myself is not.

While we appreciate our improved health on these regimens, it's seriously cutting into our foodie cred. For "Iron Chef"-watching, "Cooks' Illustrated"- and cookbook-reading, LTHForum-lurking people to not be able to find a place for dinner is rather sad.

Any ideas for an expensive dining destination for us? Our list so far contains only Green Zebra (never been) and Russian Tea Time (works for both of us if I don't try to eat everything on my plate).

many thanks,
AC

Sounds like seafood would be a good option. You might want to try Fulton's on the River. They're fairly celebratory (and pricey) and the fish is quite good. They've got prime steaks if your husband's not a fish fan and low-carb appetizers like truffled devilled eggs. Just stay away from the giant tater tots!

Fulton's on the River
www.levyrestaurants.com
312/822-0100
Reid Murdoch Building
315 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60610-4707

I was going to suggest Hugo's or Shaw's or Joe's. He can get a nice steak with no-carb sides, you can get some expertly prepared seafood and some high-carb sides.

Charlie Trotter's has a vegetable tasting menu, and they are usually open to any special dietary needs within that context.

Re seafood: Catch 35 is on most short lists of upscale seafood restaurants in Chicago.

I would add Spring as a seafood recommendation. I've eaten there many times and I've always been impressed. Also, I personally find the atmosphere and the service to be better suited to a celebratory dinner than Green Zebra. GZ seems a little to much like a cafe to consider it for an elegant celebratory meal.

Best,
Michael

Spring
2039 West North Avenue
773.395.7100
http://www.springrestaurant.net/

In addition to the suggestions already mentioned, I'd suggest Crofton on Wells. I can't vouch for how well accomodations are made for special dietary needs, but the folks there make a point to say:

please note that we will work with you to create a meal that is within your boundaries be it vegan, lacto-ovo, etc. please advise your server.

and

chef's tasting menus are available and prepared to your specific tastes. 24-hour notice is required. Please call to inquire.

We had quite a satisfying meal there recently. And meets your "expensive" criterion. A bit subdued, but rather elegant surroundings.

Crofton on Wells
535 N. Wells St.
312-755-1790

I second Crofton. It's a really nice place, with a lot of flexibility in the menu and great service.

I don't mean to sound snarky, but what does "vegan plus fish and chicken/turkey" mean? Lean meats and vegetables?

borismom wrote:I don't mean to sound snarky, but what does "vegan plus fish and chicken/turkey" mean? Lean meats and vegetables?

No snarkiness taken! I was trying to come up with a quick way to say what the real IBS restrictions are. To wit: no red meat, no dark poultry meat, no dairy, no egg yolks, no coffee. The meal as a whole needs to be low-fat. Bread and pasta are good, "processed" (chopped or cooked or both) vegetables are good, fish and white meat poultry are good (so is shellfish, but I'm not a big fan of them due to my kosher upbringing). Nuts and chocolate are ok in moderation (due to the low-fat thing).

Aren't you sorry you asked?

AC

I was also going to suggest Crofton on Wells, which is known for being accomodating of vegetarian and vegan patrons, and is a lovely and elegant restaurant besides. I would definitely call ahead of time to discuss your dietary preferences.

I appreciate all the suggestions! I never would have thought of Crofton on Wells, even though I used to work 2 blocks from there. I'll run these ideas past the other foodie in the house and see if we can actually make a reservation....

I also appreciate past recommendations here: my husband adores Honey 1 (even though it used to be a mere 1.5 miles from here and now it's a trek) and we both love the Pico Rico chickens and sauce. Now that sort of eating, we don't have to have a year-long discussion about!

AC