Romantic High-End Dinner...on a Monday...

My hubby and I have both been freelancing for a year now, which means our schedules rarely align to go out somewhere other than something quick in the hood (Bucktown).

This coming Monday we wanted to go to a nice dinner someplace fancy. Well, fancier than usual. We're not really too fond of REALLY formal places. We can spend somewhere in the vicinity of $200 total (tax/tip/booze included) and enjoy the following restaurants for various reasons:

Scylla: darn good, creative and right around the corner- but closed on Mondays

Merlo on Maple: Always great bolognese...but we've been there more times than any other restaurant in Chi. Need to expand the old horizons.

Meritage has been consistently good. We've also really enjoyed MK and Avenues in the past...those two might be pushing the price range, however.

We also really like any sort of Asian, Asian inspired places. If we can't figure out anywhere else to go, we'll probably go to Katsu.

We're big fans of a nice well-rounded wine list as well and attentive service that isn't too obtrusive or who's goal is to make you feel like you "don't belong".

We'd like to be able to actually hear ourselves talk, which shouldn't be too hard on a Monday.

Any suggestions? Any neighborhood is good, so long as parking isn't too difficult or valet is available.

Thanks!

Romantic on a Monday - Le Bouchon (still in our 'hood I'm afraid

They have 1/2 price wine bottles on Mondays, and it's not as crazy busy as they are on the weekends or on Tuesday.

It's a bit of a hike, but Vie in Western Springs fits all your requirements, and has 50% off all bottles of wine on Mondays. Excellent food-- kind of a less self-consciously hip version of Blackbird.

If you haven't been to Le Lan yet, definitely go. You shouldn't have a problem staying within your budget... especially if you make a meal of their incredible appetizers. Their wine list also contains a number of reasonably priced selections.

Boka is another option. Great food. Great room. Great service.