Interesting upscale restaurant for special dinner

I'm brainstorming restaurants to take my fiance to for his birthday. I'm looking for a restaurant that has something unique to offer and is semi-upscale (unfortunately, can't afford Alinea or Nomi at the moment.) I'm also looking for a restaurant that we haven't been to already. Some of the places we've eaten at (and enjoyed) include:

Green Zebra
Meritage
Cafe Matou
Think
Avec
Le Bouchon
Thyme
Scylla

I'm also looking for a place that takes reservations as his birthday is on a Friday. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Megan

Out of your list Scylla and Avec are my favorites, but they are both very different restaurants in terms of both atmosphere and cuisine.

You may also want to add Custom House to your list. My girlfriend took me for my birthday last month and we had a great time.

Not too pricey and great food.

I don't see Blackbird on the list of places that you've tried and enjoyed. If you haven't been, it's a must-do as far as I'm concerned. I can't say enough good things about it.

Blackbird
619 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
312-715-0708
http://www.blackbirdrestaurant.com/

Best,
Michael

I will be at Blackbird this weekend.
What do people recommend?

DML wrote:I will be at Blackbird this weekend.
What do people recommend?

In short, anything.

Kahan's menu changes frequently, which makes it difficult to recommend specific items, although, there is usually a dish featuring the braised pork belly which has won him much acclaim. I've never had anything but an excellent meal there.

Read the thread that I linked to above for some good descriptions and reviews.

Best,
Michael

Dumb Blackbird question:
How easy is it to get a cab there? The location is a bit off the beaten path. We live in Streeterville and are debating driving or cabbing it, but we hate waiting around for a cab after a meal.

DML wrote:Dumb Blackbird question:
How easy is it to get a cab there? The location is a bit off the beaten path. We live in Streeterville and are debating driving or cabbing it, but we hate waiting around for a cab after a meal.

Not a dumb question, but it's hardly off the beaten path. It's right on Randolph at one end of a very vibrant stretch of restaurants and markets.

Getting a cab will be no problem.

Scylla would probably be my pick on your list, but I would strongly suggest that you take a look at Schwa. The atmosphere itself is nothing fantastic (a little like eating at a friend's house and it doesn't offer a lot of privacy, but then again, neither does Avec and it's still great) but the food is outstanding and creative and certainly unique. You'll get very good service -- never an issue. If you do choose Schwa, just remember that it's BYO so bring a nice bottle (or two) of wine with you. I'm sure there are others but here's one link on the site pertaining to Schwa:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=4814&schwa

How about North Pond? It's unique in it's location/setting in the park.
I've enjoyed Spring the times I've been there.
I haven't eaten at Cafe Absinthe in a while, but I've had great meals there in the past.
I haven't eaten at Fonda del Mar yet (upscale regional Mexican, I believe) but it seems to be popular on this board. I get the impression the new Ixapulzalco/La Bonita is a bit inconsistent (I had some great meals at the old location)

NaHa is awesome. It might be pricey but not compared to Zebra or Custom House...

Topolo is very mentionable in this crowd.

Schwa is my favorite. Do a search and you'll find out why.

On of my favorite spots for "special occassions" that is not too expensive is Lucca's. I've gone there for New Year's dinner over the last several years with other couples and a friend of mine proposed to his wife there. The restaurant has a good feel to it - upscale but not pretentious. It's a fun place with decent food and very good service. I'd highly recommend this place.

I see a review from two years ago that would pretty much apply today:
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.ph ... ght=luccas

Lucca's Restaurant
2834 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL

eatchicago wrote:I don't see Blackbird on the list of places that you've tried and enjoyed. If you haven't been, it's a must-do as far as I'm concerned. I can't say enough good things about it.

Blackbird
619 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
312-715-0708
http://www.blackbirdrestaurant.com/

Best,
Michael

How does Blackbird compare to Kevin and Spring?

thaiobsessed wrote:How about North Pond? It's unique in it's location/setting in the park.

While I will concede the location and interior decor of North Pond are unique and impressive, I was SEVERELY underwhelmed by a recent meal there.
I think the price to quality ratio is off. I've had much better (and less expensive) meals at Blackbird, Schwa and Le Bouchon.

elrushbo wrote:

eatchicago wrote:I don't see Blackbird on the list of places that you've tried and enjoyed. If you haven't been, it's a must-do as far as I'm concerned. I can't say enough good things about it.

How does Blackbird compare to Kevin and Spring?

elrushbo,

I suppose it all depends on the terms of your comparison.

(I have never been to Kevin, so I cannot comment on it. Here is a review from Gypsy Boy.)

The culinary styles of Blackbird and Spring are very different. Kahan's menu at Blackbird is rooted in classical French and American cooking, while McClain's menu at Spring is focused on Asian-inspired seafood dishes. I've been to both multiple times and I've never come close to being disappointed at either place.

The atmospheres are quite different too. Spring attempts to create a sedate and private atmosphere. The lighting is dim and many of the tables are organized in such a way to minimize your view of the majority of the restaurant, creating the illusion of intimate dining in a large space. The bar is separated from the dining area, keeping the atmosphere quiet. Blackbird is bright, crowded and the tables are lined up and practically right on top of each other, along with the bar--It's a brash environment, more akin to a brasserie.

The service at either place is nothing short of excellent, especially the knowledge level of the staff at Blackbird. They are initmately familiar with the food and wine that they are serving you and make excellent recommendations.

Both of these restaurants fall within the same price point and I consider them both among the best restaurants in the city at that price, if not among the best overall.

Best,
Michael

eatchicago wrote:Kahan's menu changes frequently, which makes it difficult to recommend specific items, although, there is usually a dish featuring the braised pork belly which has won him much acclaim.

I was going to suggest the braised pork belly as well... It seems to be one of his staples

Custom House and Naha are the same prices IMO. And that's somewhat pricey, but not nearly so much as Alinea or Nomi.

Both are very nice, and can be noisy.

Topolobampo also highly recommended. I think it was much quieter.

You see, all these bare wall and floor places can be noisy, Custom House doesn't have quite enough carpet. Topolobampo wasn't that stark, I think all that fabric helps.

Had a quieter meal once at Crofton on Wells, but it wasn't that crowded that night.

Keefer's has been great, but more a steakhouse. Which can be good or bad, depending on what kind of stuff you want to eat (forget game here).

Maybe look at some online menus. If anyone has a taste for a certain thing, it might change where you go. Also, are these kinds too expensive as well, or are they OK???

Nancy

I appreciate all of the advice! I think I'll suggest either Blackbird or Schwa (or both?? --ha, ha, I wish!)

Thanks again,
Megan

Blackbird is great, but I would also suggest NAHA. Go early, sit at the bar, and get the wings. Wipe off, sit down at a table, and enjoy some of the best food in the city. BTW, the chef, Carrie Nahabedian was just nominated for a James Beard award. Good stuff, really.