Basil's at the Talbott

Has anyone eaten at the restaurant at the Talbott Hotel, Basil's? I searched and didn't see any mentions. I am trying to find a dinner venue (River North or Gold Coast) in October where 40 people can all sit around one big table/open square/u-shape, etc. so that they can have a post dinner training/conversation. They all need to be able to look at each other across the table, basically. So far, none of the restaurants I called can accomodate a group that size except for Maggiano's and we would need to basically pay about $100 a person for dinner in a room big enough to accomodate this seating arrangemetn. We're a nonprofit so I'd like to keep it around $50 a person (w/out alcohol). It seems hotel rooms may be my only option and since our conference attendees will be staying at the Talbott, a dinner in their conference room catered by Basil's seems logical. But I haven't been able to find anything on the web about the quality of food at the restaurant there. Thank you for any insights, experience you may have.
D

You might want to give Ditka's a call. They have a variety of special event rooms available that may be able to accomodate your group at your price point.

Mike Ditka's
100 E. Chestnut
312-587-8989

Private party contact: Heather (I think)
312-587-9717

-The GP (Mary)

Thanks for the suggestion but I checked and the only room big enough would require us to spend a $5,000 minimum. Hotel food it is....

I think Marche has a pretty big room -- I'm certain I did an event there for over 50 people.

You might want to rethink your seating -- maybe if you compromised on the set up you might end up still having a good stimulating discussion and yet not have to spend $100 per person. U shape isn't typical in most restaurants, I think.

Grand Lux Cafe has a pretty big room and I think I"ve seen it set up banquet style which might work for you.

One thing about Marche -- the company that owns them has several other properties and they've always been really good to work with -- they may be able to suggest something else.

Good luck!

Grand Lux Cafe
600 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago

Marche
833 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-8399
(312) 226-4169
marche-chicago.com

Again, if you're willing to compromise on the seating you might want to give Le Colonial (smack in the middle of the Gold Coast) a call. They have a party room on the second floor and an interesting menu of French-Vietnamese cuisine.

Le Colonial
937 N. Rush St.
312-255-0088