Best of Chicago's 4 Star Restaurants? Opinions needed!

I just found out that I passed the Illinois Bar Exam and I had told myself that if I had passed I would finally treat myself to one of Chicago's 4 stars...

According to Metromix these are the best in Chicago:

Ambria
2300 N. Lincoln Park West
773-472-5959

Everest
440 S. La Salle St., 40th Floor
312-663-8920

Tru
676 N. St. Clair St.
312-202-0001

Alinea
1723 N. Halsted St.
312-867-0110

Arun's
4156 N. Kedzie Ave.
773-539-1909

Carlos'
429 Temple Ave.
Highland Park
847-432-0770

Charlie Trotter's
816 W. Armitage Ave.
773-248-6228

Courtright's
8989 Archer Ave.
Willow Springs
708-839-8000

Le Francais
269 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling
847-541-7470

Les Nomades
222 E. Ontario St.
312-649-9010

The Ritz-Carlton Dining Room
160 E. Pearson St.
312-266-1000

Spiaggia
980 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor
312-280-2750

I always wanted to try Trotters, but have heard some mixed things from family members who went and were unimpressed. My brother loves Arun's but Thai is not one of my favorites. Wine is not an issue since I do not drink. Also, if I have missed any restaurants, please list them. This dinner was 3 years coming (thank god law school is over!!) and I cannot wait to celebrate! Please lend me a hand so I do not make a bad choice!

Thanks in advance!

There's not a bad choice there (some might argue about Arun's) but you're looking at enough different kinds of experiences that it's not as simple as picking the "best."

I would start with this thread, decide what aspect of that kind of experience is most interesting to you-- fine food, service, posh setting, avant-gardeness, scene, etc.-- and ask again about your short list in the context of what you're looking for the most.

P.S. Congrats!

A non-drinking lawyer? Who ever heard of such a thing! Anyway, congrats! I've only been to Tru and Charlie Trotter's. I love the caviar staircase at Tru, and I'm boycotting Trotter's because he's the one that brought foie gras into the spotlight leading to that ridiculous ban.

Be sure to add Avenues to that list. I'm amazed it's not there.

Fujisan wrote:A non-drinking lawyer? Who ever heard of such a thing! Anyway, congrats! I've only been to Tru and Charlie Trotter's. I love the caviar staircase at Tru, and I'm boycotting Trotter's because he's the one that brought foie gras into the spotlight leading to that ridiculous ban.

Yeah, get a job at a large firm and you'll devolve into functional alcoholism fast.

Anyhow, for what it's worth, my vote is for Alinea.

Tortfeasor wrote:Please lend me a hand so I do not make a bad choice!

Tortfeasor,

Avenues and Schwa are conspicuous by their absence, and Arun should not, in my not so humble opinion, be on the list.

I recently had a most memorable meal at Spiaggia, always love Everest and, though it was over a year ago, Avenues still resonates fondly.

My most recent meal at Ambria, in fact my last two meals, were somewhat disappointing and I'm not a fan of Les Nomades, haven't been to Charlie Trotter, Ritz-Carlton or Tru in recent enough memory to offer a valid opinion, always enjoy Carlos when I've been, but it's been a while.

I've not been to Alinea, but thought Trio topnotch, nor have I been to Courtright's or Le Francais under Liccioni.

There are LTH threads on many on your list, also Avenues and Schwa.

Enjoy,
Gary

Tru is the epitomy of elegance, lovely room and perfect service. The food, however, was to me a bit lacking in intensity and creativity.

Alinea is the ultimate adventure, served with wonderful service in a sleek, modern setting. Not every course will be delicious (most will be), but every course will be memorable and like nothing you've eaten before. It will challenge your tastebuds.

Avenues is a bit between True and Alinea; plenty of creativity, but a bit less out there than Alinea. The food is wonderful. The room was somewhat blah when we were there (that doesn't play a role for me), but I believe it has recently been redone.

I loved Trotters, but that was over 10 years ago, and I, or my taste, may have changed too much for me to comment.

Not sure how the search-by-stars function works, but Arun's rating is definitely out of date.

Schwa isn't a Vettel-ranked four star either, if that's your criterion, and while the food may be four-star worthy, and it's a terrific restaurant, it's not four-star atmosphere or service.

Tortfeasor,

After reading DML's query regarding NoMi, I realized another had been left off the 4-Star list.

It's been 5-6 months, but 4 of us had a spectacular lunch with impeccable service and a 7th floor window view.

As far as Schwa, Aaron is right, maybe not 4-star atmosphere, but there is a palatable vibrancy that more than makes up for Versace charger plates or Mapplethorpe on the walls. Schwa may be right if your complete party is non drinkers, as it's BYOB.

Enjoy,
Gary

Many congratulations. The bar exam is so tough. I guess your post-bar passage celebration will be far different from mine, as mine involved copious amounts of cocktails - but to each his or her own!

My vote would be with Avenues as well, unless you're into avant garde dining (I, too, am shocked that its not on your initial list). I've dined at both Avenues and Trotters in the realm of uber upscale dining here in Chicago and I enjoyed Avenues much, much more. It wasn't stuffy, by any means, but at the same time not overly trendy. The staff works with the utmost professionalism and polish, but at the same time is warm and unpretentious. The food was just fantastic - innovative, yet accessible. Just a lovely, lovely dining experience.

Tortfeasor wrote:I just found out that I passed the Illinois Bar Exam and I had told myself that if I had passed I would finally treat myself to one of Chicago's 4 stars...

Congratulations.

A lot depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.

Ambria and Everest are both old-fashioned, elegant French fine dining. I would probably give the edge to Everest on food and experience. Tru is more contemporary, more American, with lots of whimsy in the menu, but still a reasonably relaxed and luxurious meal. I would put Spiaggia in with these, too; it differs in being Italian.

Le Francais ranks even higher at this point with me, but that may be just because it's the one I've eaten a meal at most recently. And of these, it's the only one that still serves foie gras. Many preparations of foie gras.

I have not been to Alinea, but from what I've read I'd class it with Charlie Trotter's as a place where you're going to have to concentrate on your food to get the most of the experience. Not necessarily what you might want in a celebratory meal where your achievement is supposed to be the star.

If Thai isn't your thing, don't go to Arun's. It's certainly not worth those prices if it isn't your favorite food, and maybe not then.

LAZ wrote:If Thai isn't your thing, don't go to Arun's. It's certainly not worth those prices if it isn't your favorite food, and maybe not then.

LAZ,

My thinking is just the opposite. If Thai is your thing don't go to Aruns. On the other hand, if one fancies fine dining touches, well thought out wine selection over, if not mundane, certainly not worthy of 4-Star rating, Thai, then Aruns is the place for you.

To me Aruns is the perfect place to take out of town button-down business associates who favor sizzle over steak and fancy themselves foodies/Thai aficionados.

I've been somewhat recently, so my experience is relatively fresh, and yes, I'd surely go back, but only on someone else's dime.

Enjoy,
Gary

I would narrow it down to 3 choices:

Alinea - My favorite of the bunch. Perfect if you'd like something different/progressive

Avenues - Not quite as "out there" as Alinea. Had the foie tasting menu there before the "ban" went into effect, and it was one of my favorite meals ever.

Tru - The most traditional of these three. I haven't been there in a while, but my last meal there was outstanding.

All three have wonderful food and service, and all three have lovely dining rooms (Avenues was recently rennovated). IMO, it all boils down to how traditional/non-traditional you want the food to be.

Having had a less than stellar experience at Everest (service was only okay, and done without warmth, and while the amuse bouche was stellar and the soup was darn good, everything went downhill from there -- no one at my table of 8 was pleased with their main course selections) -- and knowing a lot of people who have had equally unimpressive nights there (one chef friend said he had considered starting a wall of signatures of people disappointed by Everest), I'd suggest you not pick it -- unless you're going for the view, which is splendid.

I agree with those who view Arun's as "art for art's sake," but alas not for the palate's sake. It's interesting, but not spectacular.

I love most of the other places on the list -- you can't go wrong with any of them, but if you're looking for a delux French dinner, Ambria, Le Francais, Carlos', or Les Nomades would be the best choices. Alinea is amazing and splendid, but it might be next year before you can get in, now that Gourmet has named it top choice in the U.S. for cutting edge cuisine. But if you're coming north, Carlos' is hard to beat. They do great things with foie gras -- still legal in Highland Park -- and I've had some mighty memorable meals there. Carlos trained with Jean Banchet at the original Le Francais, and he's very talented. Oddly, Carlos' is probably more French than Le Francais at this point, as Roland Liccioni, though classically trained, introduces elements from his blended heritage -- Vietnamese and Italian. But he's also a superb chef -- simply a splendid option.

My suggestion, ultimately, would be to start saving so you can eat at at least one of these places every year. But for now, I'd pick Ambria, Carlos's or Le Francais.

Tru is hard to beat, everything from the valet service to the caviar staircase puts a smile on your face.

You can get a table without a view at Everest or Spiaggia, so going for just that can be severly dissapointing. It's hard for Trotter's to live up to his reputation unless he brings you the food himself (or you're at the kitchen table and he's cooking) but my limited poll of people who've eaten there recently says he's not around. Arun's and Le Francais seem to be judged against their past greatness.

Personally I've had great meals at all of the above (Spiaggia being the most recent, last week), so I don't think you'll go wrong with any of them. There's no doubt they all deserve the 4 stars (okay, some doubt Arun's).

My choice would be Alinea, for sheer experience, while their hot, fresh and creative. Years from now, when you're celebrating making partner, you'll probably be able to go to all the rest of them, since the classics are here to stay, but Alinea is unique, and I'd predict it will either evolve or fade as a fad.

I've eaten at Trotter's, Ambria, TRU, and Everest from that list (Alinea's not until next week, happy birthday to me). Of those four, my food-favorites were TRU and at Trotter's (though I last went to Trotter's back in '03, the other three in the last year).

I had a wretched seat at Everest and found the food the least satisfying; the only thing that saved it was the amazing wine list, which isn't your focus. I know people who've loved it, though.

In terms of ambience, Ambria was grand and old-style, TRU was amazing in a crisp, modern way, and Trotter's was cozy. My favorite was TRU, but I know it's because TRU best fit my personality out of all of those. So it's really a question of what you want your great dinner to be like.

(Also--congrats on passing the bar!)

You know, just because you passed the bar doesn't mean you actually have to practice law. Just tossing ideas out there.

And you sure want to stay away from tort law. That is a field populated by some of the meanest and ugliest people in America. Trust me on this. I know these people. I practice with them. I should probably be talking to them now rather than typing about food.

But back to the list:

I agree with those who say that Ambria and Les Nomades should not make the list. Our experience at Ambria was disappointing at best and Les Nomades has seen better days.

Alinea deserves its ranking as the best restaurant in America. Two of the four best meals I've ever had have been at Alinea (number one was at the now closed Lucas Carton in Paris, also up there was Les Nomades on 12/31/99 when they just knocked it out of the ballpark). The food and service at Alinea are amazing. It reminds me of playing golf in Pinehurst, NC. where on every hole you round a bend and there is something magnificent leading up to the hole. It is just amazing.

Avenues is also in that category. It absolutely belongs in the category of places like Alinea, Tru, Charlie Trotter's and Everest. Stylistically it is similar to Alinea. But for Alinea, it might be the best restaurant in America.

I am a big fan of Tru, but I've done it enough that it doesn't thrill me as much as it once did. Charlie Trotter's was magnificent the first time I was there, but seemed a bit too conventional the last time. A great place still, but just not on the same level with Avenues and Alinea.

I was a huge fan of Everest, but feel that since it has been over two years since I was last there I really can't comment on it. The food and views were amazing when I was last there, and given its location at the top of LaSalle Street, it might be a great choice symbolically.

Congrats, Tortfeasor! I will refrain from any and all jurisprudencial jokes.

If you are going to blow a LOT of money and what a truly exceptional, memorable experience, go with Alinea.

My wife and our two best couple friends went there a few weeks ago. We enjoy fine food, but we are all relatively young and none of very well off.

The experience was just a sheer pleasure. The service was delightful, the food more creative and interesting than anything I have every seen. And the experience of eating it (the presentation, the hardware & utensils) is just downright fun! The meal takes awhile, so it really is an event. I don't regret for a moment the mortgage payment I spent at Alinea. Plus, if you don't drink, you will save a lot of money (their wine flight is fantastic, but pricey!)

All the other restaurants you name are good or great, and if you end up a successful attorney you will likely dine at them on a fairly regular basis. Alinea is in a whole different league, and really a better choice for a personal meal rather than a professional one.

That's a good point. Nothing would irritate me more than watching a really inventive meal go by while I was being forced to talk business, or sports (that'd be a short conversation), or something. Even if they were paying for it...

Congratulations on passing the bar. What a great feeling it is (unfortunately it's all downhill now!!! -- just kidding, sort of). I've been doing it for just over 10 years now and I actually enjoy it quite a bit.

I recall finding out about passing the bar at about the same time (but in 1995) and celebrating with my family at Spiaggia and it was outstanding. I guess it all depends on your likes. We wanted a great room, great food and a view if possible. If I had to do it again, I'd choose between Spiaggia (if I wanted great Italian), Tru (for contemporary French), Everest (great French food, a little more traditional than Tru & ask for a view -- it's great), NoMi (great view and excellent food) and Alinea (in my opinion, best food of the bunch).

The best news, however, is you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions above because you've passed the bar and it'll be a great celebration that even the most average meal could not spoil.

BR wrote:Congratulations on passing the bar. What a great feeling it is (unfortunately it's all downhill now!!! -- just kidding, sort of).

I recall finding out about passing the bar at about the same time (but in 1995) and celebrating with my family at Spiaggia and it was outstanding. .

Spiaggia?
You knew how to live when you passed the bar.
My food interests have changed over the past 15 years.
For me, the night of the bar results was a Madigan fundraiser. The night of the bar exam itself [after the second day] was Hard Rock Cafe with some friends followed by beers at Hooters.
Not exactly what I recommended above, but it worked for me.

DML wrote:Spiaggia?
You knew how to live when you passed the bar.

You mistakenly assumed that I was paying.

When I passed the bar, I celebrated by repeating to myself, a thousand times over as I sucked down cheap beer in my Buffalo Grove townhouse with the ex-Mrs. JiLS, "Thank God, thank God Almighty ... a job at last, I have a job at last!" (I was a paralegal and kinda depending on getting a gig with the same law firm as an associate, after four years of night classes and the bar exam, don't you know). Also, regarding the bar exam and alcohol, I actually used the night between the two days of the bar exam to get seriously intoxicated and go see "Air Force One" (this was July '97), and I passed the bar JUST FINE, thank you very much. There is only so much studying you can do and, if you don't have it down the night before, you won't have it down the next morning. And, hey; it worked for me.

Mike G wrote:That's a good point. Nothing would irritate me more than watching a really inventive meal go by while I was being forced to talk business, or sports (that'd be a short conversation), or something. Even if they were paying for it...

Years ago in my other life, I had a group of Germans visiting me in Moscow during a trade exhibition. Actually one German was also half-French and very much favored the French style of living. He offered to make a French meal, which I then extended the invitation to several representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Trade (FTO).

All went well until the German boss, the FTO reps and I slid into a conversation of mutual interest of selling and buying equipment. The French guy made an anguished pleading, "Please! You cannot discuss business during a French meal. It is simply unheard of!" You should have seen the daggers coming from his bosses eyes followed by a quick, sharp conversation in German. Our Francophile turned red and was very quiet for the remainder of the meal.

While I understood where his heart was, he really should not have said what was in his heart.

Another life ...

Regards,

One question involves whom you are taking. I find Carlos to be the most romantic of the list. Alinea the most creative. And Charlie Trotters the most important in the history of American cuisine. In contrast to some on the list, I am impressed by Arun's, but I wouldn't select it for this kind of occasion. The first time I went, I found it a four star experience, but it has lost some of its inspiration in future visits. I would agree that it is not equal to some of the others.

And for me, I would choose Moto just to see what Homeru Cantu is up to these days.

GAF wrote:And for me, I would choose Moto just to see what Homeru Cantu is up to these days.

Indeed.

No question that Cantu is the most creative.
Some of his dishes just didn't taste good though.
Still, I agree that at some time, it is on the "must go" list.

DML wrote:No question that Cantu is the most creative.
Some of his dishes just didn't taste good though.

This is the core problem in contemporary art. Go to the MCA and realize that much of the work doesn't look "pretty." "Decorative" is a dirty word.

The question is whether they are designed to taste good, or designed to make one think. Of course, Molecular Cuisine has a rather different price structure than an afternoon at the MCA.

That is what separates Moto from Alinea. At Alinea, "the eye is on the prize." The food is definitely weird at times, but it is weird for a purpose. A big bowl of leaves with a tiny piece of meat? Sure it is weird, but it tastes amazing. The infused pillows? That is not conventional cooking, but it sure adds to the experience and the sensaton.

I haven't been to Moto in about a year, but look forward to returning for the experience. At Alinea (last there about four months ago), I look forward to having a tasty meal.

Courtright’s snags 4 stars from Phil.