40th Birthday

In early December my husband and I are coming to Chicago to celebrate my 40th birthday. In my other post, I was happy to hear that Papa Milano's was still going to be open, so we will be headed there for one dinner, but I am looking for suggestions for two more dinners. I am intrigued by Fogo de Chao, but a bit put off by some of the posts about it on the site. We will not have a car, and will be staying at the Residence Inn on Walton near Lakeshore, but could take bus/cab/train. Where would you suggest a memorable meal for a big birthday? Any cusine is fine, and price is not a consideration, as long as we will be treated well (no snobby places) and the meal is a reasonable value fo the price.

During the day, we will be visiting the musuems (Field, Shedd, S&I). I have read on here about the dining areas in the museums, but am also interested in any recomendations for good lunch spots within walking distance of the museums.

Thank you!

Nemo72 wrote:the Residence Inn on Walton near Lakeshore, but could take bus/cab/train. Where would you suggest a memorable meal for a big birthday? Any cusine is fine, and price is not a consideration, as long as we will be treated well (no snobby places) and the meal is a reasonable value fo the price.

Nemo72,

Happy early birthday. I hope you have a memorable trip.

Your request has narrowed the options down to hundreds of potential restaurants.

The LTHForum Great Neighborhood Restaurant awards give a good round-up of some excellent Chicago eateries at all points in the price and cuisine spectrum.

Could you perhaps narrow it down a bit more beyond the snobby-factor? I think you'll find that you'll get more and more descriptive responses.

Best,
Michael

Michael,

Point well taken. We live in an area of limited choices, where the chains rule (people were very excited when Panera opened!). That said, we are more meat and potatoes than foie gras. Someplace quiet with a memorable view would be ideal. I do not want to have to be dressed to the nines to fit in (slacks and blouse, sportcoat for hubbie is fine). I realize I am still being vague, but I am so flexible it's hard for me to be more concise. Simply put, if you had two nights to eat dinner in Chicago, with the caveats I have noted here, where would you go?

As for lunch suggestions - must be within walking distance of the museums and under $15 per person. Again, any cusine will work.

Sorry I can't be more precise. I know there are just so many delicious choices.

Laura

Nemo72 wrote:Someplace quiet with a memorable view would be ideal.

I think that is North Pond, at sunset.

As an odd coincidence, I ate at North Pond on Saturday for my 40th birthday! I have to recommend the experience highly. It was a rainy night, but the restaurant was cozy and warm, and the food was delicious. Although we had a reservation (a late-ish 8:45) we did end up waiting over a half an hour to be seated, which wasn't thrilling to me, but once we did sit down service was good. While waiting I ordered a Negroni at the bar; when the drink turned out not to be to my taste, the barkeep made me another at no charge, which I thought was very kind. If you do go, when you make your reservation, ask if you can get a table in the room with the fire-place. You'll have a view of the pond and the Chicago skyline--very romantic!

Good luck, and happy birthday!

Lillafury

Based on your description of the food, my choice would be NoMi.
Very good food, with incredible views over the Water Tower and towards the lake.

In the alternative, you could go for breakfast there and potentially see the sun rise over the lake. The breakfast is outstanding.

Another option is Spiaggia which has incredible Italian food, first class service, and great views out over Oak Street Beach.

I agree on North Pond. The food is excellent and it has a unique atmosphere that is elegant but cozy. I have been there for several birthday celebrations and it never disappoints.

Fogo to Chao is a chain by the way so I wouldn't recommend it for a special occasion.

One more note. You've asked for restaurants within walking distance of various museums. The Field, Shedd, and Adler in one part of the city (the Museum Campus) and aren't really within walking distance of anything else. It's a hike but if you're really set on walking, try Manny's. Otherwise take the #12 bus (Roosevelt Road) from the Museum Campus.

The Museum of Science and Industry is quite a way south of the Museum Campus in a neighborhood called Hyde Park....you'll have to drive or take public transportation. It's probably not practical to try and visit it on the same day you visit the other museums. There are a few restaurants within walking distance of MSI, however. Piccolo Mondo is practically across the street. Medici is a student favorite.

Hyde Park is worth an entire day. Try the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, the Robie House--a Frank Lloyd Wright house, the Dusable Museum of African-American History


Medici on 57th
1327 E 57th St
Chicago, IL
Cuisine: Italian

Piccolo MONDO CAFE/Ristorante Italiano
1642 E. 56th St.
Chicago, IL
Phone: 773-643-110

Diannie wrote:Hyde Park is worth an entire day. Try the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, the Robie House--a Frank Lloyd Wright house, the Dusable Museum of African-American History

The Robie House tour is quite cool. I am not a Hyde Park expert, but I've had pretty good food at The Snail, a Thai place on 55th that should be walkable from MSI, if the weather is not bad.

The Snail
1649 E 55th St, Chicago
773-667-5423

I also like Rajun Cajun, which is far from fine dining, but which is certainly a novelty -- it's a fast-food style place specializing in Indian and Soul Food (nothing Cajun at all, but decent fried chicken. And no, the dishes aren't fusion; some of the menu is one style, some is the other.)

Here's a thread on Hyde Park places.

Another non-food must destination for me when I'm down there is 57th Street Books.

57th Street Books
1301 E. 57th St., Chicago
773-684-1300