| Author |
Message |
    
Ponsonby
Citizen
Username: Elizabeth_s
Post Number: 72
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 4:48 pm: | 
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I'm looking for Chicago restaurant suggestions, ideally near the Merchandise Mart, for a work dinner for 4 pp next week. Topolobampo would have been ideal, but booked. One vegetarian amongst us, otherwise adventurous eaters. Upscale ok (ie Union Sqare Cafe, but not as high as Grammercy Tavern)
Must be able to make a reservation. I know the pizza is good, but no pizza!
Thanks! |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 2417
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 4:53 pm: |
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three of my favs:
http://www.catch35.com/
http://www.bin36.com/index.php
http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=3705
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Nick DiPasquale
Citizen
Username: Nickdinan3
Post Number: 30
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 5:03 pm: |
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I travel to Chicago on business...it's a great city.
You can try Japonais (excellent sushi). Gibson's is a great steak house in a really cool area (Rush Street).
A new hot restaurant (I am actually eating there next Monday night) is Naha.
www.naha-chicago.com
Have a great time |
Ponsonby
Citizen
Username: Elizabeth_s
Post Number: 73
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 5:39 pm: |
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This is a great start, thank you. i should also mention we like a quiet atmosphere. Great food, but not really into trendy hotspots.
Thanks again. |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1920
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 7:56 pm: |
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I'm a Chicagoan by birth and sentiment - I think since I moved from there 15 years ago that most of my favorite places are no more, but...
My all-time fave Chicago restaurant is still there! Charlie Trotters on West Armitage, very tasty food and a low-key atmosphere.
After you eat your delish meal take them to the Green Mill - it was an old Al Capone hangout and the facade was blown up for the movie "Thief". The music is great (jazz or big band) and as of 5 years ago they still had the original old huge leather couch-ey seats from the '20's.
Chicago is such a great town - have fun! |
Blue Heeler
Citizen
Username: Blueheeler
Post Number: 46
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 10:57 pm: |
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Aside from "special-occasion" places, such as Tru and Alinea (wow!), we often head over to the W Randolph Street "Restaurant Row."
Avec (and Blackbird) are fantastic and casual, at 615 W Randolph. Restaurant Nine at 440 W. Randolph is a bit more formal, yet cool. RedLight, a fun Asian fusion place is at 820. Sushi Wabi and Starfish are on the same block and are awesome sushi places, with Starfish being a little quieter.
My fave hangout is at the very tip of W Randolph (1415), just past Opra's studio: The Tasting Room -- an exposed-brick loft with comfy couches, a killer wine list (and attached wine shop) and a bunch of tasty small plates. Plus, an excellent view of the skyline. Great for kicking back and chatting.
For something fun and casual, and within walking distance of the Merchandise Mart, try the Mambo Grill on N Clark or Tazi Meloul on same.
I'm relocating from Chicago back to Jersey next month; sure going to miss it!
Enjoy!
Blue Heeler |
Blue Heeler
Citizen
Username: Blueheeler
Post Number: 47
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 11:02 pm: |
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Also, consider a couple of places on W Hubbard Street: Brasserie Jo and Kevin.
http://www.brasseriejo.com/
http://www.kevinrestaurant.com/
Cheers,
BlueHeeler |
Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 1240
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 7:13 am: |
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A fave of mine is Rosebud on Rush.
It's a block over from Water Tower Place at 720 No. Rush Street.
Tel: 312-266-6444
http://rosebudrestaurants.com/restaurants.php
Nestled in a classic brownstone building, this high-volume lunch and dinner favorite features several dining rooms. Decor is an understated, upscale Italian-palazzo style, with wall coverings and plush curtains. Starters include baked clams, bruschetta and mussels in white-wine sauce. Large servings of pasta are popular choices, including rigatoni alla vodka and capellini in spicy tomato sauce. Entrees also include chicken saltimbocca and veal piccata.
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Blue Heeler
Citizen
Username: Blueheeler
Post Number: 48
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 8:30 am: |
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Maplewoody,
Couldn't agree more! I was just there the other week: Great food and atmosphere. It was a business dinner and a vendor was paying, so we hit the reserve wine list pretty hard  
Very relaxed atmosphere and incredibly pleasant and helpful staff (sure gonna miss that "Midwest" pleasantness in people...).
Cheers,
BlueHeeler |
Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 1242
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 9:17 pm: |
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I also like a place on Halstead "Jacks' American Bistro".
The food was great, and not inexpensive.
It's a $10 taxi ride up to BOYSTOWN from downtown Chicago.
By the way, Chicago has more gay bars than LA or NYC I read somewhere.
Also there's a Mexican restaurant about 6 blocks north of Jack's Am. Bostro.
It is quite good too! Can't remember the name, it has a HOT PINK awning with the name on it. It's on a corner.
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Ponsonby
Citizen
Username: Elizabeth_s
Post Number: 74
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 10:20 pm: |
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This is just great. Big thanks to all! |
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