Chicago Swisshotel - 5 nights of Good Eating!!??
I agree with the suggestion to have drinks only and move on for dinner.
Mar 11th, 2002, 07:07 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Charlie,
I would highly recommend Le Bouchon, especially if you are headed there with a special someone - the atmosphere is wonderfully romantic, a little Paris in Chicago. Tables ARE close together and you can chat with your neighbors, but I thought that added to the charm. My fiance and I loved it and immediately included it as one of our favorites.
Le Bouchon's owners also run La Sardine, which is in the West Loop near Harpo Studios. I haven't yet been, but my foodie friends speak highly of this lesser-known restaurant as well. Half price wine on Mondays!
On the quality for quality spectrum, nothing beats Penny's Noodles (several Chicago locations) for great food at a low price. The one in Lakeview near Wrigley Field is a BYOB - we bring a bottle of wine and our dinner for two is $12.97. Friends who leave Chicago are always dying for Penny's when they visit.
Another great place for drinks is the bar at NoMi in the new Park Hyatt on Michigan. For a very chi chi night, drinks there followed by a dinner at the food-is-art Tru a few blocks away is a tough combination to beat.
Have to agree with reco's for Frontera Grill - best margaritas in town. For reasonably priced Italian Mia Francesca is a local favorite, as is Rose Angelis - but be prepared to wait for a table at both places.
I also love Blackbird for incredible food from simple ingrediants and mk for its sophisticated interpretation of Chicago dining - with its brick interior, Banana Republic wearing waiters offering "bottled or Chicago tap water?" and tongue-in-cheek menu I think it's a great place to send visitors to our city. Both are great for lunch, and I actually prefer mk's lunch menu to its dinner menu.
Chicago dining is fabulous! Enjoy, and don't forget a deep-dish pizza before you leave us!
Gina
I would highly recommend Le Bouchon, especially if you are headed there with a special someone - the atmosphere is wonderfully romantic, a little Paris in Chicago. Tables ARE close together and you can chat with your neighbors, but I thought that added to the charm. My fiance and I loved it and immediately included it as one of our favorites.
Le Bouchon's owners also run La Sardine, which is in the West Loop near Harpo Studios. I haven't yet been, but my foodie friends speak highly of this lesser-known restaurant as well. Half price wine on Mondays!
On the quality for quality spectrum, nothing beats Penny's Noodles (several Chicago locations) for great food at a low price. The one in Lakeview near Wrigley Field is a BYOB - we bring a bottle of wine and our dinner for two is $12.97. Friends who leave Chicago are always dying for Penny's when they visit.
Another great place for drinks is the bar at NoMi in the new Park Hyatt on Michigan. For a very chi chi night, drinks there followed by a dinner at the food-is-art Tru a few blocks away is a tough combination to beat.
Have to agree with reco's for Frontera Grill - best margaritas in town. For reasonably priced Italian Mia Francesca is a local favorite, as is Rose Angelis - but be prepared to wait for a table at both places.
I also love Blackbird for incredible food from simple ingrediants and mk for its sophisticated interpretation of Chicago dining - with its brick interior, Banana Republic wearing waiters offering "bottled or Chicago tap water?" and tongue-in-cheek menu I think it's a great place to send visitors to our city. Both are great for lunch, and I actually prefer mk's lunch menu to its dinner menu.
Chicago dining is fabulous! Enjoy, and don't forget a deep-dish pizza before you leave us!
Gina
