I know,yada yada yada. I've searched, I've googled. I've read reviews. This is our yearly "take the clients to dinner" trip. 2 nights, 2 different places. My hubby's pres of the company, so I get the job. Last year it was Aria (loved it) and Trattoria #10. (good, not great) So, we need a place with entrees in the not over $35 range ideally. That rules out Tru, Alinea and Spiaggia. Also, don't like really stuffy atmosphere as we tend to drink a bit.I was considering Topolobampo on Friday, but they only have a 6:15 and that is too early. Someone suggested Tuscany, but that looks a little TOO casual. ? Okay, I'm open for suggestions!

Holy coffee spill I posted in Europe, sorry!

Try my fave Tizi Melloul (French Moroccan/Med), NoMI (Asian/French Fusion) Sushi Samba (Asian/Latin Fusion), or Heat (Authentic Sushi)

"This is our yearly "take the clients to dinner" trip. 2 nights, 2 different places. My hubby's pres of the company"

WOW he's the president of a company and you can only go $35.00 per person to entertain your clients? Must be a very small company.

Wow pincgme you must be really insightful! Consider that not all people are the 5 star kinds of eaters. ie one person handles parts, etc, is not an upper management type and would be extremely uncomfortable at TRU. I don't consider 35-40 for an entree a cheap experience.

Pinchme-She said "entrees not over $35" not $35 per person total.

Linda-Have you been to Bin 36? It doesn't have "amazing" food, but if you like wine, it's a really fun place with lots of great wine flights. Food is not bad either.

ooooowe love wine...thanks!

How about Cafe Spiaggia? Same great food, some tables with a view, and a fun, more casual atmosphere. We take a lot of out of town friends there and they love it.

We loved Carmines.

Here's hoping Kate will see this and move it to the U.S. forum.

I liked Bin36, thought the food was good and we each enjoyed our different wine flights. But if you go on a busy night, you'll find it very, very, noisy. The sound just bounces all around. Not a place to have anything more than superficial chatting with your clients.

The last client meal we hosted in Chicago was at N9ne, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We hated Hugo's Frog Bar, they made us wait forever for a table even though we arrived bang on time for our reservation, the food and service were both just ok.

I believe Pond was highly recommended on Fodors a few times...I have not been there, have you looked into it?

Try Volare right downtown. They've got a website also. Nothing fancy but great food and service.

You're all right! I have been to Chicago twice.. our meals were way over $35.00 per person more like $80.00 per person but they included the meal and desert plus a glass of wine. I am sorry if I spoke too soon.