Chicago-Anniversary Dinner
 

My husband and I are celebrating are 1st annivesary in a few weeks...I want to go to a resturant that we haven't tried. We are looking for something on the upscale side. I was thinking of MK. Any other suggestions? Anything with a view? (not sure if that is a possiblity or not).

NoMi, on the 7th floor of the Park Hyatt. Make sure you get a window seat, and go early for drinks on the beautiful terrace!

I highly recommend Everest, a classic french restaurant on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange. This is a grown-up, dressy experience. It will cost $$, but it is so memorable and worth it.

Avenues in the Peninsula Hotel has wonderful food and a nice view from the window tables. It's not a hotel restaurant. It's a world class restaurant located in a hotel. If you want more suggestions and photos of Chicago dining go to www.lthforum.com.

Always hear great things about Spiaggia, Ambria, and Everest. I agree that NoMi is a great place for views, cocktails, etc. but haven't dined there yet. We enjoyed Kevin for an elegant but not too high priced dinner. Loved Tru but it is very high priced. And what about the higher end of Frontera Grill (Tompolbampa or something like that) where they do take reservations.

We ate at MK for our anniversary this year, and it was just - meh. Not bad, by any means, but didn't leave a lasting impression.

The food was good at Avenues, but I didn't like the atmospehere (or lack thereof). Totally a hotel dining room as far as that's concerned.

One of my favorite dining experiences has been Blackbird. I'm still waiting to try its sister, Avec. Also liked Zealous, Kevin, Nine and Roys (I know, it's a chain, but I like the food). None of these have spectacular views, but they each have a good atmosphere.

Recommend Aria in the Fairmont (200 N. Columbus) or North Pond on the north end of the lagoon in Lincoln Park (great view there - go in the early evening).

Of course, maybe you'd like to try Alinea (just got a 4-star review from the Trib).