Also, not sure if you meant this Tuesday or next, but when with your friend, the Lakeview East Festival of Art is 9/13-9/14. This is a nice street festival if the weather isn't too hot. Close to my home so I've always enjoyed the exhibits (if not the music). Could be an idea.

Also, Mon Ami Gabi has been around forever. Only been once, and was fine. But for a restaurant to survive as long as it has, that's saying something. Can't beat the location--near the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Grandmother's Garden, and the Calder Lily Pool tucked a bit west of the Conservatory. (Mosquito alert.)

Hi Coral 22 and Chicago Gal,
Thank you both for your recommendations; I'll be making some reservations soon. Chicago Gal, for someone who says she doesn't know restaurants, that's A LOT! And thanks for the itinerary suggestions too. I think I'm going to have a wonderful time and truly hope your city does not become "occupied." It must be very discombulating to have these concerns so very near.

Yeah, I drag myself out on occasion to a restaurant or two--but that list is spread out over a 25-year span. I do wish I enjoyed food more, or minded the cost less, as Chicago is such a culinary hotspot. I'd much rather use my entertainment budget on theater when I have an evening off.

As for Trump and ICE, there's always a likelihood of protests around Daley Plaza or marches along State or Michigan. They schedule them for weekends, or if they happen on a weekday, it's usually around 5 pm so the workforce can join in. My office building keeps my company apprised when a march/protest is scheduled--they often get about 24 hrs notice--so if I hear of anything, I'll be sure to post here or DM you.

Hi again Chicago Gal,

Reminder about snacks helpful. I tend to carry around small packets of almonds and will be sure to take some with me.

I actually love Italian food. My husband was born and raised in Italy (we were married there). An only child, he was also a great cook. We tended to eat in Italian restaurants only when we were in Italy. I'd actually welcome a suggestion. A favorite dish popular in both Genova and Venice (but they are on the sea, Chicago obviously is not ) is spaghetti alle vongole (with clams), also branzino and veal piccata (if the calf had a nice life).

Because of living in the Bay Area, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food are here in abundance. Less so French that is not California French (which I love. I started grad school the year Chez Panisse opened; my best friend and I used to share an $8 prix fixed dinner downstairs. It's still where I go (but upstairs) to mark important moments. I'm also going to make sure to go to Cindy's in the Athletic Club while I'm think. DK whether drop in or reservation best. Will want to go off hours--boringly high risk for severe and long Covid.

We are in a different situation because this condo is our second home. So while we cook in about 75% of the time here, we love to try some new restaurants every time we are in. Since our 2 sons live here, we are usually celebrating something or we are having friends stay with us who want to try something new.

I don't know that we are "foodies" but we certainly have an appreciation for the fine chefs here. We have enjoyed Grant Achatz's Next, Stephanie Izard's Girl and the Goat and Cabra, Joe Flamm's Rosemary and Il Carciofo, Cesar Murillo's North Pond, Beverly Kim's Parachute, Sarah Grueneberg's Monteverde, Rick Bayless's Topolobombo and among others. All of these are our high end treats.

I have mentioned Mon Ami Gabi because it is close to your friend and good. It is nothing new and exciting but it is quiet which we appreciate more and more as we get older. We just went to Gemini last night with a group and it was fantastic as usual. I am sorry I misunderstood, you're saying you didn't go out for Italian because your husband cooked it, meaning, you didn't want to go out to an Italian restaurant. Monteverde is great but pricy, Gussies on North Avenue is really good. Piccolo Sogno on Halsted is really good also. Dimi Dimi on Armitage is getting a lot of praise. My son loves Adalina. In terms of French, I have heard Gavroche on Wells is good. We have had great weather, I hope you do, too!

Also, Vanille bakery near your friend, on Clark Street is fabulous!

When you can name the chef and put the chef's name before the name of the restaurant, then yes, you are a foodie.