Actually, that should be mEAT - but I'm still groggy this a.m. and the fingers aren't working the cap key as they should.

I can't imagine seeing "The Million Dollar Quartet" a quartet of times. You must be a man of steel. You know, if you are looking for musical theatre, as opposed to drama or thriller (good thing I didn't mention "Death Tax"), "Amazing Grace" will be playing at the BofA Theatre for a pre-Broadway run.

"man of steel"?-- no, my taste in theatre is pretty broad and I like "pure entertainment" as much as anything, but even more when I'm seeing it with the person I love and knowing he will LOVE it. I know many people who go to concerts to hear the same group perform over and over -- why not this "concert" of music I happen to have grown up with and love?

I'm waiting for Amazing Grace on Broadway when I can get a ticket within range of seeing and hearing the show well. I have to confess I'm not really big on seeing shows in those giant "barn" theatres, especially at Broadway prices.

exiledprincess, I'm looking at restaurants. To be honest, my biggest complaint with most River North places is that they are simply TOO trendy, mainly meaning they are crammed with SCREAMING 30 somethings and I'm exhausted from yelling at the end of the evening. Heck, I even LOVE Quartino, but just won't have the eneergy for it late at night after a flight. We're open to different kinds of food. Celeste and Roka Akor, both very close to our hotel seem wonderful, but I suspect they are both "crowded and loud" places. NO?

I'm fascinated with your recommendation of Bohemian House (BoHo) and love their website. Is it as quiet as it looks like it might be? Just back from 10 days in the Pacific Northwest, right now I can't even think of more seafood and oysters (GT Fish and Oyster) but that could change by the end of October. Love a wonderful, quiet, old world steakhouse or library sort of atmosphere. Mastro's would be good, but steakhouse is simply too heavy for our first night -- we'd never sleep. Have you been to BoHo?

I should mention that we'll probably do Lou Malnati's (our favorite for deep dish -- which is not usually our favorite pizza) on Thursday during the day -- so that we won't be hungry before Million Dollar Quartet. I think a bar and bites type place like Roka Akor might just be the ticket for after the show when we get back to our hotel (before 10). And we will probably do Le Colonial on Friday night -- a real favorite of ours, both for the food and the atmosphere!

I only meant that kidding "man of steel" in the context that I, personally, really find it difficult to sit through multiple showings of a theatrical performance, no matter how entertaining it may be - although I have done it a couple of times when going with different cohorts. But I have to hand it to you - four times!

Re: Amazing Grace: I just got an e-mail offer **today** from Broadway in Chicago for $69 tix. Dang! Sorry, I didn't look at where they are located, nor on what days/wk. before I hit that delete button. However, it seems that you are awaiting the NYC production - and probably they'll work out any "kinks" before then.

Well, you know, River North, "tourist central".

BoHo: Not recently. Of course, you are going somewhat later on a Wednesday. It's getting good exposure so cannot tell at this point. I'd say earlier in the week, would be quieter; later in the week, busy. But Wednesday? Personally, I'd take a chance by getting a drink at the bar. Scope it out and if it meets with your approval, there you are. It's only 2 blocks from your hotel.

Roka Akor - are you going for the sushi?

Celeste - If you go there, the Deco Room would probably be the one you want for being least crowded. Mixed experiences.

Are you going to the Art Institute? Place for you to consider nearby for lunch: Acanto. I hope you enjoy a good glass of wine.

Yes, I really like Le Colonial, too. I used to work literally 1 block away.

If you stop in at the Bohemian House for drinks and it's too busy then, note that they are open until midnight on Thursday.

I was just thinking - which is a dangerous thing, I know...

Are you going to just the Art Institute during your stay, maybe the MCA? Or are you going to any of the other art museums as well?

The National Museum of Mexican Art. Then perhaps a quick cab ride to Chez Joel (University Village) for dining.

LUMA (Loyola University Museum of Art) on N. Michigan Ave. Although you indicated you were going to Le Colonial, the Balsan (in the Waldorf) is right around the corner as well as my previous suggestion of mEAT. But have you looked at Nico Osteria (one of Paul Kahan's enterprise in the Thompson)? Suggest that you do and see what you think.

You might check and see if there's anything on the calendar at the Newberry Library (Gold Coast) which might interest you, since it's in the immediate vicinity as well.

DePaul Museum of Art (DePaul University area of Licoln Park) would be the area where you'd have the greatest amount of options for more intimate dining - and you aren't far from the Apollo Theatre. I know that you wanted Lou Malnatti's but please take a look at Chez Moi, Knife & Tine or Sapori Trattoria for example.

You are here such a short time so I doubt that you're going down to the Hyde Park neighborhood, but I'll mention them anyway: The Smart Museum of Art down at the University of Chicago (nicer dining options are really limited there, though) and the Oriental Institute.

NP, there is an article in Conde Nast Traveler, naming Bohemian House as one of the best 15 new restaurants in the Midwest.

I myself am returning to BoHo the weekend before you arrive. When I made my reservation, I asked them their busiest days - Thursday through Sunday - so far, they said.

Want any feedback after my experience? May not be able to get back to you until Tuesday...

Sure.

Several things have happened. After consideration, we decided to plan on Roka Akor after our arrival. We did make a reservation for Friday night at Le Colonial. Not sure what we'll do before or after Million Dollar Quartet -- maybe nothing as we'll probably do our deep dish pizza on Thursday for lunch. And I let too much time elapse and now can't get that late lunch (2 PM lastest seating) on Saturday at Topolobampo. Maybe that's fine. I'm thinking we'd like to eat about 4:30 or so before heading to the airport on Saturday. I didn't check -- maybe Bohemian House is open then?

Ooops. I see earliest for Bohemian House is 5, cutting it short. What time do we need to leave for an 8:10 flight from Midway -- no checked luggage, but taking the train?

If you say it's really wonderful, maybe we could do that after our arrival on Wednesday night.

Another idea for a 4 or 4:30 dinner near our hotel so we can then pick up our bags and go?

Have you considered Russian Tea Time?

http://russianteatime.com/

It is an interesting place and has been a big hit when I take out of towners there. Not hip especially but unique.

You could cab from hotel with bags, leave with the coat check and then catch the train to Midway one block away at Adams and Wells (orange line). They are open Sundays 11 am to 9 pm. I travel from loop to Midway often and if you left for airport a 6 pm for an 8 pm flight that should be plenty of time with no checked luggage.

LOL - You have just about the same time frame as your arrival - just in reverse. The only difference would be that you have to add in time for walking back to your hotel, even though it's just a couple of blocks, and to pick up your (checked) bags before you are on your way.

If it were me, I simply wouldn't enjoy the meal, constantly thinking of catching that flight. Looking at my watch. Maybe you have a different outlook, though.

How about Kinzie Chop House, on Wells over by the Merchandise Mart? They open at 4 p.m. and have an extensive bar menu.

River Roast opened in August in the old Fulton's on the River spot (LaSalle @ Chicago River). Chefs are Tony Mantuano (of Spiaggia) and John Hogan (of many fine restaurants, including Everest, Kikki's Bistro, Keefer's). It's open 11 to 11.

Take a chance on Bohemian House - they have small plates as well as large.

Thanks, exiledprincess, but your last line confuses me. Did you mean take a chance on them for the 5 pm dinner? Or try to work them in some other night?

Sorry, NP, if I was unclear.

I meant some other time than your departure date. I think you will have much appreciation.

OK thanks.

I agree about being nervous getting to the airport -- the same way I'm uncomfortable eating before a show.

NP, due to a last minute personal situation, I was unable to go to BoHo. But I hope that you can.

We think we're going to try it on Friday instead of Le Colonial.

Meanwhile if you're still here, we're now meeting a long time friend who works for Northwestern -- she's coming in to meet us for lunch on Saturday. We're looking for a place and she may have ideas, but I'm not finding much that is really nice, semi-trendy, that isn't simply "brunch". We looked at a number of places that have neat menus, except on Saturday they do brunch --mainly traditional things. And the other issue is noise -- we were looking at Sunda, which sounds great, but when I called even the manager said "I guarantee you this will be the loudest restaurant you'll ever eat in", although he did say Saturday brunch would be less so. Is being the loudest really now a plus for people? I went through other places recommended here, but most either don't do lunch on Saturday. Thought about mEAT, but don't want to get stuck waiting as she's on a limited schedule. Asian, other "tapas" type places would be nice, but preferably not mainly "brunch" items.

You may want to check out Wicker Park/Bucktown area.

There are some great restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, etc., all within walking distance once you get off the train.

CTA Blue line to Damen stop, a very quick ride from your location.

http://www.wickerparkbucktown.com/

I was gone but now I'm back.

??? I'm not exactly sure what AAF is talking about with the Wicker Park/Bucktown suggestion. But the Damen Blue Line station is now closed for weeks, undergoing renovations.

Is she coming in on the Purple Line from Evanston? Is this for an earlier lunch? Would you be interested in meeting her at an intermediate stop along the line?

Did you know that Le Colonial is open for lunch on Saturday - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.?

I just posted this suggestion on another thread: The Allis in the Soho House in the West Loop. I haven't been there on a Saturday, so don't know how loud it gets then. But nice ambiance, casual but classy, and good food.

She will probably drive, so yes intermediate location is fine.
Probably more like a 1 PM lunch.
You know I thought about Le Colonial, but was kind of surprised as it seems their lunch menu is the same as dinner -- fine for dinner, but very pricy for lunch.

Hmmm. Maybe I was a little off. Lunch menu at Le Colonial is pretty much the same as dinner but $1 to @2 less per entree. Still that might be our best choice -- and I do recall it being quiet for talking and great atmosphere.

Meanwhile I called BoHo, and nothing on Friday between 6:15 and 9 pm. Not very good for us. Waited too long to do that.