Three of us...we did the tour. I didn't actually even remember the price, thought it was $365. - just had to dig up the credit card bill to "warn" you.

This is interesting, before the meal started, the sommelier, knowing that we wanted to pair the dinner, asked us if we wanted their regular pours or their upgraded. By the way, I'm paraphrasing, so forgive me. He said that the wine would about double the cost. Before I could utter a response, one of my friends told him "yes" and there you go...shhh! Don't tell my husband. $-)

Hey. So long as it was worth it, that's all that matters.

But for me and my traveling budget-- let's see. . .
$1000 for a single meal or two round trip tickets to Paris and London? Hmmm. I think I just made my choice.

Thanks for all the helpful tips. Didn't hear from anyone who's been to Japonais. What do people think of this place?

First, the best website for Chicago bars, restaurants and happenings is www.metromix.com Although I am not a 30 something anymore....I like fun and not stuff, hip and trendy, etc. One of my choices for you would be Tizi Melloul at 531 N. Wells. This is meditteranean with a hokah and great food -- funky decor, very fun place to meet people. Also well known is Frontera Grill for Mexican (Rick Bayless, chef) but they don't take reservations..margaritas in martini glasses! Nearby (walkable) is Rockit Bar & Grill that is a great place for 30 somethings -- this could also be a casual Friday dining spot. Good looking people, casual bar, pool tables upstais. Chicago has a Sushi Samba Rio -- service could be better. For cocktailing, before dinner NoMi in the Hyatt is beautiful and swanky as well as heading nearby to the Peninsula Hotel's bar. After dining, I would suggest the Rush Street area. Bars and partying of all type (just cab it). There are cocktail lounges like LeBar in the Sofitel or Le Passage for dancing, plush lounge. And dancing all around at the various clubs on Rush and side streets. End the night at The Lodge. It is a dive but a memorable one and the crowd normally waits in line to hang her and do shots with peanut shells crunching under your feet. For brunch, we love Salpicon which is just an entree brunch but with great tequila offerings (not your regular bloody mary) or do the gospel brunch at House of Blues for all you can eat and entertainment. Love Tru but is is pricey and I think more of a romantic place than 30th birthday style. Depending on your location, Friday night could be cocktails and appetizers/tapas to check out various places. But do check out Tizi Melloul maybe for Saturday dinner -- unique cocktails and memorable.

The place you want to be is Japanais - sushi is spectacular, scene is off the hook. A new place opening today that will be even better is De La Costa - top rated chefs, lounge by Hollywood club owner of white lotus / XES.

Follia should be perfect for you. It's young, very hip, very good food. Everyone was younger than us and much prettier. But they made us feel beautiful and comfortable. Food was incredible. Authentic modern Italian. Pizza appetizer was as good as anything in Rome.

We were told it is owned by gentleman who runs model agency and everyone there really is beautiful. Very popular spot with big lounge and music separate from restaurant. In meat packing district no more than 5 minutes from downtown.

Far and away the best evening we spent in Chicago.

I've eaten the fixed price meal at Tizi Melloul on two separate occasions (in the round room off to the side) and was not disappointed either time, I recommend it. I was last there for a Bridal Shower in June, and they did a wonderful job with our large party.

I do not recommend SushiSambaRio, the service has been awful the 4 times I've been there (don't ask why I've been there 4 times, I don't always get to choose the places I go out to eat), and the food is quite simply not up to par, it is all style and little substance.

Has anybody mentioned Carnivale located off Halsted just north of Greektown? It is fun...you can hang in the bar for a while before hand and have the best rasberry mojito ever! The food is great there! I have been there with a group of my girl friends and also my fiance and we all loved it each time! Also, Le Passage is pretty popular...I have never been there...it may be a bit "uppity".

Hi- I've been to Japonais many times and it is super trendy & hip with a great vibe. It's full of 20- and 30-somethings. I'm not a fan of sushi, but they have beef choices and some great variations of rolls (I love the ebi ebi). For anyone in your party who does like sushi, though, I know people who say it has some of the best they've ever had.