We have a gift certificate to the following restaurants. We know they're all different but want some suggestions on where to use our gift.

Brasserie Jo
Mon Ami Gabi
Nacional 27
Shaw's Crab House
Wildfire

THANKS!!!!!

I love Wildfire, they have the best horseradish crusted filet-yum! We've had our last two corporate holiday parties there and everyone has been pleased.

I haven't been to Shaw's in awhile, I thought it was a little stuffy the last time I went. If it's a LEYE gift certificate, Joe's Stone Crab should also be on there and I really enjoyed that place, absolutely fab crab cakes and great service.

I've only been to Brasserie Jo once (during the middle of the boycott France movement) and the meal was mediocre, people tell me they have had positive experiences there. I think Mon Ami Gabi is up in Lincoln Park, near the zoo, so it is a little way from downtown. I have heard good things through coworkers.

If you need to reserve at any of these places, try www.opentable.com. Reservations are free through it and you don't have to phone if it's long distance. I've used 5-6 times with no problems.

Brasserie Joe is very good, but be prepared for very traditional French food. The chef is also the chef of Everest, one of the top restaurants in the city. Shaw's is ok but I'd pick Joe's stone crab over it for seafood. Try Lettuce Entertain You's website for all their restaurants and to make reservations.

The LEYE website will also have menus from the various spots to check out. You really can't go wrong with any of them - just depends on the kind of food you want and where you'll be staying. We've eaten at Mon Ami, Shaws and Wildfire - all were great.

Wildfire! Wildfire! Wildfire!

You are right that they are all very different so it really depends on your mood. I really like Nacional 27 for a fun atmosphere.

You truly can't go wrong with any of them.

My favorite, however, is Mon Ami. It is in a beautiful old building overlooking Lincoln Park. You feel like you are in Paris! In the summer, they have wonderful outdoor seating. Save room for the desserts, same pastry chef as Ambria (which is right across the lobby, and one of the best restaurants in the city!).

Make sure you check available nights to use certificate.

Enjoy!
Kristy

Thanks to all of your suggestions. We do have the Lettuce Entertain You gift certificate and want to make good use of it. Sounds as though there's a lot to pick from so I'm sorta confused. Still curious about the vote for seafood between Shaw's and Joe's. Had dinner last weekend at Bob Chins which was very good. Anybody been there, and if so, how does Bob Chins compare with Shaw's and Joe's?

I've been to all three and like Joe's the best but I have only tried the crab cakes. It is a very busy place and can a little on the loud side, so if you're looking for romantic Joe's might not be the place.

If it's any help Shaw's and Joe's both get 2 stars (very good)in Chicago Magazine. I don't think you will go wrong with either, just make sure you have a reservation.

I take it that you received a Lettuce Entertain You gift certificate because you live in the Chicago area, so I'm assuming that you are aware of the locations of the various places.

Out of the places you mentioned, I'd probably pick Wildfire. However, beware...The Wildfire at Oakbrook Mall is very popular and ridiculously crowded. I definitely wouldn't suggest going near there without a reservation.

Mon Ami also is a good choice, but the Mon Ami in Chicago (Lincoln Park) is better than the one in Oak Brook.