Thought this may be of interest....

The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau will roll out its first annual "Chicago Restaurant Week...eat it up!" in an effort to boost awareness of the city's dining establishments during a traditionally slow period.

Under the program, 35 restaurants will offer three-course prix-fixe lunches for $21.95 and prix-fixe dinners for $31.95 during the week of Feb. 22-29.

Instant online reservations will be available on the bureau's Web site, www.choosechicago.com/eatitup.

Sounds like a good excuse for some mini-dos in the area.

Yes, there are actually restaurants worth visiting on the list and as usual some to steer clear of

I'd be game, but OOT that week, skiing in Tahoe.

"Unfortunately," I'll be in sunnier climes that week (and the next and the next). Otherwise, I'd be game.

Would you mind listing some of your "worth visiting" options from this list?


Also, anyone have any insight as to what is on these prix fixe menus? I've been to some in CA and NY where steakhouses don't serve steak and seafood places that don't serve seafood during these "special" menus. Don't want to be limited to vegetarian or chicken at places that typically specialize in something else.

I like:

- Bistro 110
- Bluewater
- Cafe des architectes
- China Grill (pricey and trendy, but good food)
- Fulton's On The River (great spot)
- Kiki's Bistro (good French, especially seafood)
- The Lobby (can the Pen do anything poorly, except charge too much? )
- Naha
- Nick's
- 437 Rush
- Republic
- Roy's (even though it's a chain, food is consistently good)
- Seasons Cafe
- Smith & Wollensky (I'm not a steak fan, but this place is good)

I don't like:

- AigreDoux (looks nice from the outside, food is so-so)
- Aria (average)
- Brazzaz (another dumb Brazilian steakhouse)
- Buca de Beppo (TGIF of Italian)
- Carnivale (fun bar, bad food)
- Devon Seafood (another overpriced, overrated River North spot)
- Fogo de Chao (see Brazzaz)
- Landmark (more of a bar spot)
- Park Grill (location is good, food is average)
- Riva (on Navy Pier, need I say more?)
- Ruth's Chris (boring steakhouse, but if you like steak, I hear it's good)
- Shula's (TGIF of steak houses)
- SushiSamba (trendy scene, food is at best average)
- Viand (Marriott Courtyard restaurant)

I would concur with this list, I think it is spot on, especially the restaurants to avoid

General agreement, except for Bistro 110. Worst place I've ever eaten. After complaints following the first trip we were invited back for a comped meal. We had VIP treatment, but it still couldn't make up for just plain bad food and inept service.

It's been a good five years since I've been; I recall my meal not being terrible, just decent. I guess the big reason I've not been back is because I've discovered more desirable French places in the city like Kiki's and Bistro Margot. Plus, as a rule, I like to avoid most of the North Michigan Ave spots as they tend to be overpriced and substandard quality.

I guess this is my thought as well. And I was certainly exaggerating by saying it was my worst experience ever. But it wasn't good either. Its location makes it a prime spot for the tourist trade, and they seem to be living off the one-time customer. That serves a niche, but there are much better options for less money.

I still like Bistro 110, I have to keep returning for the brie stuffed artichoke. I do agree that Kiki's Bistro is much better, but would not discard Bistro 110.

Surprisingly, I like your list and agree with most of your choices at least with regard to those that I've been to (and you haven't been to all of them either). I do like Fogo de Chao (overpriced, but good - the best salad bar I've ever seen and would go just for that). I also like Park Grill and see nothing special about Bistro 110.

Landmark may be a bit of a loungy atmosphere, but there is a fairly large dining area, and I thought the food and presentation was fantastic. The short ribs just melted in my mouth, and creative desserts too.

I'll definitely be back.

What do you mean, "surprisingly?!?!"

I've been to all the ones I listed, but not all 35.

Let me know the next time you're going, I'll be sure to swing by and sneeze all over it...$70 for snot.