Chicago Restaurant Recommendations
 

Hi,

I'm going to be in Chicago for a few days in late March, and I'm looking for a top restaurant. I'm a fan of French cuisine, but will consider other styles.

I had a search in this forum, and Charlie Trotter's sounded like the ideal place. Unfortunately they're closed from March 18th to April 3rd.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a place of similar standard? Price is not a concern.

Thanks

Conrad

Ambria is four stars - in the Belden Stratford in Lincoln Park. Everest, which is downtown is also exceptional (the fois gras with figs is to die for. Another great choice is Seasons in the Four Seasons Hotel on Michigan Avenue. You won't go wrong with any of them, although Ambria is my favorite.

Others that I've been to that are very good:

MK and Tru (perfect if budget is no problem). Also consider a steakhouse if you and your guests like red meat. After all, Chicago is known for its steakhouses. Among my favorites: Chicago Chop House, Magnum's and Gibson's. Stay away from Gene & Georgetti (it's awful).

Continuing in the budget be ****ed category, Everest (312-663-8920) combines outstnading food, a great wine list and drop-dead views.

Money-no-object best: Everest, Vong, Tru, Ambria

Better value: Brasserie Jo

Enjoy,

MK

How about Kiki's Bistro

All of the recommendations above are very good. Also would suggest Arun's, which is very good (and very expensive) Thai.

Kiki's is great (the best creme brulee I have outside France), as is Brasserie Jo (same Exec. Chef as Everest), but moderately priced. But Conrad is talking $$$$$ (like $100 plus per person) here.

If you're willing to venture out of Chicago city limits, Le Francais might be the best choice. In town, I haven't been to the newbies (Tru and MK); of the older ones, I prefer Ambria and the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room. (Yes, Everest has drop-dead views, but you may get to wait 20 minutes in a hallway.)

If you really want the top, go to the 95th floor of the Hancock for fine French dining. Another top as mentioned is the Everest room on the 44th floor in the Financial district. Reservations are mandatory.

But one of my fav's is Gibsons on Rush for very large portions of meat and fish and a very stylish place too.

For other upscale hotel dining options, Seasons (at the Four Seasons) and the new restaurant at the brand, spankin' new Park Hyatt (don't recall the name off-hand) are certainly safe bets for a fantastic meal at expense account-type budgets.

Everest is truly exceptional and Trio (just to the north in Evanston, IL) offers an interesting and tasty dining experience.

You literally can't go wrong with any of the restaurants already mentioned.

Post your favorites and get new ideas from...
http://flyersplaces.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic/a/cfrm

A newer steak place (which is terrific) is the Rosebud Steakhouse. A bit different menu than the other Rosebuds.

Has anyone been to the bar at Tru? I can't afford the main dining room, but am dying to try the caviar staircase. If I can get that in the bar on my next visit, why, I'd be plum tickled. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Tru is very fun and quite good,but for elegant,understated dining and fabulous food I recommend Les Nomades on Ontario,two blocks east of Michigan Av.IMHO it is every bit as good as Tru,Everest or Charlie Trotter's,although more traditional.

Jim

I've read over the list of restaurants people suggested, and as somebody noted above, all are excellent (although there are a few new ones I haven't heard of). But the best meal I ever had (and I've eaten at some great restaurants around the world (mostly the U.S.)), was at Charlie Trotter's. If you can only go to one restaurant in Chicago, go to Charlie Trotter's. And if you are daring, see about reserving their "Kitchen Table." It's a table that seats 4 or 6 and is in their immaculate kitchen. You get to watch as Mr. Trotter holds court.

I second or third Charlie Trotter's, but as they will be closed when you are there, you might try Zealous. The head chef and owner is a Trotter protege. I ate at both during a Chicago trip last year. Here's a link to the trip report if you want the details of the meals ... and don't worry, despite my trip report, there's a whole lot more at each restaurant than just veggies.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/000980.html

[This message has been edited by letiole (edited 02-28-2001).]

Has anyone been to GRACE on (West?)Randolph Street - the venison is outstanding!

Thanks to everyone for your recommendations. I seriously considered Le Francais, but as I'm staying downtown and I don't know Chicago that well I thought I'd stick to the downtown area. I have booked a table at Ambria, but I will consider the other suggestions for other nights!

Cheers, Conrad

Hey Conrad:

Ambria's a great choice. Can I come. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Yes...if you're looking for guests, I can be available on short notice! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Wine Spectator 2000 Restaurant Award (Sept 2000) lists: Best of Award of Excellence

Brasserie Jo (F) - Food (M) Wine (M)

Cru Cafe & Wine Bar (B)- Food (I) Wine(M)

Savarin (F)- Food (M) Wine (M)

Tru (MF) - Food (E) Wine M

Expensive (E) Moderate (M) Inexpensive (I)
French (F)Bistro (B) Modern French (MF)

Try "BlackBird"

The head chef and part owner Paul Kahn was named one of the top 10 chefs in America by one of the big food mags, I can't remember which one.
I was in Chicago last month and was taken there by customers. Very good.

If you've got a second night available for dinner and want to try something a little different, I would recommend Topolobampo, a gourmet mexican with outstanding food and service in a fairly casual atmosphere.

I noticed in the Financial Times this past weekend an article reviewing some of the restaurants in Chicago. The full text is at:
http://globalarchive.ft.com/globalar...d=010303000386

In summary - Tru got a good writeup, Grace got a very bad one. Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and Morton's were also well-reviewed.

Dudster, after your recommendation, and the review above, I think I will try Topolobampo.

Conrad

Most of the restaurants listed in this post are worth your visit. ARUNS,BLACKBIRD,LE FRANCAIS, CHARLIE TROTTER'S, TRIO, AMBRIA,
TOMPOLOBAMPO.

But most of these are very well known, for a not so known, rising star try:
Savoy Truffle, 1466 N. Ashland, Chgo, 773.772.7530 Reservations are a must.