My lovely wife and I will be in Chicago next week. We’re already planning to get together with area Dopers on Thursday night (details), but we need some advice for another evening.
Because, you see, the event that brings us to town is our fifth wedding anniversary. Naturally, we’d like to have a nice, quiet, romantic dinner on that night. However, I’ve never been to Chicago, and she hasn’t visited in years (it’s her hometown), so we don’t really know where we want to go. I’ve been doing the web research, and I’ve got a few candidates, but I’m hoping for some local feedback.
Criteria:
Romantic. Hey, we like a boisterous Italian place as much as anyone, but not for our anniversary. We’re hoping for a subdued atmosphere, a reasonably private table, low light, unobtrusive service; you know the drill.
Quality. While we’re not snobs, and enjoy pizza and beer at the right time, we can also switch to refined-palate mode. We’re seeking excellent food on this occasion, and will certainly pay as necessary. Hundred-dollar prix fixe is not out of the question. However, if we spend the money, we want the goods. I can name half a dozen restaurants in Seattle that charge a premium for a reputation that has long since faded into mediocrity.
Location. Our hotel is downtown, in the heart of the Magnificent Mile (on Michigan and Grand). Since we’ll likely be having a minimum of two bottles of wine with dinner, we don’t want to have to make a long trip; we’d prefer a short cab ride at most.
To give you an idea of what we’re looking for, here’s a short list of possible candidates I’ve found via Epinions and Citysearch and other sources. Again, I know nothing about these other than what I’ve found on the web.
**Les Nomades** (link 2, link 3) — Premium French. Seems like a good candidate.
**Vivere** (link 2) — “New” Italian. Sounds promising, and not as spendy as above, but maybe not as classy?
**Everest** (link 2, link 3) — French. Sounds top-of-the-line, with prices to match, but some of what I’ve read indicates you’re paying for reputation and the amazing view more than the cuisine. I’m worried this is the Space Needle of Chicago: Because everybody goes there, the food doesn’t have to be that good.
**Tizi Melloul** (link 2) — Mediterranean. My wife and I love this type of cuisine, and the place sounds fairly exotic. Concerns: Privacy (sounds like the tables are packed tight) and atmosphere, literally (the reviews mention “hookah service,” and my wife has asthma).
Le Colonial (link 2, link 3) — Vietnamese by way of the colonial period. What I’ve read seems fairly consistent: excellent ambience, excellent food, but wildly inconsistent service. Given that we’re planning to sit and enjoy ourselves, we don’t want to be rushed, and we don’t want to deal with surly staff.
I also noticed that Geja’s Cafe keeps popping up on “most romantic” lists. However, fondue isn’t really what I’d call romantic, and the fact that they don’t accept reservations — meaning we’d be waiting for an indeterminate period for a table — is a deal-breaker.
So that’s a starting list. Any other suggestions would be welcome.
And just to give you a further idea of what we’re looking for, here’s some information on other restaurants we’ve considered major successes in the past: **Le Crocodile** in Vancouver B.C., **Greystone** in the Napa Valley, and Chez Shea right here at home in Seattle.
Thanks in advance for opinions and assistance!
I’ve gotten some wonderful recommendations there.