Chicago Restaurants

[Siun_O_Connell]

@Corey N.

I went 10 weeks ago and the only two dishes I can recall were a potato and ice cream soup that was very fun and tasty, and an onion dish that was more interesting than delicious. The food was good, but not memorable. I thought the vibe was a bit weird too…they pitch it as a dinner party but there was no interaction among the tables.

Grace is stellar though.

I have Grace on my list but not likely soon. My daughter and her fiance -both chefs - loved 42 Grams and it’s BYOB.

My all time favorite meal was Schwa … work the work of reserving … just so very much fun as well as such very good food.

[David_K_o_l_i_n]

@Siun o'Connell

My all time favorite meal was Schwa … work the work of reserving … just so very much fun as well as such very good food.

Heading there a week from Saturday for a delayed anniversary dinner with my wife. It’s been a while

[Corey_N]

@David K o l i n

Heading there a week from Saturday for a delayed anniversary dinner with my wife. It’s been a while

Do you have any idea if they accommodate dietary restrictions? My Spidey sense says nyet.

[David_K_o_l_i_n]

@Corey N.

@David K o l i n

Heading there a week from Saturday for a delayed anniversary dinner with my wife. It’s been a while

Do you have any idea if they accommodate dietary restrictions? My Spidey sense says nyet.

They are handling my wife’s pescatarianism (per her)

[Corey_N]

Thanks David. That’s extremely helpful. I’d called before to ask, but you know how that story ends…

Would be very interested in a full report, including the wines (assuming you’re willing to share).

Happy anniversary.

[George_Hejna]

@David Kaufman

We wanted to go to Alinea but I was too slow to notice that they opened reservations up yesterday and by the time I figured it out the only time left is 5:00pm. If I’m going to spend that kind of money on dinner, I at least want it to be dark outside. There will be other opportunities I’m sure, but in the meantime I’m happy with the lineup we have going.

Although 5:00 is very early. I like this slot at Alinea. You are the first to get every course so there are no spoilers. To me it makes a big deal. Also it will be dark when you leave.

George

[Siun_O_Connell]

Seconding the Happy Anniversary - and request for a full report.

It’s been too long since I’ve gone but no meal has ever topped it - it was a life changing meal for my daughter who moved back to Chicago to really dedicate herself to work as a chef after watching Carlson and crew cook their hearts out. She was part of the crew cooking at the latest Trotter Project benefit this week - proud mom here got all teary seeing her with her chef in the pictures. (couldn’t resist sharing that)

[Jay_Carroll]

Hey David- how was the Blanchard???

[David_K_o_l_i_n]

Fine, not great, but I don’t judge restaurants on opening nights. Straight up French bistro. Huge room, fair wine list at this point. Definitely will return when they’ve had a chance to stretch their legs a bit.

Was with the wife, so I didn’t do the whole lobe of foie (they do have three preps in addition to the lobe). This time.

[Andrew_Gelb]

Hello, and thanks for the timely thread as I’ll be heading in with my little team in about a month with one evening for dinner in town with local friends… and they are asking me where I’d like to go. Some of you may recall the high praise I gave Bella Notte as the perfect “old-school Italian joint.” I know I would not mind a return (particularly with this group, not the most adventurous), but thought I’d check in on what’s new and different. I see some love above for Nico Osteria, and I’d like to know more about it. Also, I see no love for Ceres’ Table, which I find “interesting.” Anyway, open to suggestions, will have about 6 or 7 at the table, and I won’t be paying!

Thanks!
Andrew

[David_Kaufman]

What is a good recommendation for a non-Chicago style pizza place? I’m thinking coal or wood fired / Napoletana pizza.

[Corey_N]

@David Kaufman

What is a good recommendation for a non-Chicago style pizza place? I’m thinking coal or wood fired / Napoletana pizza.

Coalfire
Spacca Napoli
Pizzeria Da Nella
Piece (New Haven Style)

[David_Kaufman]

@Corey N.

@David Kaufman

What is a good recommendation for a non-Chicago style pizza place? I’m thinking coal or wood fired / Napoletana pizza.

Coalfire
Spacca Napoli
Pizzeria Da Nella
Piece (New Haven Style)

Thanks Corey!

[Corey_N]

My pleasure David.

Spacca Napoli is probably the best, though I enjoy the location of Piece. Generally speaking, Chicago has crap thin crust.

[Siun_O_Connell]

Love Spacca … just the very best but if you are looking to stay closer to the Loop or in River North, the pizza spot at Eataly does a good job as does La Madia.

[David_Kaufman]

Thanks Siun. Will check these out. We are going in about 3 weeks - can’t wait for all the good food!

[Andrew_Gelb]

Would any of the good pizza places mentioned above also make “Chicago deep dish pizza”? I ask because one the folks I am taking to Chicago has never been and has her heart set on trying that dreck (sorry, I meant “Chicago deep dish pizza”) and I am wondering if we can go somewhere that will satisfy her curiosity and at the same time allow me to have something decent.

Cheers,
Andrew

[Corey_N]

I don’t know of any place that does thin crust and deep dish well. I like Lou Malnati’s best for deep dish. And when in Rome…

[jordan_whitehead]

Not possible to find good deep dish and good thin in the same place.

I love Piece. We always get the same pizza. Clam and bacon.

Best deep dish I have had is Pequod’s. Everything else I have had is tied for last.

[Clayton_Wai-Poi]

The insider pick for deep dish would be Burts Place, although I think I may have read it’s not open at the moment. Pequods is similar in style. Of the big downtown players I think Lou Malnatis is the pick.