trfoodie's Profile
Top Mexican Restaurant
Agree that Bayless' places are going to be the 3-4 star dining experience without a doubt...I haven't eaten at Xoco but I am a fan of his 2 core places and reference/cook from his cookbooks fairly often, etc.......I am so happy he has stayed in Chicago.....he really cares about the authenticity of the food and the love of the culture shines through.
Other places to check out, Mixteco on Montrose Avenue (Lincoln Square area) - I think the chef was a Bayless protege and the pork dishes are REALLY good. I believe they are still BYOB. Liquor store across the street with decent selection. It's casual but if you are still craving Mexican and want to check out a city neighborhood, nice place to take check out.
Another interesting place is Dorado (Foster Avenue). Another casual place but the dining is better than average and the Chef has clearly worked/trained in French style.....it shows in the well prepared sauces. BYOB last time I was there still. Liquor store down the street.
Buen provecho!
Pre-Theater dinner for a Birthday.
First off, the show is great. Just saw it in the Venetian/Las Vegas and I normally don't like musicals (there is something unnatural about breaking into song during a scene......).....
Places I would suggest to eat......these fall more into the American category...sort of....
The Gage - my foodie boss really enjoyed this...upscale Irish/pub bistro
The Publican - another small/big plate bistro ....lots of seafood (they are aphrodisacs!!)
West loop - Avec and Blackbird...no neither have prix fixe but Avec is fabulous tapas-style restaurant....getting there early (5:00) will give you time to eat/drink. It's not romantic but imaginative dishes hitting many of the big continents........downside (or upside if you like to mingle with fellow diners) are the communal tables
I would just go south of west loop....loop centric dining tends to be just ok.
5 dinners, 3 lunches..Extreme Foodies need help.
A couple more suggestions...although prior replies have covered a lot of good ground:
Lunch/breakfast:
Le Creperie on Clark Street - who would have thought there was a piece of France in the middle of Chicago? It's not fancy, just freakin' charming. My favorite place to get coffee as well.
Dinner:
NoMi - expensive but very well executed spanish/asian influenced menu. One of a kind view of Michigan Avenue (place you take someone to impress). I've celebrated birthdays, get togethers there....always relaxed, enjoyable dining.
Lula - Best dining spot for seasonal, inventive meals. Period.
