Event Planning in Rockford ?

Shaja - thanks for the comment ... yes, this is Rockford, Illinois ... I should probably move this to the Chicago board ....

gp_wannabe in Great Lakes

Event Planning in Rockford ?

Hi - can anyone recommend a location for a private party for 30 guests in Rockford ? This is for a rehearsal dinner ( thankfully, my only responsibility !) - all comments appreciated.

gp_wannabe in Great Lakes

dinner options walking distance to Millenium Park?

I just had visitors in from out of town; we had drinks at the Millenium Grill ( just under the Cloud Gate / "The Bean" sculpture) and dinner at The Gage ... Michigan Ave just across from the Crowne Fountain / "The Spitters ?".
Both of these fit what you've described - The Gage is a "pub" with a creative and well executed menu.

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

Raw Bar - Oysters in the East Bay RI

I did review a lot posts on this board, but was suprised to see very little discussion on oysters .... maybe you all are lucky enough to take fresh shellfish for granted ? Here in Chicago there is always a healthy discussion on where to get a variety of good oysters ....

We're attending a wedding in Portsmouth in a few weeks and I'm looking for suggestions where I can find local oysters and maybe a cold sauvignon blanc or local beer .... so far, I'm focused on Bristol, Portsmouth and Tiverton - but if there is a "can't miss" spot Newport please share your opinions.

I've been to B&G's in Boston just once .... ((on a business trip with someone else paying - Wow ) but that would be the gold standard - anything in the area as good as that ?

gp_wannabe in General New England Archive

Where to eat around the Park West venue?

Just another thought ... Park West is a mile away from North Pond - http://www.northpondrestaurant.com/ - which has a good reputation and great views of the city. I'd take a cab in February, though,

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

Chowhounder stuck at airport!

Just a tweak on the directions to Flamingo's ... the exit off I-90 W is Elmhurst Rd /Rt 83 I think .... go north (past Algonquin) and take a left on Dempster - you'll see them at the NW corner of Busse & Dempster.

I've hosted friends and business guests there and each meal was very special .... really wonderful food ! One comment though is that the room is out of sync with the food - it's not an elegant, high design space. If you need that, go to Gibson's.

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

Chowhounder stuck at airport!

I know you said "10-15 minutes from O'Hare", but I wanted to be sure you know that you can take the subway right from the airport Hilton ( if that is where you're staying ) - you can get downtown in 30-40 mins and pick and choose from there. That's what a true chowhound would do -;)
If you're already outside the airport with cars anyway, the suggestions here are very good. You can't beat Gibson's or Nick's on an expense account !

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

Business dinner near Chicago Downtown Marriott

This is the Marriott at 540 N. Michigan, right ? I've never had to entertain 25 in downtown Chicago, but I've had to do the same thing on business trips - so the first obvious suggestion is to get a rec from the hotel concierge. There are going to be a lot of choices in that part of the city.

I just attended a private party at Shaw's Crab House ( 21 E. Hubbard ) and we had a room in the back of the "saloon" area that worked out great for us. Good fresh fish choices ... but what to do with your vegetarian - pasta & steamed veggies ?

Maybe you should pick a cuisine and you might get better advice from others here.

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

First Time Chicago

nikko7 - if you can, pls let the board know in what part of town you are staying and something you look for in a fun restaurant .... you'll be suprised at the variety of advice you can get here - but you need to narrow down your search a little.

Search on " best steak" or "deep dish pizza" and you'll see what I mean ....

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

First Time Visitors to Your Fair City...

Re - oysters ...the raw bar at Shaw's Crabhouse is really pretty good in my opinion ; they seem to always have variety from both east and west coast farms and it can be a fun place to get a night started - I mean oysters are just another product in the world of aquaculture and if you get the sense that the product is handled correctly and there is plenty of turnover - both true in the case of Shaw's - then I see no reason to avoid oysters just because you're in Chicago.

I've only been to the downtown Shaw's .. but it's also on the same block as Andy's jazz club and in walking distance to the House of Blues - and seeing that it's your first time to Chicago, you can check out the views of the river, the Wrigley building at night and our close by discount shopping area - Michigan Avenue.

( kidding on that last item .. of course - bring more than one credit card ... )

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

Indian food in the NW burbs?

Hi - this take out only place - Manpasand - was recomended on a different forum. I've been there twice now and have really enjoyed the food ... spicy and aromatic and complicated ! They have southern Indian speciaities ... I've had the Sambar ( lentil soup ) and chicken Chettinadu.

gotta love the 'burbs - good value and free parking.

Manpasand Indian Carry Out
644 E. Golf Road
Arlington Heights
847-640-6446

The location is good for me 'cause it's close to Valli Produce where I shop ( best fresh salsa in town ).

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

When is a lobster roll not a lobster roll? -- a report on Alive and Kicking Lobsters

I was visiting family in Mashpee a few weeks ago and had an amazing lobster roll at the Raw Bar in Popponesset Market ..... I live in the midwest now, so took the attached pic for the memories - this is all lobster ; just a touch of mayo, salt & pepper. Pure Cape Cod .... Unforgetable !

gp_wannabe in Greater Boston Area

Fresh Torrone in Chicago ?

Does anyone know of an Italian bakery in the area that makes this almond & nougat candy ? I know places that import this from Italy ( remember the small boxes you used to get at Christmas with one of your favorite saints on the back ? ) but I really miss the fresh stuff.

The only place I've ever seen it is in the North End of Boston - www.modernpastry.com -
which, for me, is the Holy Land.

gp_wannabe in Chicago Area

Hey, San Francisco visitors, tell the locals about Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

I'm not someone who complain's too much but McCormick and Kuleto's is a good example of the observation that good food and good views are rare combination in San Francisco. Six of us - all tourists - dined there recently and the sunset view was wonderful - but unfortunately our meal was a disaster. Uneven and inexperienced service ( dirty wine glasses - twice ! ) and average food at high end prices. If you're there on an expense account, enjoy a good glass of wine and the oyster selection - otherwise keep reading this amazing chowhoud board for the best advice anywhere.

gp_wannabe in San Francisco Bay Area

Favorite's or rec's near Cable Car stop ?

Thanks for the suggestions, all ! I hosted a group at Tadich Grill on Monday night with much success. The grilled fish dishes were first rate and the cioppino was - as reported everywhere on this board - a wonderful experience. If you happen to be dining solo and are looking for seafood, this would be a perfect choice.

gp_wannabe in San Francisco Bay Area