Yes - thanks so much, nsxtacy!

I would like to know as well, since I am now leaning towards TRU. So far, they are being very accommodating and are even waiving the jacket requirement since we will be in a semi-private room. Good signs that good service will be expected!

Just left them a message - thanks!

Hmm..Naha and North Pond - will certainly check those out as well. We are really not into too much formality, so they may be good choices for us, as opposed to jacket-requiring Everest.

Thanks again, fowler and nsxtasy!

Yes - really regret missing out on Charlie Trotter. Thanks for the tip on Blackbird.

Thank you so much for your reply. We would never have known about the risks regarding Schwa - which is why we needed tips from locals (and I am never completely reliant on critics' reviews). I am certain that Alinea would have been a wonderful one-of-a-kind experience, but management gave me such a run-around (for 2 months, mind you), that the experience itself was already pre-emptively tainted.

Heard about TRU and will look into it. Everest did not come up in our search, so many thanks for the recommendation. What about Moto, Blackbird and L2O?

Hello Chicago chowhounds!

My partner is celebrating his 50th birthday and we wanted to have a special night with 10 - 12 friends flying to your great town from all over the country for hours (yes we want to make it last) of unforgettable food and company. I specifically want to avoid Alinea because of a bad experience with its management staff (though I know we will be missing the much-hyped experience) - giving me the shock and awe effect of the cost, then not returning my calls, I guess half-hoping that I would just go away. But I am sure that Chicago has much more to offer. Since we are splurging and may not be able to do this again, we are aiming for the best food that money can buy. Since our friends are already committed to traveling, anywhere in the city is fine. Since we are all about the food - decor and ambience are completely secondary, though privacy might be nice. Cuisine is also secondary as food itself for us is good if it's done well, no matter "terroir". On searching, Schwa seemed to stand out, in reviews and attitude. We want the locals to tell us what's what, though.
Thanks!