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ChicagoKat's Profile

Best Margaritas?

I have a cousin coming in from out of town who is a HUGE fan of margaritas (she's on her way to San Diego to get some after a few days in Chicago). Where can she get her fix while here? I thought the margaritas at Adobo Grill were awesome, and probably the best I've had. Canyou recommend anywhere else??

Lunch in Cambridge?

Can anyone recommend a great place to go for lunch in Cambridge? Could be game for anything on the lighter side...salads, sandwiches, tapas, small plates. Reasonable and charming? Thanks!

UK Road Trip- Super Challenge!!

Hello! I will be on a 2 week road trip mostly through the Midlands and I am hoping for lunch recommendations in the cities on my list below. (Lunch only- I've got dinners covered at the hotels) I'm looking for inexpensive, good tasting, on the lighter side, with perhaps a bit of charm. Cafes, delis, great markets, asian, italian all interest me. Seeking a good quality/price ratio. Also, recommendations can be for any great places on route from one city to the next. Any suggestions??
I've heard Liverpool is known for Chinese. I think I may have already found a place there (Chilli Chilli), so the more suggestions you have for other areas would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

Liverpool
Preston
Shipley
Leeds
Hull
Lincoln
Sheffield
Chesterfield
Leicester
Birmingham
Coventry
Rugby
Wellingborough
Stevenage

Giverny Lunch

I will be taking a friend to see Monet's garden on Sunday. We arrive at about noon. Would you recommend eating somewhere there, or perhaps in Vernon. Or, do you recommend packing a picnic? I'm assuming you can't picnic in the gardens though. Thoughts? Thanks!

Cafe Panique?

Has anyone been to here..it's in the 10th. Any particular recommendations on the dinner menu?

Avoiding Mother's Day crowds...

Can anyone recommend casual and reasonable places for lunch or dinner that a) will be open tomorrow and b) won't be overrun with those out with their moms...would prefer to stay in the Latin Quarter/St. Germain des Pres areas. Thanks!

Eclat de choc @ Pain de Sucre

Oh my GOD! I brought one of these home this afternoon. It was amazing!! Chocolate deliciousness...truly devine. If you get a chance, you must try this place. Didier Mathray and Natalie Robert were pastry chefs with Pierre Gagnaire. They were named 'Pastry Chef of the Year' by Pudlo ('07/'08 guide). 14, rue Rambuteau.

Base2Stay Dinner Recs

Hello London Hounds,

My mother and I will be in London this weekend staying at Base2Stay near Earl's Court tube. Would you make any recommendations for dinners in the area Saturday and Sunday evenings? Read a lot about Addie's...sounds delicious. Any other reasonable and delicious spots in the area?

Tarte Tatin in le Marais

Bouquet St Paul on rue de Rivoli..not too far from St. Paul has awesome tarte tatin! Probably not open in the morning, but if you are around for lunch or dinner, I'd highly recommend it. They have great croque monsieurs on pain poilane, and reasonable kir royales also.

Soprano's??

Has anyone really eaten at this place in Lincoln Park? I've been invited on a date, and I just looked at the menu on line. Geez. This is a disaster waiting to happen...
Unless anyone advises differently, I might politely suggest we go to Riccardo Trattoria instead.

Florimond - Grape Mustard

I would try the major supermarkets...Monoprix, etc. Otherwise, I was just checking around on-line. You can order it without a problem. Moutarde au mout de raisin translates as grape must mustard. That may be close...but look for the word 'raisin' and 'moutarde'.

Recent Moto visits?

Anyone been to Moto lately? Taking a friend for dinner Thursday...do you recommend the 10 course menu? How are the wine pairings?

Eurostar dining?

Has anyone upgraded to 'leisure select' to experience the '3 course meal with fine wines'? It is worth it? Should I grab a sandwich instead before boarding? Last time I purchased a sandwich on board it was god awful!!

Eurostar dining?

Has anyone upgraded to 'leisure select' on eurostar to experience the '3 course dining w/fine wine'?. I am taking an 8pm train, and wondering if it actually might be worth it, or should I just grab a sandwich before going on board. Last time I took the chunnel and purchased a sandwich on board the train, it was god awful!

Chicago's best Tiramisu

Best Tiramisu ever is from Gianni's on Halsted. They may sell you a pan if you ask nicely.

11 Hours in Paris

That's Angelina's...

Upscale Business Lunch

Hmm...Custom House- way overpriced. Blackbird...are they open for lunch?
I'm at Monroe & Dearborn so Italian Village and Trattoria 10 are staples. Need something different, and again more French.

Upscale Business Lunch

Yes..done Shikago too. I agree on the wine there. Looking for less pan-asian, more french.

Upscale Business Lunch

Looking for a lovely spot for business lunch for 2 people tomorrow. Must have good wine list. We are in the loop, but can catch a cab to go anywhere. Some ideas are RL, Coco Pazzo, Kevin or NoMi- but been there, done that. Anything more traditional French? Esp. since it's Beaujolais time! Thought of Aigre Doux, but been there too. Would love something much like Aigre. Don't want to be rushed. Again, good wine!

In Paris, Need Casual Recom. for the 6th

I second L'Epi!! Wonderful food. Can't go wrong!

Paris on a budget?

Are you sure you want to stay in the 18th? Well, at least you'll have a lot of bargains up there.
My recommendation would be to go to any finer dining spots for lunch, as it's usually cheaper. You may be able to get away with lunch for 25-35 euros. At least one day, you should do a nice/fanicer lunch. Try L'Epi Dupin...their prix fixe lunch includes a glass of wine and a coffee. Really great!!
You can get away with grabbing a croissant or baguette for breakfast from the bakery and eating in your hotel room, then stopping at a cafe for a coffee or tea later. Don't pay for breakfast at the cafe.
Also consider street food like crepes for lunch and just have a seat on a park bench. The weather could be a problem...it is the rainy season.
Also consider visiting the markets for some roasted chicken. Pick up a bottle of wine, a baguette and bring it back to wherever you are staying. Wine and chicken are staples in Paris!
For cheaper dining options, visit the 5th. Lots of students there, and the prices reflect that. Also, in the 7th, there are a number of places around the Am. Univ. of Paris that are well priced.

best chocolate suffle` in the chicago area

Try Le Bouchon or La Sardine...or even Bistro Campagne (they may have one on the menu).

The disappearance of poulet frites?

On my last trip to Paris, which was back in February of this year, I was desperate to find a good poulet frites. Seems to me, in years past one could find this dish on the menu of every bisto in Paris..now, not so much. Or, you can find poulet, but with pseudo frites...sauteed potatoes or some such thing.
Typically, I stay in the Latin Quarter, but would be willing to travel. Can anyone recommend their favorite spot for a stellar, traditional poulet frites?

Don't want to overdo it: Paris Restaurants

I don't think L'Epi Dupin is open on Saturday...or at least the lunch special isn't available. That's such a bargain, and the food is delicious. Don't skip that one!

Mouffetard dinner recs

Near the Censier metro, I can recommend several places. If you are in the mood for Italian, La Comedia has really great pizzas and an amazing vegetarian pasta. It's always packed with locals.
Also, the Cafe des Arts has really great bistro food- great salads and daily specials. There's also the Cafe Bourgogne. All three places are relatively reasonable and you'll be sure to find something you like. Other restaurants along Mouffetard look a little scary, and I've never heard exceptional things said about any of them.
The only Greek place I would suggest going is Les Delices d'Aphrodite...again near Censier. They also have a deli (Mavromatis)- I usually pick up some caviar d'aubergines, roasted red peppers and the keftades. Mmm...I can almost taste it.
I live in the area, and continue to return to the places I mentioned. It's worth a look at least. Enjoy!

West Town Tavern Recommendations?

Dining at WTT this evening...first time there. I've heard great things about it, and the menu & wine list look great. Does anyone have any personal favorites there?

Chicago hound in town for Labor Day

After a bit of research, I am thinking...

Saturday lunch/brunch- Farmers market
Saturday dinner- Isa/Terzo
Sunday brunch- Canteen
Sunday dinner- Bar Tartine/Boulevard/Aziza/Rubicon
Monday lunch- Plumpjack/Campton Place?

I know I'm all over the place, but can you help me decide??

Chicago hound in town for Labor Day

Wondering if anyone can recommend a few spots for light lunches in the Union Square area. Also open to weekend brunch. Basically, I need lunch on Sat., dinner on Sat., perhaps brunch/lunch on Sun, dinner on Sun, and lunch on Mon. before we catch a flight back to Chicago. We are staying either at the Monaco or the Clift..haven't decided yet, but they are both in the same area.
So, dinner recommendations...we can always take a cab. Looking at Terzo, Masa's, Chez Panisse. Wine list, atmosphere, excellent food are all important. Not too heavy...I get enough meat and potatoes! Sharing is good. My mother and aunt will be in tow. They are not fond of asian. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Reception Dinner for 50 in Santa Barbara

We are looking for a spot to host a rehearsal dinner in a private space for a group of 50 people. Should be near water or on State Street. Could be in a restaurant or hotel...but preferably a reastaurant. Any recommendations?

One fine lunch- Le Bernardin or Bouley?

Flying in from Chicago for the day, and would like to treat the bosses to a high end lunch. Which should I choose? Other suggestions? One boss does not eat fish or seafood!