mr_jerry's Profile
Sunda 0r Red Lantern
We were at Sunda on Tuesday, and had a much better experience than K4027. We made our reservation on Open Table for 6:30 p.m. and were seated immediately. Though Sunda had only been open for 2 or 3 weeks, the restaurant was operating as though it had been open much longer. Menu has a lot of interesting choices, including main courses as well as sushi and sashimi. Different sushi dishes come with different numbers of pieces - I don't know why. Nice job of interior design, not overdone. By 8 pm. most of the tables were filled,but the bar was not busy at all. Service was faultless - our orders came quickly, and dishes and tableware were cleared just as quickly.
I agree that it's a scene, but the food was good, the crowd was young and buzzing, the decor was attractive, the service went smoothly - so what's wrong with that? And to address the elitist comment about Santa Margharita, it's known as the number one wine requested in restaurants in the U.S. - so a lot of people must like it. If the wine is from a small, unknown vineyard, does that make it any better? (But Santa Margharita's price at Sunda is the highest I've ever seen.) If you can take in both restaurants, I'd like your opinion.
Province, Eve, Aigre Doux or Graham Elliot
One gripe about Eve. Ate there last night. My wife asked for a refill for her Coke. Discovered that we were charged for both the original order and the refill ($3 each). When I questioned the charge, our server replied that they have to open a new bottle every time a customer requests a Coke, refill or not. If that is true (which I doubt), this may be the only restaurant in Chicago with a bar that buys its Cokes in small bottles.
Reasonable Meals with Kids Near Hyatt on Wacker.
Here are some good places for you:
1. Rainforest Cafe, 605 N. Clark St. (your kids will love the animatronic puppets and faux rain storms)
2. foodlife - 835 N. Michigan (in Water Tower Place)
3. Ed Debevics - 640 N. Wells St.
Best Short Ribs in the City?
I agree with the Manny's suggestion. I love their short ribs. You should know that this is a cafeteria, unpretentious, busy at lunch, and you get a lot of food for the prices, which are a lot less than at most of the fancier restaurants suggested.
New Mel Markon restaurant?
I saw a report in the Trib's Stew that Mel Markon is opening a new Italian restaurant in Wicker Park. Anyone hear about any of the details?
Chicago with kids
Starting from the simplest:
1. Rainforest Cafe @ Clark and Ohio if your kids are under, say, 8 to 10-years old. Animatronic animals pop up, and there's a simulated rain storm, complete with thunder and lightning, guaranteed at every meal.
2. Ed Debevic's on Wells and Ontario. Kids and adults with a sense of humor will like the sassy servers and the "golden oldies" music tracks. Servers take turns standing on a table or counter to sing along.
3. FoodLife Court in Watertower Place has enough choices to satisfy all ages. You roam from kiosk to kiosk to select (no waitstaff) your food. Kids enjoy the grazing, and the food is pretty good for what it is.
Need steak and Italian recs
You can cover both your bases at Harry Caray's - a great Italian steakhouse at State & Kinzie in the River North neoghborhood. Plus since you seem to be sports fans, the atmosphere is a plus.
Good Restaurant Near Merchandise Mart
Why walk from the Merchandise Mart when there is a nice new restaurant in it? We ate at Bluprint last week. I had a killer vegetarian roasted caulifower dish and my wife had a very nice fish dish. Decor is quite contemporary, and there should be no problem getting a table. Tables are all in the open (i.e., no booths), but I'd say it was conversation friendly. Didn't try the wine menu, but there is a large bar in the middle of the room that was busy on a cold night.
Deerfield area pizza?
My favorite for pizza, and not far from you: Barnaby's in Northbrook, 960 Skokie Blvd., 847-498-3900. You can phone and have it ready when you come.
And by the way, for those who like Burt's and its sibling Pequod, Pequod is building a new restaurant in Morton Grove on Dempster, 2 blocks each of Waukegan.
mrjerry
Chicago Firehouse?
I would rate Chicago Firehouse a notch above the replies given so far. I was turned off my first visit 3 or 4 years ago because we were seated 45 minutes later than our reservation. I returned a month ago and was impressed by the food quality and service enough to go back again. Seems they got over the bumps in the road. By the way, it's quite conversation friendly, and if the weather is warm, there's a pretty patio in the back.
Near Bin 36? And other fun ideas for 6 girls downtown
Caveat: Do not go for wine and cheese before dinner. You'll wind up feeling so full that you won't enjoy your meal. Definitely plan to go afterward.
Fun meal Dec.9 for 12 adults in Downtown area.
Two suggestions:
1. Food Life @ Water Tower Place. Many food stations to please every palate. (Described in Zagat as "the mother of all food courts".) Fun for everyone, and the prices are reasonable.
2. If you prefer a waiter-served experience, two large restaurants within walking distance with seating for 400+ are:
a. Quartino on State & Ontario (rustic Italian)
b. Scoozi! at 410 W. Huron (also Italian)
