manogirl's Profile
Chicago Tipping
I've lived in the Chicago area my entire life (and now live in the city), and I always tip 20% across the board, on the total bill. I throw my change (coins only) in tip jars at coffee places and independent restaurants that have counter service only. I never, ever leave no tip at a restaurant, even if the service was beastly. Usually I leave 10% in those situations. If service is incredible, I'll go as high as 25-30%, but I rarely eat meals that are in places that have that sort of service.
I don't think it's my job to punish someone because they're working at a chain as opposed to a mom and pop place. I can't imagine not tipping well just because I'm eating at a chain.
Bistro Margot v. Trattoria Roma
I really, really disliked Trattoria Roma on my one visit there. But I've eaten at and enjoyed Bistro Margot more than a few times, and I think it can be romantic the later at night you go. As for Italian, though it's not super-close to Wells, Vinci on Halsted makes some great food, and I think the atmosphere is pretty nice.
Dining near Auditorium?
I looked in the archives, and this hasn't been talked about in around two years, and it seems a lot changes in the restaurant world in two years, so...
Are there are any new/great restaurants near the Auditorium theater? We've done theater district dining to death, so I guess I'm looking for something maybe South? I know there are a lot of newish/er places south of Roosevelt, but I'm not very familiar with that area at all, so I could use some tips. Thanks!
Tuscan-style Wild Boar Sauce
I'm not much for the cooking, actually. So no, I haven't tried it, and I can say with pretty much 100% certainty that I never will. I want to eat the boar sauce, but I don't want to expend any effort to get to the eating of it, besides a harrowing CTA journey or a parking search. But I'd be interested in hearing how it was, if anyone else has tried it.
Tuscan-style Wild Boar Sauce
I've just returned from an trip to Italy, and I know I won't find the exact thing here, but I'm asking anyway. Are there any restaurants in the Chicago area that serve a more traditional Tuscan boar sauce? I just couldn't get over how good it was, and now I want more!
Thanks!
Benne wafers?
Does anyone know where I can get Benne wafers in the city? I know I can order them online, but I'd rather not pay shipping if I don't have to.
Thanks.
Best cupcakes in town?
Hmm, I disagree with the Swirlz recommendation. Both my sister and I are cupcake fanatics, and neither one of us liked the Swirlz cupcakes.
Actually, I really like the yellow cupcakes from Foodlife, in Water Tower. They're huge and very good. And I've had it on good authority that their chocolate cupcakes are better than Sweet Mandy B's, which can be pretty bland.
If i have to go out to dinner tonight, where?
I second the Rosebud/Trattoria 10 recommendation. Both have great food; Trattoria 10 may be a little more romantic. Hope you can get in!
Opera
I also had a horrible experience at Opera, on one of the $25 prix fixe nights. Just awful. The steak was of poor quality, the service was horrible, and the food just didn't taste very good otherwise.
Sadly, I also just recently had a bad experience at Marche, a restaurant in the same group as Opera. I can't understand why anyone raves about either of these restaurants. Someone even had the gall to call Marche the best French in the city. I almost cried when I read that. Anyway, we're done with that little family of restaurants.
Nacional 27
It's worth a visit, I think. I agree that the food isn't anything wow, but it's pretty solid, and it's a neat place to eat, in terms of atmosphere.
It's not somewhere I'd make a special point of eating at, but if I was taking out a friend who liked dancing and Latin food, I'd consider this.
An unforgettable meal for 15 people
Bistrot Margot is wonderful. Be sure to save room for desserts, too, because they're so yummy. I'm not sure I'd wear jeans to Margot, though.
I had a really, really bad experience at Opera, and can't in good conscience recommend it. The service was bad, the food wasn't cooked right (one steak underdone, one overdone), and we were basically ignored, and waited at least 20 minutes for every dish.
I love Frontera, but I can't imagine how a group of 15 would work in the restaurant. Still, you can't go wrong with Frontera.
Carnivale is loud, but would be very fun with a group, and jeans would be appropriate. The food is interesting, and well prepared, and if you haven't been, it's worth a visit.
I have to also second the recommendation for Greektown and Fogo de Chao. I know you have vegetarians, but the sides and salad bar can easily and very nicely feed vegetarians. It's only if they object to being around copious amounts of meat that you'd have a problem.
And in Greektown, I always eat at Greek Islands. Love love love it. Probably great for veggie eaters, too.
Opera update?
Actually, I was just at opera and had a horrible experience. My boyfriend and I went for the prix fixe meal on Sunday, and it took us over 2 hours to be out and done. We waited at least 20 minutes for every course, sometimes more. What's all the more baffling about the experience is that the tables all around us seemed to have fine service.
To be completely honest, the food wasn't so great either. My steak was way underdone, my boyfriend's was WAY overcooked, and mine was barely edible because of how fatty it was. I realize that I'm complaining about an incredibly cheap meal, but this experience was by far THE WORST I've ever had in any restaurant. Simply awful, from start to finish. And I love Chinese food, in its many forms, so it wasn't the tastes that were the problem.
As for the duck preps, one is roasted, one is stir-fried, and one is served with mushu pancakes and a mustard/plum/scallion trio. The lady at the next table over ordered it. I wish I had, because I'm sure as hell not going back. Ever. Again.
2 days and 2 nights in Chicago
Frontera Grill, Quartino, Wiener's Circle and RJ Grunt's.
Romantic Anniversary Spot for almost-adults
Via Carducci is a great little Italian spot. It can get loud, but it's got spot on food.
Dinner in Geneva
I can't yet vouch for it, but the staff from the now defunct 302 West is opening a restaurant on Third Street called Niche. If it even comes close to 302, it'll be the best restaurant in Geneva. The only thing is that I'm not 100% sure when they are opening. This month, but not sure when....
