ms. mika's Profile
Help me choose a restaurant for dinner.
I would also pick Hub 51 if you want a bit of a scene. Other spots in the area that are popular and have a bit of a scene- Sunda, GT Fish & Oyster, RPM and as mentioned Tavernita. Since they are popular they are also spots I would make reservations in advance for as they can be difficult to get into on the wknds.
Friday Lunch w/Dad - Delicious, not heavy, passable wine list?
If you want Frontera- try calling for a reservation- slim chance, but they have some. Otherwise, I would get there 10-15 min before they open and line up. You can also grab a seat at the bar and order food there.
I second Purple Pig as another option - they do not take reservations, but if you go close to opening time, you shouldn't have a problem.
Brunch River North - or not too far.
Frontera Grill- either call ahead and see if you can get one of the few reservations or show up 10-15 min before they open and get in line....
Fish-friendly restaurants on a budget DOWNTOWN
Another suggestion is La Madia. They have really delicious pizzas that you could share (such as the parmesan artichoke pizza) but also have entrees that are priced in the $20s and that include scallops, short ribs etc. They have a great wine selection as well and you can make reserv on opentable.
GT Fish & Oyster and Nellcôte, stylish and sceney but both a bit hit and miss.
Just a warning- I like GT and we actually had a really nice dinner there the other night- but they have downsized the lobster roll. It is good but I wouldn't necessarily go there just for that- it's not a full sized lobster roll any more, although it used to be when it first opened.
2 meal slots but geographically challenged
Saturday brunch- Publican or Frontera grill
Two day Chicago visit in May
would agree on Publican over North Pond for brunch.
On Frontera- I don't think they do reservations on open table (only Topo does)- you have to call the restaurant to see if they have any reserv avail, but it's worth a shot.
Lastly on your question for fun cocktails- may depend on where you're having dinner and if you are looking for a destination cocktail place or just somewhere to stop that's nearby where you are having dinner. For destination cocktails- I would say Aviary, Violet Hour, and the Drawing Room. Another good spot in River North is Sable.
Torontonian seeking a reasonable special occasion restaurant - Cafe Spiaggia or other?
I would recommend Naha- consistently delicious food and is a bit of a calmer atmosphere. Price wise, entrees range in the $30s, so not sure if that is out of your price range?
Also would throw out North Pond as another option.
Chicago Visit
Yes definitely still go- G&TG has some great food. I've eaten there several times and have really enjoyed the food. There is a reason why it has sustained its level of popularity.
How's My 5 Day Eating Agenda Looking? Help Make My Trip Awesome!
Couple quick thoughts
>>Friday May 11th(arriving at 10:00pm need a late night spot)
Dinner: Longman and Eagle, Owen and Engine (pub menu), Purple Pig (near hotel)
Avec (close by)
I assume you are asking for which to go to? Avec is not close by the Dana. I would pick the Purple Pig
-Frontera (as well as Topo and Xoco) are closed on Sunday and Monday- so those won't work on those days.
-Another snack/dessert- pick up some Garrett's popcorn- the Chicago mix of caramel and cheese
-If you want to try a variation of Slurping Turtle and Xoco- try the food court 7 on State at Macy's- they have a Noodles by Takashi- which if you're getting miso ramen- is better than Slurping Turtle- and Rick has a spot there too with tortas. The tortas at Xoco are better but they have a couple good ones here. The atmosphere isn't great - and it is closed on Sunday- but if you're looking for a snack and in the area- might fit
-I also would skip DMK Burger Bar- not that exciting
MSP Chowhound needs help: Dinner in downtown
I would suggest Naha in River North. Consistently great food and is a quieter atmosphere where you can enjoy the food and celebrate.
http://naha-chicago.com/
Toronto 'hound needs help narrowing down choices for 2 days in Chicago
Couple quick thoughts-
-I would hit Publican up for brunch if you can't get in for dinner. I believe they are starting to do a brunch on Saturdays and they have a fabulous brunch
-On Frontera- you can call for reservations- they do a limited amount, but it's worth a try. Otherwise, people tend to line up before they open (for lunch and dinner).
-Purple Pig- we went for lunch last wknd and got there shortly after they opened and were seated without a wait, but the place was full within minutes. So I think it depends on when you show up, but definitely the wait at lunch should be less than dinner.
MSP Chowhound needs help: Dinner in downtown
where are you staying? It will be easier to help recommend if you are more specific on location and also any type of food you are interested in, and type of atmosphere.
great foodie restaurant - no scene needed
You could also try and get into Schwa, although they can be difficult to get into and be unpredictable or Bonsoiree. I would call both foodie spots and both are BYOB which is always fun.
Two nights in Chicago
If you're willing to take a cab- I would suggest Publican for one of your dinners. As I am sure you know, there is no shortage of steakhouses in the River North area, if that's what you're interested in. There are lots and lots of other options in the River North area so might be helpful to know what type of place and budget you had in mind.
For cocktails, you might try Sable- they have a huge cocktail list and make some great drinks.
Mezcal- Gift
I just looked on their website and it looks like it's only in restaurants here in Chicago and not sold in stores. Thanks for your input though.
Mezcal- Gift
Thanks for all of the input- this is very helpful. I don't think he'll be sipping this- mostly mixing in cocktails so if there's not a huge variation between some of these, I'm not sure it will make a big difference, but I agree- I'll skip the Vida.
I live in Chicago so was just listing some of the ones I see online they sell here- but will check it out and see what options I have.
Mezcal- Gift
I am hoping for some recommendations of a bottle of mezcal I can get my husband for his birthday. I am thinking a price range of $50-$70. He doesn't currently have any and I was looking at the different kinds available and was getting a bit overwhelmed.
It looks like there are various kinds of Del Maguey available - anyone has a favorite or opinion on these?
Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Mezcal
Del Maguey Minero Mezcal
Del Maguey San Luis Rios Single Village Mezcal
Del Maguey Santa Domingo Albarradas Mezcal
Del Maguey Mezcal Vida
Purple Pig Dress Code ?
Agree- Purple Pig is casual- nice jeans would be appropriate. Being off of Michigan Ave- I wouldn't be surprised to see sneakers, but I wouldn't wear sneakers to dinner at most restaurants. Definitely do not need jackets etc there.
April Chicago weekend itinerary - need final input (Sable/Frontera Grill/Alinea/North Pond/Lou Malnati's)
Absolutely agree- G&TG's food is far superior to Sable and is still a casual and fun atmosphere. No contest- I would go to G&TG on Friday night.
Downtown Chicago April 7-9
Sunda. It has sushi and other asian small plates. Really good food and fun atmosphere. You can make reserv on Open Table
In chicago this weekend 3/17 -20 Dining recs needed please
You have waited too long to get into the most popular restaurants that you need to make reservations for- but luckily on the pizza front- you won't need one. I really like Gino's East, but everyone has their favorite deep dish.
On Mexican- Cantina Laredo is a chain- Chicago is full of other great Mexican spots, including Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill. You will likely have to wait but could try and go right when they open.
Sunday brunch- I would recommend Publican if you can get in- fantastic brunch. My other favorite seafood place right now is GT Fish and Oyster- small plates place, but I am guessing would be tough to get into this close to the wknd without a reservation.
Ideas for a group of 10 in town for the NRA Show in May?
It depends on what you want- there are hundreds and hundreds of restaurants but our most popular ones, you'll definitely want reservations.
You could try Tavernita, which is a new Spanish small plates place, GT Fish and Oyster- seafood small plates, Sunda- asian/sushi etc.- all of these places you'd need a reservation- but depending on your price range and what area you want to be in- there are lots of other choices as well.
Dinner ideas for foodie wanting sophistication and a non-foodie wanting comfort food/meat?
I think you've gotten some great suggestions with steakhouses and Publican.
Another idea for a nicer place with southern comfort food is Art Smith's Table 52. He was Oprah's former chef. You could also try small plates places where they have both standard fare and more adventurous food- like Purple Pig, Sable, Tavernita etc
Lounge bars in Chicago
Where are you staying? What are you interested in- creative cocktails, wine, champagne, beer?
Depending on where you'll be, the first few that come to mind are Drawing Room, Pops, Bin 36
Tonight: solo dining recommendation?
lbs recommendations are all great ones- depending on what type of food you're in the mood for. On the creative cocktails side, Sable will have the most selection but their food is the least interesting of the 3 in my opinion. Another favorite spot for creative cocktails is the Drawing Room which isn't too far from your hotel- you could always stop there for a drink and have dinner elsewhere too. You'd be fine at any of these eating solo and they all have fun and lively atmospheres.
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The Drawing Room
937 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
2012 Bib Gourmand Picks in Chicago
when do they announce who receives a michelin star(s)?
never mind- i see!
Last minute weekend picks- please help!
Just wanted to give a quick report back after our weekend in Scottsdale.
Lunch on Saturday was at Cowboy Ciao- we shared the chopped salad, had the open face steak sandwich and a burger. We were stuffed! but we loved the food so much we actually came back on Monday for lunch on our way to the airport. The service here was great and the food was delicious.
Saturday night we changed our dinner to Cuoco Pazzo after reading some positive feedback on this site. After trying to ask our waiter for some opinions on their wines by the glass and even tasting a couple, they really need to revamp their wines by the glass and educate their staff. Once I found some wine, we started off with an appetizer that was clams and spicy italian sausage with broccoli rabe. This was pretty tasty but the broth wasn't developed enough with flavor, so it fell a little flat. Next we ordered the carne pizza and the tagliolini pasta with seafood. The pizza was prob my favorite of the night, but the pasta was good as well and could tell it was made in house. The sauce and flavoring again seemed like it needed a little more development. So overall we liked our meal there, but thought it needed a little bit more for the flavors to be really delicious and memorable.
Dinner on Sunday night was at The Mission. One thing I didn't expect is how dark it was in there! I saw numerous tables who brought their own flashlights, which would have been helpful since we had a hard time reading the menu. We also waited at least 10 min with no waiter approaching us until we flagged someone down, and she turned out to be our waiter. After a not very promising start, we were pleasantly surprised. We started off with the tableside guac, which was very good and a much better option than their salsa, which although they bring a giant bowl was not very good. We then shared the seafood stew, the chicken tostadas and the steak tacos. We really liked everything but the steak tacos were our favorite, with the tostadas a close second. For dessert we had the pumpkin bread pudding which was very good as well, except it had some sort of dried red fruit on top which detracted from an otherwise great dessert.
So overall it was a quick weekend visit, but we got to enjoy a couple of great meals. Next time we'll try some of the other places mentioned!
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Cowboy Ciao
7133 East Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Cuoco Pazzo
4175 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
