Thanks for the suggestions- someone else suggested Peninsula brunch. Anyone ever been? Is it break the bank brunch? I am considering Perennial as an alternative.

My friend's shower got cancelled because the hostess had a death in the family. I would like to take the mom to be and 2 other close friends out for a nice brunch this Sunday as an easy and quick alternative. She lives in Andersonville and I live in Bucktown. I haven't been to brunch in 6 years (my child has a severe egg allergy) so I am a little out of the loop. Any suggestions on a nice - not break the bank- brunch where 5 women(without children) can have a beautiful brunch - no buffets please. Location isn't that big of a concern except we would like to stick to the city possibly between our neighborhoods. I am ok with "downtown' too.
Thanks!

Spartan brothers in Niles (i think)is pretty good as well as Harvest time in the city. I know there is another harvest time location in the burbs just not sure where.

I am traveling to NYC for 4 days next week. I'll have some time to myself on Friday and Saturday afternoon and thought I would check out the High Line park. (I live in Chicago and they are thinking of putting someting similar very close to my house). I would love to find a place for lunch - possibly meeting a friend- that won't break the bank but would be a nice cap to a walk on the park.

Also, I am looking for a place to meet about 7-10 people on Friday night for dinner that has good food and wine. A few years back we had dinner at Crispo with friends (on recommendations from NYC hounds) and everyone raved. Would love to introduce New Yorkers to another great place that they might not know about.

We are taking our 20 something friends out to dinner as a holiday gift. The 2 issues we are facing are that we will be bringing our 5 and 2 year olds with us AND one of them works down in the loop and will be rushing to meet us at 5:30. I know super early bird special but any later and dinner will be unpleasant for everyone invloved with two hungry children. We all live in the city, but would like to find something close ,if not in the loop, that is family friendly but yet might be a suprise for these hip 20 something's. Any suggestions?

I should have also mentioned that we all are city dwellers. Mana sounds interesting and close to two of us. I am bummed that Pops left their Sheffield location (ages ago); having to do to State and Grand on a Friday night isn't too appealing but could be fun. Anyone have any thoughts on Mercat a La Planxa? Ibierco gets too crowded and I feel the food hasn't been that good, so I wanted to bring it up a notch with tapas if we go that way.

A few girlfriends and I are getting together to celebrate some birthdays on Friday. Both are vegitarians (I am not) and one eats fish while the other does not. I've been searching the boards looking for something like a wine bar, but good food that has a cozy atmosphere. I feel like Bin 36 is a little too bright and I thought about the wine bar on Randolph but not too crazy with their food choices. I just looked at Gitl Bar's menu and I feel like it might be too heavy on the protiens (fish and meats) where it might cause a problem. Anyone have any suggestions?

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Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610

Isn't that the Loop?I guess I am looking for something more original than another Trotter's.

I know Lincoln Park isnt' too far, but would like to give a friend of ours a gift certificate for a place in her neighborhood + she has a new baby and doesn't want to cook or travel too far. Is there a Trotters to go type place near west loop? Maybe like Artopolis....

We did that last trip. You are right, much better options. Thanks for reminding me!

How do we feel about Jane's?

We are coming in for a whirlwind 5 days of everything NYC has to offer. I know come 3 or 4pm a few of us - ok me- will need a little snack, sweet and savory take away + some coffee to tide us over until our late dinner reservations. We will be in the Battery area, Midtown East, Soho/Tribeca, and Union Square. City Bakery (worth it?) and Cupcake Cafe are on our list, anything else that is a must for an afternoon pick me up.

For sure take a trip to Chinatown. We like Emperor's Choice; 2238 S. Wentworth Ave. It's small, unassumming but really solid. In Greektown stick with Pegasus, Greek Islands, and/or Athena. While Greek Islands is my least favorite, you can get away with casual clothing at those more than the others. Chicago is known for it's steaks.....you might want to look @ Wildfire or Rosebud for Steaks.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I think the plan is Stonehome for drinks and nibbles prior and then Convivium Osteria or ICI for late night dinner. I'll make sure I report back!

We are coming in for the weekend and will be in the W. Village Friday evening. The two of us aren't picky eaters, but our guest has never been to NYC before and might not be as adventursome. Looking for reasonalbe fare ($35pp w/out drinks) in the West Village/Village area. Willing to travel a little bit out of area, but need to be @Barrow and 7th by 9:30. Italian is out, but are pretty much up for anything else.

Thanks so much! The gastropub sounds like an option. We are between Alchemy and stonehome. While we love bbq I am not sure we need to smell like a smoke house during the play - we also have TX roots and VERY particular about our bbq. (it's a little crazy if you ask me)
What about reservations.....For sure,recommended, or don't bother?

Skip Orange all together! The last few times we have gone to the one in Roscoe Village the service has been horrible, and the food sub par for the price. There are many other places in the city that have good breakfast/brunch where the wait isn't too long and the food/service much better.
I agree with Toast. But also look @ Stanley's Kitchen and Tap on the weekend. They have a full on buffet brunch that is fantastic! Especially if you are looking for comfort - it doesn't get any better. It can be a little frat-y but if you can get over that, I really like the food. (the mac and cheese and the fried chicken are super good)

Hound from Chicago coming to town in a few weeks. A friend of ours is taking us to see the Cherry Orchard @ the Harvey Theatre in a few weeks. Any recommendations for anything that is near by that has solid food? The only thing out is Mexican and Indian, otherwise open for suggestions. Thanks!

We are flying into Pittsburg on Friday afternoon and driving directly to Fallingwater for the weekend. We are desperate to find dinner and lunch/brunch suggestions in the area.
We are staying in Farmington (?) and are willing to drive at least 1/2 hour for good, solid food.
Any suggestions would be very helpful. We've never been in the area before and want to make sure that we enjoy ourselves and not get stuck at a place where the food is pedestrian.

I second Goebberts, but there is one in South Barrington too, which is still far but a little easier to get too

I personally like Yak-zies on Diversey (not on Clark) It is a little obnoxious as well, but they do carry out. Actually they might even do delivery. I like their wings, but I ReALLY like their chix pizza. they basically take their wings and sprinkel them onto a pizza. YUMMY>

I love the grilled vegetable salad from LA's Ivy and I am looking for the comparison to make for a spring summer party. Anyone have any ideas on how to make it + the yummy dressing?

Sorry, NEXT Monday, not today. I am sure that makes a difference

Chicago CH has a few hours to kill on Monday afternoon/night and we are looking for a good place to have dinner. We thought Chinatown, but are open to almost anything. We will be by the airport in the afternoon, but will be heading to San Jose after dinner to catch a flight home. Any suggestions would be helpful. We have both been to SF before, but it's been a long time. We would rather stay away from touristy for dinner, but will probably do a "drive by" of some of the sites- so out of the way places probably will be avoided.

We are having about 10-15 people over for a birthday brunch Memorial Day weekend. I would like to make it buffet style with a few (obviously) breakfast and lunch items. Any ideas where to start. The party is from 11-2. I have a 1 year old so things that I can make a day in advance or super simple would be best.

Name one place SE of the 6 corners on Milwaukee that is worth it. I believe a few have been mentioned, but the others are average at best
Division St. is technically considered Ukranian Village, but there are great places in there too - which again have been mentioned.
To the OP, you'll learn that neighborhoods kind of blur together and there are not any specific boundries, there is a lot of cross over.

My son is about to turn 1 and I would like to do a small smash cake for him and then either a cake of cupcakes for everyone else. The only issue I have is that my son has an egg allergy (grrr). Can anyone recommend a good bakery, near Bucktown/Humbolt Park/Logan Square that has great, eggless cakes but also savory cakes for everyone else.

Also, any ideas for yummy inexpensive caterers or chefs or anyone else that could assist with finger foods and small dishes for a buffet.

THANKS!!!!

Why not Club Lucky on Wabansia? I really like it, especially for such a large group. Don't be scared if the bar looks too crowded, usually the restaurant itself is not as crowded. I like Forno, but it is TOO loud in there and I am always feeling cramped, they put the talbes too close together. I have never had a bad meal at Club Lucky, moderlety priced, good italian food, which can be family style too (not as family as Buco Di Bepo but good sizes). I like it too, because it is in the middle of the bucktown neighborhood and will give you a good idea of housing and the neighborhood.

Aren't the restaurants on Division considered Ukranian Village more than Wicker Park/Bucktown?

A friend recommended Maize on California for a birthday dinner
Has anyone heard of this place and exactly where it is?
What should I expect. I searched Metromix but to no avail.
Any thoughts?

DC/VA - sorry