Someone wrote: : A friend has suggested Zinfandel, on rep alone (he's never been : there, he's just a Zin nut and is impressed with any place that : has 150 Zins on the wine list, as they reportedly do). Anyone : care to comment on this place? How far is it from the Sheraton? Ian Webb replied: > I am sorry, but I have never heard about this place. However, > there is another restaurant you may want to try. It is on top of one > hotel (I can't for the life of me remember which one), called Everest. > I have heard it is a very nice place. It may be pricey, I have never > eaten there, yet. If you do go I would like to hear how it was. I've lived in Chicago for 10 years, and have never heard of Zinfandel. However, The Everest Room is generally figured one of the top 2 or 3 places in the city. Having only recently left the ranks of graduate students, I can't comment directly on their offerings. However, Chicago Magazine puts them in the $100 /person meal catagory. They are known for modern French/Alsatian food with unusual twists. Of the high end places in town it would be my pick, --that is if I had $100 per person for dinner. Off the top of my head, "Charlie Trotter's" has ranked highly for many years, as well as "Carlo's". Out in the burbs there is the very famous "Le Francais". However, the owner/chef at "Le Francais" is no longer Jean Banchet, who built the restaurant's reputation. Chicago also offers a tremendous variety of modestly priced ethnic places. I have a lot of direct experience with these. For less than $15, you can have a very good meal at: * Racconcito Sudamerican (Peruvian) -- price will undoubtedly rise as they are an old standby in the nuovo-trendy Wicker Park/Bucktown area. * Mohti Mahal (near Belmont & Clark) -- Good Indian food for < $10 per person. This is very popular with students, starving artists, and people who mearly want to seem to be starving artists. * Momma Desta's (Belmont & Clark) -- OK to good Ethiopian food. Once again, popular with the student, arts, and nightclub crowd. You'll find many other places scattered about the near north side.
Chicago, IL
Chicago suggestions -- Zinfandel?
Zinfandel is the new Bayless restaurant (of Frontera Grill fame. My favorite restaurant in Chicago) It's at 59 W. Grand. I was there last fall when it was brand new (open a month). I was impressed by the food, and underwhelmed by the service. I bet they've gotten the kinks out, since they got a write up in Chicago Magazine aw ont of the best new restaurants in Chicago. The style is Americana, and they've been as careful with American regional dishes and their shopping for the new restaurant as they have been with Frontera/Topolobampo. Zinfandel is a short cab ride from your hotel, and cheaper than Everest, which is, of course, one of the finest (and most expensive) restaurants in Chicago. As for where you should eat, what do you like? What price range do you want? I have lots of suggestions, but need some guidance. (I also don't have much time to read news these days since I'm in the middle of exams. I think I'll make my husband take me out to Frontera to celebrate their end this weekend.) Maury
James O. wrote: >From: [email removed] (James L Owen) >Subject: Re: Chicago suggestions -- Zinfandel? >Date: Thu, 2 Jun 1994 13:28:56 GMT >Someone wrote: >: As for where you should eat, what do you like? What price range do >: you want? I have lots of suggestions, but need some guidance. (I >: also don't have much time to read news these days since I'm in the >: middle of exams. I think I'll make my husband take me out to Frontera >: to celebrate their end this weekend.) >Well, I'm looking for something in the $25-50/person range (before >drinks/wine). I like most ethnic food *styles*, but I'm a former >vegetarian and can't handle red meat; no problem with fowl, fish, >shellfish, or reptiles. In other words, almost anything good/ >interesting, with the exception of German and steakhouses. >Larry Owen In your price range, I would definitely recommend Frontera Grill (approx. 400 N. Clark). It's a terrific upscale Mexican place w/ lots of regional specialties. You won't find a Chimichanga anywhere on the menu. I also like Un Grand Cafe, a bistro in a hotel on the north side (approx 2400 North Lakeshore, I think). Very classy, romantic setting, with good food. Definitely, pick up Chicago Magazine. It has great reviews, including prices. Mike Berman
A great Chicago restaurant is Bistro 110 which I think is right near your hotel. I took a group there this past December and everyone loved it - wine list made the two fanatics happy, the service was solid even though the place was very busy, the roast garlic to begin was luscious and we all ended up ordering the roast chicken which was spectacular! The menu is based on roasting and grilling over interesting woods... which makes for simple yet perfect offerings! sigh... I'm back to Chicago for two days next week and not a free night for dinner amongst them... HTH Christina
James O. wrote: My wife and I and some friends ate at Zinfandel a couple of weeks ago. I guess it's all right if you like an American menu (we're not exactly known for haute cuisine!) in a high yuppie atmosphere. It's getting a lot of traffic, but personally I much prefer the more tried and true choices. Frontera Grill has been recommended--you can't go wrong. I also like Rosebud's in the old Italian neighborhood on Taylor Street (not the one on Rush Street!). Or Gordon on Clark Street--excellent. I'm sure you'll get many other responses before your trip. Enjoy our fair city!