Someone wrote: >I'm ashamed that, outside of ethnic or vegetarian >restaurants, I'm pretty clueless about the dining >scene. Hmm...hard to avoid "ethnic," but then, I almost never try to. >Ideally, we should find a place that's in the >same price / quality range as Eli's, that has >something about it that you can only get in >Chicago (she's from L.A. & her boyfriend is from Paris), >and that has both meat & non-meat selections. Worth a try to see if you can get into Topolobampo; if not, Frontera's long weekend waits--which actually aren't so bad if you get there when the doors open or go for brunch--should be just the thing for the hip crowd. Plus, there's the added fun of watching angelini enjoy eating mex in chicago. From what I've heard, Francesca on Taylor would be a good call too, but if you wanna really spend and get your money's worth, call Arun's and see if they can do vegetarian for you--it's the fanciest Thai I've found yet. Costas in Greektown is ethnic but fancy, and you'll feel like it wouldn't hurt to dress up a bit. Somewhat more expensive than many other greek joints and well worth it, but won't break the bank. Very uniquely Chicago, and that's what you want to show 'em, right? >Man, it's so hard being a hostess -- I don't want >to disappoint or bore them -- these are two >artistic, cosmopolitan peopla. Nonsense. They're eating in Chicago--how lucky for them, and how lucky for you. So many ways to show them a good time.
Chicago, IL
help! restaurant ideas for visiting friends
Dymaxia wrote: >Man, it's so hard being a hostess -- I don't want >to disappoint or bore them -- these are two >artistic, cosmopolitan peopla. Kerry, Arun's, Topolobampo and Francesca's on Taylor are good suggestions. I would try to get into Arun's first then Topolobampo. Arun's is only offering tasting menus now, Arun's designs the menu for the table and I am sure would be happy to devise a vegetarian menu for you. I would call and ask though. For the ultimate vegetarian experience in Chicago you can do no better than the vegetarian degustation menu at Charlie Trotters. I have only had the non-vegetarian degustation at Trotters, but we have been there with vegetarians who have had it and I think that you would be quite satisfied. A note of caution, Trotter's is quite a bit more expensive than your reference point of Eli's and you may have trouble getting reservations. There are many fun cosmopolitan restaurants in Chicago with outstanding food. I would pick up a Chicago Magazine and check out a few of them. A few that I would take out of town guests, Le Sardine, Le Bouchon, MK, Thyme, Confusion, Aubriot, 160 Blue, Spruce, Savarin and Okno. I am sure I am forgetting a few, but these would be a good place to start. Enjoy, Gary Arun's 4156 N Kedzie Ave Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 539-1909 Topolobampo 445 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 661-1434 Charlie Trotter's 816 W. Armitage Ave. 773-248-6228 Francesca's on Taylor 1400 W Taylor 312-829-2828