STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

shopgirl82 · Chanel

Chicago Restaurant Rec...

Vanessa · Kate Spade

I love to go out to eat! Let me think... MK is one of my favorite restaurants. Tru was an awesome experience. I had the best ceviche (in the US) at Mas, second best at Topolobampo/Frontera Grill. Erwin has some of the best, freshest food I've ever had, but it's not the most romantic spot. It does have an excellent wine list. Thyme has a pretty good one too and I had a pretty good seafood dish there a while ago. Le Colonial was pretty good too and good location if you're going out after.

How about any of the Randolph restaurants? Blackbird is probably my favorite, but Vivo and Marche are also very good. Vivo is particularly romantic. Avec is good but not really couply, more trendy than anything.

I'm a big seafood fan too. How about Catch 35 (pretty good sashimi) or for more fun, Hugo's Frog Bar? I go to the ones in Naperville quite often but you can go to the ones in the city. We also have Key Wester in Naperville - it's kind of like Nacional (similar Latin influences and decor) but there's a huge aquarium, so pretty. Maybe not good enough for a birthday but definitely worth checking out sometime. Oh, how could I forget...I had the best crabcakes in Illinois at Braxton's in Oak Brook - nice dark wood decor with low lighting & live piano.

One more... Pappadeaux makes my mouth water - yummy seafood with a Cajun touch, out in Westmont.
I've got a ton others so let me know if I'm on the right track. If not I'll throw in some other ideas. HTH!

itsapinkthing · Coach

Geja's Cafe
340 W. Armitage Ave.
773-281-9101

"For over 40 years, couples seeking a romantic meal to share have been drawn to this dark, intimate restaurant, for a 4-course meal of salad, cheese, meat, and dessert fondue. Dip bread chunks into melted cheese, cook your own beef, chicken or seafood in a tableside fondue pot of oil, and top it off with flaming chocolate fondue served with marshmallows, strawberries, grapes, and cake. "

Very romantic atmosphere. Can be quite busy, best to make reservations. Plus fondue is fun!

member · Hermes

I second Pappadeux in Westmont if you want good cajun/seafood. That place is sooo good. Also, what about a fondue place? Have you ever been to the Melting Pot? There's one in the city on Dearborn and there's also one in Oakbrook and in Schaumburg.

Farrah · Marc Jacobs

I second Vane's recommendation of Vivo and Marche'. The bf took me to Vivo on our first date and I love it there. We also frequent Marche' quite a bit and the food and atmosphere are both amazing. I actually have a certificate for $50 off at least a $75 check at Marche' if you would like me to email it to you. Just PM me your email address.

shopgirl82 · Chanel

thanks so much for the recommendations. i looked at them all at chireader and metromix.

before i make up my mind, i was wondering if anyone has insights on:

1) blue water grill (i've heard mixed things...but we went to a tapas like place in nyc by the same owner)

2) websters wine bar

3) meritage cafe and wine bar

pappadeaux is a chain restaurant in dallas (where my bf lived) so i think that is kinda out of the picture (he's been there several times).

i don't know know why, but i always forget about the randolph street area. thanks for reminding me.

Farrah · Marc Jacobs

shopgirl82 wrote:

thanks so much for the recommendations. i looked at them all at chireader and metromix. before i make up my mind, i was wondering if anyone has insights on: 1) blue water grill (i've heard mixed things...but we went to a tapas like place in nyc by the same owner) 2) websters wine bar 3) meritage cafe and wine bar pappadeaux is a chain restaurant in dallas (where my bf lived) so i think that is kinda out of the picture (he's been there several times). i don't know know why, but i always forget about the randolph street area. thanks for reminding me.

My friend's bro is a sous chef at Bluewater and she said it is fantastic. I wasn't crazy about Webster Wine Bar, way too dark, way too small and the food wasn't that great. I haven't been to Meritage. HTH!