109520 Thu Jul 29 20:42:19 -0700 1999 7 7 Chicago Area 0 590718 Planning a stopover in Chicago, including Topolobampo - anywhere else really really worthwhile, price no object? Thu Jul 29 20:42:19 -0700 1999 0 Susan Marme 1 590719 Haven't been there yet, but reports from the extremely recently opened Tru, run by the couple behind the amazing Trio in Evanston, have been great. Reserve NOW. Other than that: ribs at Lem's; pork chops at Tufano's; sugar-cured ham and eggs at Lou Mitchell, just to name some things made out of pigs. Thu Jul 29 21:09:52 -0700 1999 590718 0 al pastor 2 590723 Thanks to all. Had a fabulous dinner at Charlie Trotters a couple of years ago, would love to go back, but...a bit too expensive for this occasion. As for things made out of pigs, the best type of meat eats in my opinion, Chicago is to be followed by rural (is there any other) Iowa, so no dearth of those, there! Thu Aug 12 20:44:46 -0700 1999 590719 0 Susan Marme 1 590720 Charlie Trotter's is exquisite(provided that you don't expect a cheerful welcome from Charlie himself, who is not the most personable of chefs). And definitely pricey. Fri Jul 30 17:17:22 -0700 1999 590718 0 Sarah 2 590721 Yes, yes, yes! I had a marvelous weeknight evening there maybe 10 years ago, which still stands out as one of my peak restaurant experiences. Charlie didn't come out but my colleague and I had a long, friendly chat over dessert and coffee with the talented sommelier, who provided a terrific pinot noir. Exquisite and delicious - my plate of sorbets looked like an over-the-top Jackson Pollock, with every sort of fruit dribbled, scattered and painted across the plate - it was truly beautiful, before this sort of thing became common. Then, after such a prudent choice arrived a luscious, complementary creme brulee - once again, before this multidessert excess was common. I've yearned to go back ever since. Fri Jul 30 18:46:41 -0700 1999 590720 0 jen Kalb 2 590732 Charlie Trotter's is awful. The emperor has no clothes, and he charges you a fortune to stare at his nakedness. Finally, Mr. Trotter is not merely unfriendly, he is a stone jerk. Sat Nov 06 11:21:28 -0800 1999 590720 0 Clifford Abramsc 3 590733 Hmm, that sounds like more than just a case of being underwhelmed by Charlie Trotters... am curious what draws such antipathy (other than the prices). I don't get around as much as many on this board, but my birthday dinner there 5 years ago was one of the most amazing food experiences I have had. And no attitude either, other than an exaggerated sense of prowesse: I explained that I do not eat ANY seafood (and I was born and raised in Annapolis, so it's not for lack of exposure)--and was told seriously, "well, try tonight's tuna. If you don't like it, *then* you can say you don't eat seafood." I agreed. He's a good chef, but no miracle worker--I walked away saying, "I don't eat seafood." Sat Nov 06 13:18:15 -0800 1999 590732 0 Mary Lynne 1 590722 Just got back from celebrating my 40th in Chicago -- wish I had thought to post here for suggestions. But to give you my high and low points I would suggest: Le Coloniel (French Vietnamese) Yummy as well as beautiful. STAY AWAY from Marche -- very mediocre food and irritating space. Salpicon was disappointing too. Interesting tequila selection though... Let us know how you fared in Chi-town! Sun Aug 01 21:05:39 -0700 1999 590718 0 amy