116697 Mon Sep 20 12:49:39 -0700 2004 7 7 Chicago Area 0 637291 We have a team meeting in Chicago and I'm in charge of the dinner plan for Monday evening. It will only be approximately 10 people, but we need to keep the total cost to around $35/pp . Also, we have some picky eaters so we need to stick to traditional fare -- American, Italian, etc. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!!! Mon Sep 20 12:49:39 -0700 2004 0 katyimago 1 637294 How about La Cantina in the Italian Village, at 71 W Monroe. This is the one in the basement. I haven't been there in about two years, but it's a cozy place, and not expensive (entrees average $20, I'd say). Mon Sep 20 13:03:30 -0700 2004 637291 0 Akatonbo 1 637295 Miller's Pub on S. Wabash would fit your bill but is noisy. You might ask if a small private room is available. Mon Sep 20 13:09:42 -0700 2004 637291 0 Mugs 2 637296 Second Miller's Pub. Very traditional steak, ribs, hamburger kind of a place, but surprisingly cheap for both the location and quality. It shouldn't be too noisy Monday evening, but let the owner know you'll need a quiet corner. Mon Sep 20 13:13:36 -0700 2004 637295 0 jbw 1 637305 Have you considered Redfish? Yes, it is a chain place and yes, the menu is cajun themed, but they have a good selection of non-cajun items. Also, their prices are reasonable for the food you get. Mon Sep 20 14:57:35 -0700 2004 637291 0 HappyFatGuy 1 637319 I would suggest the following places (near the loop but mostly not in the loop): Magiannos - sure it is a LEYE chain, but they will serve traditional Italian with a very reasonably priced group menu (I think around $25pp or so) A bit more upscale - Brasserie Jo. I think they also have a group menu that is quite reasonable, I know that a private room there which seats about 10 people is only about $50, so a truly great group dinner can be arranged there with some planning. If I were organizing this type of dinner, besides the "usual suspects" (LEYE type places etc) I would look at talking to some smaller, independent restaurants for whom a $350 table would be a great table, but where the food is quite good. One spot that comes immediately to mind is The 3rd Coast Café on Dearborn and Goethe. With some planning, they would be happy (I'm sure) to accommodate a large group and could arrange a menu ahead of time or order off the menu - off the menu $350 would cover a couple of great bottles of wine, plus everyone's entrees, appetizers and after dinner drinks, with some coordination they might be able to put togethe a special menu for your event. (full disclosure, I've been a regular at 3rd Coast for over 10+ years and know the owners, every past event I have held there has been a great success. Shannon Mon Sep 20 18:57:38 -0700 2004 637291 0 Shannon Clark 1 637324 If you can hop over to Greektown, almost any of the restaurants there would qualify: Greek Islands, Costa's, or Rodity's are all quite nicely furnished. We've had several business meetings at Costas... food's not overwhelming but it's good enough, the decor's classy, and the price is right. For Italian you could do Trattoria #10 in the Loop or Coco Pazzo just north of the river and hit your price point. Mon Sep 20 22:36:49 -0700 2004 637291 0 Chicago Mike 1 637338 La Sardine, a GREAT French bistrot in the west loop, offers half-priced wine on Mondays. Entrees average about 18 bucks, so the wine deal may keep you close to your budget. Tue Sep 21 13:38:07 -0700 2004 637291 0 Kenny