117890 Thu May 26 09:30:07 -0700 2005 7 7 Chicago Area 0 643640 We have room in our weekend for one nice meal in Chicago. Thought I had decided on Trio Atelier, but we will be relying on public transportation ... can we take a train (subway, el) there? Even returning late? Seems like it would be a heck of a cab ride. I am also enamored of North Pond Cafe's location ... seems like the better (and more reasonably priced) meal would be at Trio Atelier, but man ... the view! It would also be more romantic and convenient to post-dinner activities. (If we choose here, should I make a seating request when I reserve?) Also considering Naha, Blackbird, and Meritage. Help an indecisive fellow calm down and enjoy the fact that he has to make a "choice" between these fine establishments! Thu May 26 09:30:07 -0700 2005 0 Mazzer 1 643641 Metra train and the el both serve downtown Evanston. To go to Trio, get off at Davis Street and walk east on Davis a few blocks to Hinman Avenue and turn left. Trio is about half a short block north of Hinman and Davis intersection. You're right about the higher price and better view at North Pond, but Trio Atelier is doing amazing things right now (new menu last week--more upscale in every way except price). Thu May 26 10:04:22 -0700 2005 643640 0 Pugman 2 643676 Trio has great food and as pugman notes is relatively easy to reach by subway/metra. My one advice is that if you are returning late I would advise taking the metra back, the puruple line "express" only runs during weekday rush hours. The cab ride, outside of traffic, is a little over 30 minutes from the John Hancock Center and before the recent fare raise cost about $23. Not sure now. The drive up/down lakeshore is rather nice. Thu May 26 18:47:16 -0700 2005 643641 0 SHDW 2 643679 If you go to Trio, take the train to Evanston, but definitely take a cab back. The trip down Lake Shore Drive to Michigan Avenue is one of the world's greatest urban drives and cityscape vistas, especially after dark. I've lived here 14 years, but I never get tired of it. And, as you pass Lincoln Park, you'll be getting the same view as the good tables at North Pond. Now, that's worth a cab fare, I think. Thu May 26 19:41:19 -0700 2005 643641 0 JimInLoganSquare 2 643693 Also, the relatively posh neighborhood in which Trio Atelier is found is lovely and quiet, and only a couple of short blocks to the lake. Makes a really pleasant pre- or post-dinner stroll, particularly now that everyone's gardens are finally taking off. The Loop seems a million miles away - it's fun to know that it's only 20 or so minutes by Metra. Fri May 27 02:05:57 -0700 2005 643641 0 peg 1 643642 Check out the site below for planning travel via public transportation. Link: http://tripsweb.rtachicago.com Thu May 26 10:06:09 -0700 2005 643640 0 Ed Fisher 1 643672 North Pond was pretty snotty with us about the room with the view. Said even though we had requested it, it was on a first come/first serve basis and people stay a long time. Also took their sweet time about showing us to our table when there was no one ahead of us and plenty of tables open. I wasn't impressed. On the other hand, we had a wonderful, playful dinner at Trio Atelier a couple of weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thu May 26 18:16:14 -0700 2005 643640 0 ej 1 643696 Thanks all, I booked Trio Atelier and we are looking forward to it! Fri May 27 10:17:08 -0700 2005 643640 0 Mazzer