119528 Wed Apr 19 17:00:41 -0700 2006 32 7 Chicago Area 0 652282 This may sound like a silly question, but is there such a thing has having too many "must-do"s on a restaurant itinerary (as opposed to having one or two neighborhood type places)? Take my potential itinerary, for example. I've now got Topolobampo for Tuesday lunch, Spring for Saturday dinner, potentially Alinea for Thursday dinner (although I really want to squeeze Scylla in somehow) and either Greektown or Green Zebra for Friday dinner (no reservations at any of these places yet). Sunday night is Terragusto and Monday night I have Custom House. I keep thinking that if I want to dine at Scylla, then maybe I should remove Terragusto since it's more like a neighborhoody place than a destination restaurant. However, I really don't want my dining list to be merely a "greatest hits" of Chicago. I love cozy, comfortable places (got Erwin set for Wednesday dinner before the Cubs game) as well and I think it's important not to dine in only the most well-known restaurants. I'm thinking now that Alinea and Tru may be overkill; what do you guys think? Is it too much fine food for a week's stay? I'm also wondering if I've made a mistake scheduing Topo for lunch; a nice leisurely lunch at a fine restaurant is a lovely thing, but I can't help wondering if I'm missing out on something there by not having dinner..... I'd love to hear your opinions; as much as restaurant research is my favorite part of planning a vacation, it also causes me a great deal of grief ....well, lol, not really, but it's so hard to choose (although rationally I understand that Chicago is NOT far from NY and I can come back anytime). Wed Apr 19 17:00:41 -0700 2006 0 Betsy 1 652285 There is no such thing as too much fine dining if you can afford it! Go for the big splurge. One of the best vacations I ever did was a whirlwind theater and dining trip to NYC in 2003. We had lunch and dinner reservations everyday and all were 3- and 4-star places (8 meals) and 4 plays/musicals. We had to plan everything down to the last detail...and it was TOTALLY worth it. We didn't have one dud in the bunch and I'm sure you can do the same in Chicago. Scylla is a great restaurant, but considering that the chef came from Spring, the food isn't really all that much different, so it might be a little bit of a duplication (although, in fairness, there is no direct overlap). I haven't tried Terragusto yet, so I can't comment. This may disqualify me from being a true "Chowhound," but I find the Greektown restaurants (at least the Greek ones) to be rather disappointing (or even worse than that in some cases). I don't think doing Topo at lunch is a mistake, especially beacuse you can fashion your own multi-course meal and the offerings are quite wonderful. I've actually skipped the entree at lunch before and did 2 appetizers, soup and dessert and it was a fabulous "tasting menu". But other times I've done app, entree and dessert. I really like the idea of contrasting Alinea and Tru...two of the very best in the country, but very different experiences. I hope you didn't mind my "warning" about Alinea posted below...I didn't mean it to be condescending or anything. Wed Apr 19 17:58:22 -0700 2006 652282 0 Pugman 2 652286 I wasn't offended at all, Pugman. In fact, I appreciate your "warnings". If I can't go to Alinea with an open mind, then there's no point in going...it's not fair to me (spending all that $$ to be miserable) or the chef (not giving him a chance to show what food can be). I could never be able to afford Tru and Alinea as every day treats, but .......I am on vacation. Plus, lol, I just got a nice tax refund. In a way, the government would be paying for my dinners (ok, in my warped way!)...... As for Greektown/Greek restaurants, I have to admit I have them on my list because I wanted to have an authentic ethnic experience in Chicago. However, I can get that from Topo at the very least and since I plan to explore Pilsen, I'll have other opportunities to sample authentic ethnic eats. Greek food is probably the same as it is in NY - maybe I'll forgo Greektown and even subsitute T.O.C (the Thai place) for Erwin before the Cubs game. You've been a great help, Pugman - thanks! Wed Apr 19 18:14:41 -0700 2006 652285 0 Betsy 3 652294 Good choice about doing Thai food...we have wonderful Thai food in Chicago and some quite decent Vietnamese food, too. But the Chinese food pales in comparison to NY, SF and SoCal, however. The Greek food in Chicago is abundant, but mostly pretty "eh"...you won't be missing much since you have plenty of access to Greek food in NY. (Sorry, fellow 'Hounds, that's my story and I'm stickin' with it.) PS: Erwin is a very good restaurant, but nothing particularly unique, so TAC Quick may be a more memorable choice. Enjoy your awesome vacation...I'm jealous! I'm going to NY next week to catch a play, but the people I'm going with are "frugal" so we're eating somewhere cheap. Boo! Thu Apr 20 00:10:43 -0700 2006 652286 0 Pugman 4 652296 Pugman, looks like Tru is out -I can't believe it (a month and a half early), but per open table, they are completely booked for the whole week I am there. I don't believe there's any way I'll get a reservation at Alinea either.......but I'll try. I'm really in the dumps about Tru - I can't believe even weekdays are booked. Do you have any other suggestion for a splurge? Have a great time in NY - what show are you seeing? You can get "cheap" and good food in NY, but I agree - it's always nice go to a fine restaurant in great food city. Thu Apr 20 08:13:50 -0700 2006 652294 0 Betsy 5 652299 Call the restaurant-many times I have seen restaurants unavailable on opentable but available when you call the restaurant personally, the # is:312-202-0001. Thu Apr 20 08:52:44 -0700 2006 652296 0 Elrushbo 6 652300 Hi Elrushbo That's a good idea, Elrushbo. I normally always call (as opposed to going through a website or open table), but I was so anxious this morning. I'd much prefer to speak to a human being, anyway! By the way, where did you end up going for your father's birthday? I know you were having a hard time choosing (which I understand!) between Alinea, Moto and Avenues... Speaking of Avenues, if I can't get into True/Alinea, then I am going to try to get a reservation there. I figure, so what if it's somewhat formal; it will feel good to get dressed up.....plus, the menu looks wonderful. Thu Apr 20 09:21:48 -0700 2006 652299 0 Betsy 7 652345 That trip isn't until June 16-18. I had been torn, cause someone whose opinion I trust really loves Avenues, but it's closing less than two weeks after my planned visit for an extensive remodeling. When I pay that kind of money for dining, in addition to the food I want nice, soothing ambience, and Avenues is basically admitting the room sucks and needs work, and I'd be thinking they were in shut-down mode, that I might not get their best effort. Seeing so many pics of Alinea on flickr.com helped, it's so beautiful and the food looks so good! Plus my dad is open to eclectic food. So Alinea it is! With Spring the night before. I will definitely hit Avenues shortly after their remodel. Fri Apr 21 10:08:46 -0700 2006 652300 0 Elrushbo 8 652352 One of the appealing things about going out for a fine meal (and good food can be served in a dive, IMO) is that it feels so special - the service is smooth (and I normally don't care about the service unless it's just plain bad), the food is great - and for someone who dines solo a lot, it's a great feeling. I'll be going to Alinea as well and I'll be sure to post a report......I've got Spring for my last night in Chicago. I decided to go for Scylla on Sunday night instead of Terragusto; as much as I adore pasta, I just really wanted to try this restaurant. Custom House is not open on Memorial Day (and they normally are open Monday's) so I had to mix things around a bit. Now I think I'll end up at Avec, which I wanted to try in the first place. Hopefully they will be open on Memorial Day......... My final list is Scylla, Avec, Topo (for lunch), Custom House, Erwin (or T.O.C Quick), Tru, Alinea and Spring........whew. Lots of research but I believe it will be worth it! Fri Apr 21 13:30:41 -0700 2006 652345 0 Betsy 9 652366 Wow! What a trip! Sat Apr 22 02:09:38 -0700 2006 652352 0 Elrushbo 10 652371 LOL the trip would be great if I stayed in my hotel all day and just went out for dinner. I can't believe how much there is to do in Chicago....I'm there for a week and I haven't touched it all. Actually, that's a good thing - it gives me an excuse to come back (not that I need one). Sat Apr 22 13:00:37 -0700 2006 652366 0 Betsy 11 652385 You have to walk around a bit and work up an appetite, don't want to go to a multi-course dinner less than hungry! Imagine going to Alinea and being full 1/3 of the way in! When is your big trip again? Mon Apr 24 08:17:39 -0700 2006 652371 0 Elrushbo 12 652391 No, I don't want anything to spoil my Alinea experience...I suspect I'll be having a nice light lunch that day (that's my Lincoln Park/Wiener's Circle day) I'll arrive in Chicago on 5/28/06 and leaving on 6/4/06.......I just booked my flights; I have all my necessary tickets (King Tut, boat tour, etc...) so now I just have to wait (impatiently) for the next month to pass by....that won't be easy. Mon Apr 24 13:08:06 -0700 2006 652385 0 Betsy 1 652298 IMHO, you CANNOT have too much fine food, that's like seeing too many sunny days or too many beautiful sunsets. Are you worried that other people might percieve your plans as excessive? Who cares if they do! I think it would be wonderful to hit all three McClain places in one trip! You have a wonderful trip planned, don't knock yourself, enjoy to its' fullest, it sounds like it will be a blast! A trip to remember, for sure! I am envious, be sure to post a lengthy trip report when you get back. Thu Apr 20 08:47:44 -0700 2006 652282 0 Elrushbo 2 652301 You guys are great, thanks so much! I promise to write a trip report when I return - it will be like reliving my meals all over again. I'm so glad to find a place where people understand that making dining plans is the best part of planning a vacation! Thu Apr 20 09:23:36 -0700 2006 652298 0 Betsy 3 652344 When I go to Vegas, I always plan a couple nice dinners well in advance, the food there is one of the big attractions for me. I've had great experiences every time, a little research is a wise thing to do when spending that kind of $$. Fri Apr 21 09:59:46 -0700 2006 652301 0 Elrushbo 1 652304 Definitely call Alinea and Tru; if you're flexible with time, you might score a table. I've been able to get into Alinea with rather short notice. It helps if you're willing to dine at 5:30-6:00 or after 9:00. Since the meals are long, I like going early. Avenues or Spiaggia would be good fine-dining substitutes. I would normally also recommend Les Nomades, but I haven't been there since famed chef Roland Liccioini's departure. I'll even cast a vote for the oft-bashed Charlie Trotter's, especially if you like desserts. Della Gossett is an immensely talented pastry chef. (BTW in answer to your question below, I'm going to see Avenue Q and we're eating at Becco.) Thu Apr 20 10:16:36 -0700 2006 652282 0 Pugman 2 652316 Yay! I scored both Tru AND Alinea.....and back to back! I've got Tru for Thursday, June 2 at 7:00 pm (I'm REALLY happy about this one; the gentleman I spoke to said the restaurant had been sold but he did confirm that Tramanto and Gand were still in plac. Whew!) and Alinea for Friday June 3rd at 6:15 pm. It's a tad early for me, but I'll take what I can get. Now that I think about it, an early dinner at Alinea is fine, given all the courses involved. They're very nice - Terry even asked me about any dietary restrictions or things I don't eat and assured me that it's not a problem for the chef. Avenue Q is supposed to be great - enjoy! I'd also like to recommend Jersey Boys for the next time you come into town. It's about the Four Seasons and it's incredible. Thu Apr 20 13:28:09 -0700 2006 652304 0 Betsy 3 652321 You scored! Good for you. Don't worry about Tramonto and Gand's presence or lack thereof. It won't matter one bit. We all want a very detailed report. Thu Apr 20 16:33:25 -0700 2006 652316 0 Pugman 4 652331 I didn't even know Tru was being sold - I have to admit that I hope they are behind the stoves, but I'm sure it will be delicious anyway. I know celebrity chefs half the time are not even in their restaurants' kitchens, but rather off promoting some book or tv show. I'll definitely post a report; everyone has been a big help and you guys deserve to know how it all turned out! Thu Apr 20 20:29:38 -0700 2006 652321 0 Betsy 5 652347 Tramonto and Gand haven't been "behind the stove" at Tru very often for a loooong time and the food is none the worse (and a lot say it's better). They are opening 2 restaurants (a steak/seafood house and an osteria) in the Westin North Shore that's under construction in Wheeling and are also supposed to be opening in another location, too (I heard in the Pump Room space, but can't verify that). I hope Tru stays true to its mission and remains a fine-dining powerhouse. They've got some great talent there. Fri Apr 21 11:51:50 -0700 2006 652331 0 Foodgeek 6 652350 You and Pugman have made me feel better about Tru, Foodgeek. As long as the food is great, I'm happy. Let's hope nothing ever changes in that regard. Fri Apr 21 13:25:25 -0700 2006 652347 0 Betsy 4 652343 Tru sold? To who? Why? Fri Apr 21 09:56:23 -0700 2006 652321 0 Elrushbo 5 652349 I was shocked - I'm sure that's what I heard the reservationist say. I tried to make a reservation for Tuesday (I think) and he said they were closed to the public that day......that the restaurant was sold. I kind of messed up what I wanted to ask (whether Gand and Tramonto were still there), but since he didn't volunteer that they weren't, I assume they sill are. I could have been mistaken, though; that would be pretty big news in Chicago and wouldn't it be in the newspapers? Fri Apr 21 13:24:06 -0700 2006 652343 0 Betsy 6 652365 Maybe the entire restaurant was rented for that day? Sat Apr 22 02:07:07 -0700 2006 652349 0 Elrushbo 3 652375 Tru was bought by the Lettuce Entertain You Group a little while ago which is what I think people are referring to. Tramonto and Gand are still part owners. In line with the orginal post about too much fine food, I am coming to Chicago for the restaurant convention at the end of May and scored reservations at Custom House on Saturday night, Tru on Sunday night and Alinea on Monday night (Tru and Alinea are not normally open on those nights but b/c of the convention they are). If anyone is looking for a reservation at Tru for Monday May 22nd, I just canceled a party of 7 to switch to Sunday night. It is the last table they had so if anyone is looking for reservations at Tru for a group of 5,6, or 7, you might want to call today. Sun Apr 23 14:13:03 -0700 2006 652316 0 Drew 4 652381 Tru has ALWAYS been a Melman restaurant from the get-go - Gand and Tramonto have never owned it. They were hired away from the now-defunct Trio by to open the place; the restaurant has always been a product of their artistic/culinary vision, but it was never theirs as such. I haven't seen anything in the Chicago press indicating that they are leaving the LEYE group; Tramonto's other ventures are also Melman-financed. Sun Apr 23 20:51:11 -0700 2006 652375 0 peg 4 652384 It's still strange, though because the person I spoke to made it sound like the restaurant was closed that day due to a recent sale......I could have been completely mistaken though. I think I got very lucky in scoring reservations for all of the restaurants that I wanted to go to - I had no idea there was a convention going on. Sun Apr 23 22:51:04 -0700 2006 652375 0 Betsy 4 652387 Tru is a partnership owned by three people...Tramonto, Gand and Melman. It is not a "Lettuce" restaurant per se, but part of the deal is that Tru employees get LEYE benefits, and the property is protected under the LEYE umbrella (legal, PR, etc). With regards to a recent "sale", it is probably a reference to a buy out of the space, meaning there will be a large party, thus closing the restaurant off to outside guests. Mon Apr 24 10:11:16 -0700 2006 652375 0 xxxxx 5 652404 ....just read today that Gand & Tramonto are opening multiple new restaurants in the new Westin North Shore in Wheeling - four (!) in total. The following doesn't shed any light on whether the LEYE quasi-partnership is being terminated or not, though: Link: http://www.suntimes.com/output/zwecker/cst-ftr-zp24.html Mon Apr 24 23:01:33 -0700 2006 652387 0 peg 4 652402 Ok, folks. There's a lot of misinformation floating around out there about Tru. I know because I work there. Tru has NOT been sold. Our reservationist was referring to a "buy-out", which means that a client has booked every table in the restaurant for a special event. We will not be open to the public that night. Also, it is incorrect to say that Tru was "bought by Lettuce Entertain You". Tru has been owned by LEYE, Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand since day one. Rick and Gale are still the Executive Chefs of the restaurant and, though they are partnering in a side project, remain at the helm of Tru. On May 25th we celebrate our 7th anniversary. And on May 7th we attend the James Beard Awards where we have been honored with our third consecutive Best Service nomination. I hope we bring home the award this year. Mon Apr 24 22:26:12 -0700 2006 652375 0 7Turns 1 652378 Relax - Go to 26th and Pulaski and walk in to any interesting Mexican restaurant...it's such an important community in Chicago...you should sample the area for a Chicago experience...you'll eat like a king for about $30 for 2 ...all those top restaurants will start to taste the same...I have eaten at many of them Sun Apr 23 19:00:38 -0700 2006 652282 0 Hungry G 2 652379 I'm definitely going to explore Pilsen, and would love to explore more of the ethnic neighborhoods (and restaurants) if I have the time. If not, they're for next time. I can't try to do everything or eat in all kinds of restaurants in one week, but I intend to come back for more! Sun Apr 23 19:48:51 -0700 2006 652378 0 Betsy