Tough one--Special dinner near Schaumburg

[chris]

Alright, this one is a bit tricky since the area is mall heaven.

I'm looking for advice for a "nice" dinner for two near Schaumburg. The fallback option is Le Titi De Paris, which I have no problems with....I'm just looking for options.

Anyplace within 10-15 miles...so Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, Palatine, etc are all fine.

Cuisine--we're both vegetarians. We don't mind eating the same thing so if there's only one thing on the menu, that's fine. Cost isn't much of an issue (if I can get away with under $150 including wine that'd be excellent).

Points to creativity. Ethnic cuisine is fine. No go to Paprikash and Retro Bistro. Any other suggestions welcome!

[Sredni Vashtar]

Udupi Palace on Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg is actually a very nice place for vegetarian eating. Unlike most Indian places its decor is light and modern. The menu is expansive and the service helpful.

[Suburban Sandy]

What about Bistro Maisonette in Bloomingdale? Do you like tapas? There is a good place called Tapas Valencia, also in Bloomingdale. It's not a high-end place, but good food.

[LAWoman]

Hate to disagree but we had a very blah meal at Valencia this past spring. Very boring, dishes not well executed compared to other tapas places. Horrible bread, poor service.

Definitely not a place for a special occasion dinner in my book.

While not in the style (or price range!) of Le Titi, Alt Thai in Arlington Heights is terrific. Very veg friendly and a very cool vibe. Wonderful, gracious service. An all around enjoyable experience.

I've also heard good things about DJ Bistro and Bistro Kirkou in Lake Zurich and both are on our list to try.

[chris]

Believe it or not, that was me. ;)

I'm actually willing to take suggestions that don't necessarily have veg options on the menu. Many places I've talked to may not have anything on the menu but with a couple days notice are willing to whip something up.

[amy elizabeth]

Sorry about the mistake. When I first read the subject line, the first thing that popped into my head was Entourage in Schaumburg, but I looked at their menu and they only have one vegetarian pasta. However, I went there last weekend and the atmosphere was very hip, definitely less staid then some place like Le Titi or D&J. The interior was kind of Frank Lloyd Wright/art deco, more like something you would find in the city. Nice bar area too. Maybe that's an option...

[amy elizabeth]

Someone just posted recently that D&J Bistro in Lake Zurich has a lot of vegetarian options. Do a search and I'm sure you will find it. It may be out of your preferred area, but it sounds perfect.