Blackbird: Do the tasting or order off the menu?

[hungryinaz]

I can't find a bad word about Blackbird so I have it on my must-try list but I'm wondering if I should do the tasting or just order off the menu. If anyone has a strong opinion on this matter, I would love to hear it. Also, is the extra $40 for the wine pairing worth it? And if we hit Blackbird, is there any point trying to fit Avec into an already tight eating schedule?

Thanks!

[ems]

I've done the tasting menu several times and generally really enjoyed it. Of course, it's a longer night than having a meal off the menu. I think the tasting menu with the wine is a greate value compared to other similar places. Avec is a one of a kind restaurant in Chicago and I highly recommend it.

[phr208]

For a la carte, what are the portions like? Are the appetizers enough for a few people to get a tasting from?

[ems]

Each person would be getting a few bites from an appetizer. The portions are not large. But you could have fun tasting different dishes from the a la carte menu.