Dinner for One - Fine Dining Options in Chicago?

[RobC]

I have an opportunity to be in downtown Chicago this Thursday, December 4 and I'm looking for a good "menu degustation" option for myself.

Price is no option, and I'm considering places such as Alinea, Everest, Charlie Trotter's, Moto, MK, and One Sixty Blue.

Which resturant would you recommend and which one can accomodate a table of one (do any of them have a nice bar that I can sit at as an alternative, and preferred, option)?

Thanks!

[nsxtasy]

Any fine restaurant should be able to accommodate a solo diner and make himself/herself comfortable and welcome. I haven't done so at such places in Chicago, but I have in other cities, and I've never had any problems doing so.

I don't typically pay attention to bar seating - even in other cities, I generally prefer a table when dining solo - so I can't really advise you on that for most places. One exception I *do* know is Avenues, one of our finest restaurants; they have a counter with five bar stools facing the kitchen. It's not really a bar per se, though, since it's not where cocktails are prepared or where waiting diners linger; it's more of a bar/counter arrangement seating area for dining. It's on your left as you are led into the dining room. It's even pictured on their website (start at the hotel website www.peninsula.com then click on Hotels - Chicago, then click on Dining, then under Avenues click on Details, then click on Gallery). I don't know how much of the time there are people eating there (or whether you are hoping there are or aren't others alongside you); when I ate at Avenues on a Saturday night last spring, no one was seated there. Regardless, though, I suspect it's exactly what you're looking for, not only in terms of seating, but also for the quality of Avenues and particularly their tasting menus, so that's my top pick based on what you've stated.

Incidentally, there are other differences among the places you mention. Alinea is the most structured and "theatrical" and leans a bit more towards molecular gastronomy. All of these can do multi-course tasting menus, but the places where it is most elaborate are Alinea, Avenues, Trotter's, and Everest (in approximately that order). Alinea, Trotter's, and Avenues are the most expensive, generally $250-300/person including alcohol, tax, tip; Everest is a bit less, in the $200/pp range (even less if you go for the 3-course $50 pre-theater early special). These four are dressy, jackets appropriate for gentlemen. Moto, MK, and one sixtyblue are more casual (jackets not necessary) and less expensive (around $100/pp or so), and Moto is also a place that emphasizes molecular gastronomy.

Enjoy your dinner!