Girl Trip

[Bennieben]

Three women flying solo for the weekend (late september) are looking for some interesting, local Chicago hangouts with great food and atmosphere. Polished pallet a must - Music & good food a plus. Let me know your thoughts.

[chicgail]

"Polished pallet a must."

Not clear. Are you looking for some kind of an upscale wholesale outlet? Costco?

[Bennieben]

Let me try again. PALATE, not pallet! I was on my way to bed last night when posting. Would love some fun local spots to eat, drink, and be merry.

[sis2catbat]

Your inquiry is far too vague, Bennie. Chicago is a large place. "Local" to what? "Great food" can run the gamut from Alinea to Hot Doug's. "Music" would suggest a live venue.

Help us help you.

[chicgail]

Sorry for the misreading of your OP (polished pallet, indeed!).

The answers to these specific questions might help:
Where are you staying?
Do you have a car or will you be using public transportation?
It sounds like you want to venture into the neighborhoods. True?
What is your budget?
Do you have likes/dislikes re food, ethnic cuisine, style of cooking, etc.?
Are you looking for the food/music venues to be together?

[Bennieben]

Thanks for your help Chicgail and sis2catbat. I am getting the hang of this...slowly. I did some research on the board this afternoon and everything from Alinea to Hot Doug's sound good! We are staying at the Palmer House Hilton. We have not decided on a car yet but would probably prefer to walk or use public transportation. Neighborhood spots are a preference. The budget is flexible but we don't want any thing formal, just good food. All food is to be considered, no major dislikes. Food and music do not need to be together. Food then music would be nice. Jazz or something local. I read about the Green Zebra and is it il Milano? Something italian would be nice - can't go wrong there.

[vpcoco]

I was in Chicago about a month ago. Loved it; it was my first time. We ate at a great Italian Restaurant called Piccolo Sogno. Although the waiter was not knowledgeable about the wine, the food made up for it, from the stuffed zucchini blossoms to the stuffed ravioli with mushrooms, cheese and truffle oil to the Medittarian Seabass. Cocktails at Bin 36 is where you can order a variety of wine flights. A MUST is Frontera, Rick Bayless's Mexican Restaurant. Although I think my guacomole is better, the food is delicious, especially the vegetarian entrees. If it is not too cold, the Architecture River Cruise is a great introduction to the history of Chicago architecture. Enjoy your trip!