664805 Wed Nov 04 17:43:57 -0800 2009 6 7 Chicago Area 0 5156752 I would like to host a dinner for 8-10 people at a really nice restaurant in Chicago in January to celebrate by husband's 50th birthday. My budget is roughly $100-$125 per person, including wine. My choice was Topolobampo, but I can't get a reservation. I thought 2.5 months in advance would be enough! So now I am not sure at all. Does anyone have a recommendation for other restaurants to consider? My other thoughts are: - Cafe des Architectes - Coco Pazzo - Le Bouchon - one sixty blue But I have not eaten at any of these and I want to make sure that the meal will be a good one, that the restaurant will be pretty and comfortable, and that the service will be good. I'm hoping that you'll all have some suggestions for me to consider. Thank you! Wed Nov 04 17:43:57 -0800 2009 1121822 Champaign05 1 5157111 I had a very disappointing birthday dinner at Cafe des Architectes last month. Two reasons primarily -- very amateurish service & my steak was overcooked. On the latter, I'd ordered medium rare and it came out medium. At my husband's urging, I sent it back -- something I never do, but he was right because it was really not right. By the time my entree returned, my husband had finished his; they were only mildly apologetic about the problem. We'd really been looking forward to the dinner too. By contrast, we went to Perennial earlier in the year for my husband's birthday. Food was terrific. I'd recommend Perennial, not Cafe des A. Wed Nov 04 20:25:33 -0800 2009 5156752 25595 masha 1 5157127 If you like the food Coco Pazzo offers, I would suggest Piccolo Sogno instead. Le Bouchon is very nice - I just can't imagine fitting a large group in there. Have you considered Naha? Carnivale? Salpicon would be great if you want upscale and excellent Mexican. Wed Nov 04 20:36:48 -0800 2009 5156752 12590 BRB 1 5157343 Le Bouchon wouldn't be able to accommodate you due to their size, but their sister restaurant Le Sardine, just might. Other places to consider would be Naha, Sepia, Perennial, Sola or MK. Thu Nov 05 03:08:13 -0800 2009 5156752 24468 chicgail 1 5157586 Thank you all so much for your ideas. I'm giving Piccolo Sogno and Naha some serious thought. Is the atmosphere in these two restaurants such that a party table of 8 would not be out of place, or are these places that I should consider a private room for? Thu Nov 05 06:11:06 -0800 2009 5156752 1121822 Champaign05 2 5157714 Both can get a bit loud, but I still think they are conversation friendly. Of course, even at the quietest restaurant, a long table will make conversing with someone at the other end difficult. I'd call and see what they can do for you. Thu Nov 05 06:54:36 -0800 2009 5157586 12590 BRB