665199 Fri Nov 06 09:46:15 -0800 2009 4 7 Chicago Area 0 5161057 Hello Chicago Chowhounders: I have a reservation at Spring during Thanksgiving week and I was wondering if you have any opinions about what to order there for appetizers and entrees? I'll be going to Zocalo, TRU, David Burke's Primehouse (for Thanksgiving dinner) and Cafe Spiaggia. I chose Spring to get a more seafood-oriented menu. Also, how is the dessert at Spring? I ask because I'll be in the neighborhood of Hot Chocolate and I'm thinking of going there for dessert. Thanks for your assistance. Fri Nov 06 09:46:15 -0800 2009 73034 ChemWork 1 5161318 For a starter, we loved the pork belly and for an entree- loved the scallops. Fri Nov 06 11:07:58 -0800 2009 5161057 282922 ms. mika 1 5161333 The seared Maine Scallops with braised oxtail is probably my favorite entree in the entire city -- it's Spring's signature dish. I have always been big fan of Spring's oysters, too. Hot Chocolate for dessert is a good call. Zocalo? Unless you have a specific resason for going (gift certificate, cousin is a bartender there, etc.), I would visit Mr. Bayless at Frontera or better yet travel further north to Mixteco Grill. Fri Nov 06 11:10:45 -0800 2009 5161057 187693 alexi612 2 5161697 alexi: Thanks for the feedback. I've been to Frontera several times and really love it. But it's not open on Mondays and that's the day I've got set aside for Mexican (and I want to try a different place). I've read some good reviews about Zocalo. Do you have recommendations other than Mixteco Grill? Fri Nov 06 13:01:47 -0800 2009 5161333 73034 ChemWork 1 5162273 Ate there last week, had a delightful tasting menu, which included 6 courses, and 3 amuse buches. My dining partner paired his with the wine. It was fantastic. Dessert at Spring is fantastic. We had a chocolate mousse with candied squash that was fantastic. Last time we were there we shared a chinese hot mustard ice cream paired with a banana toffee cake. Sounds weird, but it was very good. Hot Chocolate deserves its own meal. its more than just a dessert place. Fri Nov 06 16:20:05 -0800 2009 5161057 274452 jjc58