Need advice on Mother's Day Lunch (Spiaggia / Cafe Spiaggia / other restaurants?)

[bossalover]

My mother and I are going to have Chicago trip for Mother's Day weekend. I have been trying to find a good restaurant ($200 for two - w/out wine) for Mother's Day Lunch in Chicago (Hopefully near Elysian Hotel.)

I found that Spiggia is having a prix-fix menu for Mother's Day lunch on their website, so I have made an online reservation. However, after reading mixed reviews on Spiaggia, I started wondering if I should keep the reservation. I just want to have some time to experience the authentic Italian cuisine.

The menu at Cafe Spiaggia sounds fine as well. The price seems good, too. I am just concerned whether the quality of food at Cafe Spiaggia is not as good as Spiaggia. If you have been to the two restaurant, how do you judge Cafe Spiaggia in terms of their ambience, food, and service?

I am open to other suggestions too. I would appreciate your advice. Thanks!

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Cafe Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Mother's Day Restaurant
8815 W Cermak Rd, Riverside, IL 60546

[nsxtasy]

Based on my visits, both Cafe Spiaggia and Spiaggia are thoroughly excellent at what they do, but the overall experience is entirely different between the two. Cafe Spiaggia is moderately priced, and the atmosphere is decidedly casual; the food is excellent, mainstream but creative Italian fare. Spiaggia is quite a formal dining experience; for example, jackets are required for gentlemen, even for the two brunches they are open each year. The food is much more creative than at the cafe, with more unusual preparations and ingredients (even if you don't pop for the white truffle tasting menu), and the level of service is top-notch, commensurate with its reputation and price. It's normally very expensive, but the brunch price does indeed seem good. I think Spiaggia is a wonderful place in every way (aside from the price); I simply do not agree with the negative review that one particular visitor from out of town has posted repeatedly on this forum after a single visit there. Neither do the judges for the James Beard Awards, which named Spiaggia one of five finalists nationwide for Restaurant of the Year this year.

Both feature authentic Italian cuisine; the question to ask yourself is whether you are looking for an enjoyable but casual lunch, or a more formal experience with more unusual preparations and ingredients. You know your mom; go to the one you think she would enjoy more!

[bossalover]

Nsxtasy, thanks for your prompt response. I was concerned about some negative reviews I found online, but I felt relieved after knowing your opinion. She does enjoy fancy atmosphere like l'Espadon, so I will keep the reservation at Spiggia. Thanks again for your advice!

[chicgail]

I would not worry about the quality of food or the experience of either Spiaggia or Cafe Spiaggia. First, they share the same kitchen and the same executive chef. It may be that, because of the regular menu's price point, Spiaggia is subject to much more rigorous criticism than lower priced restaurants like the Cafe. One pays that much more and one's expectations are that much higher.

I think both would be a beautiful lunch and, as nsxtasy suggests, it may simply come down to whether your mother prefers a more formal or a more casual experience that day. Neither one should disappoint.

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Cafe Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

[bossalover]

Hi Chicgail, thanks for your suggestion! I talked with my mother and she seemed to experience Spiggia, so I have decided to keep the reservation. Thank you for your suggestion!

[uhockey]

Cafe Spiaggia's INGREDIENTS aren't as haute or esoteric as Spiaggia - the food is just as good, the service is better, the view similar, and the experience a MUCH better bang for the buck.

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Cafe Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611