Chicago Birthday Dinner

[chitownmouse]

My birthday is coming up in Late September and I need:

- a really good place for my husband to take me can be slightly pricey
- a fun/good value place for my girlfriends with that 'special' factor

I am gluten free so that is a bit limiting. We tend to like spicy food such as Latin American, Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian, also seafood and are willing to go anywhere from downtown to the far north edge of city. Someone suggested the Terrace at Trump for specialness but can you get enough to eat without spending a bundle?

Usually we find great BYO gems in the neighborhoods, we love places that have really nice patios. In the past we have enjoyed Thyme, Bistro Campagne (best ever patio but I don't love French). Mixteco Grill, Tapas Barcelona, Adobo Grill. We are fun folks in our 50's, so not really into a bar scene or really loud.

flood me with ideas rich in that 'special factor". Thanks!

[nsxtasy]

Most nicer restaurants are happy to accommodate gluten restrictions.

The problem with planning on outdoor dining is that it's dependent on weather. In late September, it's iffy; it can be pleasant, but it can also be raining or cold. That's a problem with the Terrace at the Trump Hotel; it's only open if the weather is nice. And if you move inside to eat at Sixteen instead, it's pretty expensive and also pretty dressy, and I wasn't all that impressed with the food there (it was pretty good but nothing wowed me).

You've mentioned liking upscale ethnic places. Along these lines, I recommend Mexique or Mundial Cocina Mestiza for Mexican bistro, Red Light or Opera for pan-Asian, Carnivale or Nacional 27 for Latin fusion, Mercat a la Planxa for tapas, Le Colonial for Vietnamese, or Vermilion for Latin-Indian. If you'd like to go in a contemporary American direction, there are so many great choices, including Graham Elliot, Cafe des Architectes, Naha, and MK in the general downtown area, as well as North Pond and Perennial in Lincoln Park, Magnolia Cafe in Uptown, and Chef's Station in Evanston. Graham Elliot and Chef's Station both have a whimsical nature to them that makes them fun, and North Pond's location in the middle of the park is exquisite. For contemporary upscale seafood, consider Spring in Bucktown or Oceanique in Evanston. Some of these places offer sidewalk seating, including Magnolia, Chef's Station, and Oceanique. These are all excellent places and appropriate for a celebration, either with your husband or with friends. Check out the menus on their websites to get an idea of cuisine and prices:

www.mexiquechicago.com
www.mundialcocinamestiza.com
www.redlight-chicago.com
www.opera-chicago.com
www.carnivalechicago.com
www.n27chicago.com
www.mercatchicago.com
www.lecolonialchicago.com
www.thevermilionrestaurant.com
www.grahamelliot.com
www.cafedesarchitectes.com
www.naha-chicago.com
www.mkchicago.com
www.northpondrestaurant.com
www.perennialchicago.com
www.magnoliacafeuptown.com
www.chefs-station.com
www.springrestaurant.net
www.oceanique.com