60th Birthday Ideas

[anniesly]

My hubby's 60th is in late May. I am considering blowing budget and treating him to a "60th/Diamond" inspired trip to Chicago. We live 2 hrs away and I am considering a stay at the Elysian-recent 5 diamond award winner(get the theme?)Anyway, we have eaten at Avenues, C Trotters, Everest(they are also 5 diamond winners)-so I was looking to be a litte more creative here(also since I am blowing budget on hotel). Any sugesstions for restaurants that fit my "60" or "diamond" theme that are also worth checking out for this special occasion? ...also, we have eaten at one sixtyblue. Looking forward to your ideas.

[nsxtasy]

You don't mention having been to Alinea, now in its fourth year as a winner of the five diamond award from the AAA. Alinea is widely regarded as not only the best restaurant in the United States, but the best in the country, and was recently named one of the ten best restaurants in the world. As good as Avenues, Trotter's, and Everest are, Alinea is on another level entirely. Chef Grant Achatz uses unusual cooking and presentation techniques, and the whole thing works - everything is amazingly delicious and a fun experience. You can get a better idea of what it's like from the comic strip at http://lucylou.livejournal.com/555828.html Alinea started taking May reservations on March 1; call them right away and see if you can get a slot for your visit. www.alinearestaurant.com

One other suggestion I would make for your visit is North Pond. North Pond is not quite at that super-expensive level of Alinea and the others, but it's very good indeed, with contemporary American cuisine from James Beard Award finalist Chef Bruce Sherman. What makes North Pond unique is its exquisite setting in the middle of Lincoln Park (the park itself, not the adjacent neighborhood of the same name). It faces its namesake pond, with the city skyline looming over the opposite shore. The renovated building formerly served as a warming shelter for ice skaters on the pond in winter. In May, it's open for dinner, weekday lunch, and Sunday brunch, so any one of those may be easy to fit into your plans. I wouldn't miss Alinea for it, but I would keep it in mind for another meal during your stay. www.northpondrestaurant.com