Schwa / El Ideas / Goosefoot - Best Choice With Dietary Restrictions (etc.)

[arsephin]

Hello all,

Long time reader but first time poster. I need some help choosing a high-end BYO for people with dietary restrictions which, unfortunately, is why I shy away from these types of restaurants.

My dining companion and I are both "foodie" types, but we both have restricted diets. For religious reasons, we don't eat beef (she's Hindu). I don't eat pork and she only eats it on rare occasion. I also avoid shellfish.

Which of the above restaurants (if any) could best accomodate these types of dietary restrictions?

Assuming that more than one could reasonably accommodate a few other "facts" to consider:
- we are celebrating an impending promotion that will, unfortunately, take my dining companion from Chicago
- we both like having fun and appreciate a somewhat hip vibe (I take it Schwa might win that battle?), but also like fine dining (Goosefoot?)
- we're pretty keen on new experiences (El Ideas sounds interesting) and creative food combinations
- I really wouldn't mind romantic either as I am head over heels for her...but we're not dating...yet.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.*

Kind regards.
aresephin

* - seeking primarily dining advice, not dating advice (though I probably need that even moreso). :)

[MegDuf32]

Schwa will accommodate any restrictions you have. I have an anaphylatic reaction to shellfish and tree/pine nuts, and have never had a problem there.

[arsephin]

Did you just tell them when you showed up? I can't imagine trying to explain beforehand.

[Gonzo70]

Those three restaurants are three of my six favorite restaurants in Chicago! My understanding is that Schwa and El Ideas generally do not make substitutions/accommodations for dietary restrictions (however I am not 100% certain of this, so hopefully someone will correct me if I am mistaken). Goosefoot on the other hand is very open to accommodating dietary restrictions and even inquires about this when calling to confirm the reservation. All three of these venues are difficult to get into these days, so require significant advance planning, but all three have outstanding cuisine and make for a memorable dining experience.

In case you are not able to get reservations at these venues within the necessary time period for your celebration some of my favorite venues that are easier to get into are Tru (fine dining) and Boka (excellent food, but more casual atmosphere than Tru). Also a new restaurant will be opening in late August or early September (Elizabeth) and the dining experience there will likely be somewhat similar to El Ideas; the chef (Iliana Regan) is extremely talented and had been doing elaborate underground dinners (One Sister) prior to getting her own venue. She has stated that she will try to accommodate dietary restrictions. She is not yet taking reservations, but likely will be soon (check out her website to monitor this: http://elizabeth-restaurant.com/Welco...).

[arsephin]

Thank you Gonzo. I will start out trying at Goosefoot. I might also try Bonsoiree; I have been told that they can accommodate dietary restrictions (though I dislike the ticketing process).

If you don't mind me asking, what are the other 3 of your top 6 restaurants? Is it possible to rank them?

Again, I appreciate your help.

-ap

[Gonzo70]

For booking Goosefoot they are on Open Table and at midnight (Central time) each night, they open up the day that is 90 days out. I recommend staying up until midnight and booking then, because often by mid morning that newly released day is booked up. You can try calling them to see if they are able to get you in sooner, but they are extremely popular (for good reason, the meal is phenomenal and a steal at current pricing).

My top Chicago restaurants (in order) are: Alinea, Next, Goosefoot, El Ideas, Boka, Schwa, Tru, One Sister (soon to become Elizabeth Restaurant), and iNG.

Bonsoiree is also excellent (it is just outside my top 10) and they do well with accommodating special diets (I have dined there with a person allergic to shellfish and a diabetic and they both were extremely pleased with the food they received). The only concern about Bonsoiree is they have a new chef taking over; while she is very talented it is unknown how this transition will go and what impact it will have on the cuisine and experience.

[arsephin]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try to book Goosefoot.

Are you also a Yelper, because your Top Ten list looks a lot like someone on Yelp (EN)?

[Gonzo70]

Yes, that's me. :)

[arsephin]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was able to nab a reservation -- earlier than I wanted (5:30) but it might end up working out pretty well, since there's a race the following day.

Much appreciated.

Corey