I have the opportunity to be in Chicago for the first time on business. I will need a good quality resturant to meet with some business friends and some of my staff. Can you recomend the quintessential Chicago resturanut? As far as I know, most would have never been there so I would like to pick a place that many others have been to a can relate good stories about. Large meeting space is not an issue, I'll be there in December. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[Nicko]

I can think of a couple of places right off the bat, Try Harvest on Huron, excellent game, I would also recommend Savarin, for great French food, and finally I would also recommend Deleece.

If you need to locate addresses for these restaurants go to:
www.metromix.com

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Thanks,

Nicko
nicko@cheftalk.com

Didn't get many posts on this one, but I have head two additional names:
1. Zealous
2. Printer's Row

Both aren't exactly what I was loking for but if you have opinions please let me know. Again since this was my frist time in the Windy City I'm not just looking for good food, but a good expirence. I can't help but repeat the word "Quintesential". An example is in Philly its Le Bec-Fin. Please help!

[Nicko]

I was surprised you didn't get more responses on this post either. In any event I want to give you some great places to go that I feel are very much Chicago.

-TRU is exceptional and I have not heard one person say a bad thing about it. On the contrary all I have heard is raves from the chefs. You can read a discussion about it that the communtity had awhile back here: http://www.cheftalkcafe.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000014.html

-Blackbird is Paul Kahans place and it is really exceptional especially in terms of food and overall experience.

-The dining room at the Ritz Carlton is excellent and Chef Sarah Stegner is tops in my book. I would highly recommend checking this one out.

-The Everest Room is a long time favorite that sports a great view of the city. The Chef is Jean JoHo and he is excellent.

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Thanks,

Nicko
nicko@cheftalk.com

Which part of town are you wanting?

I appreciate the recommendation of my restaurant... Deleece. that was nice.
I have a few favorites of my own. I love Green Dolphin Street for an evening because after dinner you can go into the club for an evening of jazz and dancing. The food is Great.
I like Grace... next door to Blackbird... Not as pretentious, either.
I agree with Everest. Fabulous food, great view.
There's all sorts of options. Four star**** food... atmosphere, hip, trendy, service, price, location. what are you looking for?

Thanks, now that's more like it. I guess the place I'm looking for would be downtown (staying at the Chicago Hilton & Towers), causal but not relaxed, great views, EXCELLANT food, and a "Chicago expirence".

By that I mean I would like my group to (a) have heard of the resturant and/or chef (b) be able to tell others where they have eaten and hear more good words back. As I said before the "Quintessential" Chicago resturant! Hope this info helps narrow down the list, thanks again.

with that information... I would say.... TRU.
Bring a big wallet. It's fabulous, but pricey. Book far in advance.

[David Jones]

Two of Chicago's quintessential restaurants closed this year - Gordon and Blue Mesa. Say what you may about each, they had 20+ year runs and opened at a time when Chicago was but a blip on the culinary map of the world. One just re-re-opened - Chef Jean Banchet's Le Francais - an incredible experience.

"Quintessential Chicago" doesn't say fine dining to me, necessarily...

How about Marche, 820 W Randolph? It's still a hip spot after 6 years, and has good brasserie food and solid service.

Or a steakhouse like Gibsons, The Chop House or Mortons?

Or Lou Mitchells on Jackson for breakfast?

Or Pizzeria Uno on Ohio?

Or The Wiener's Circle for Vienna hot dogs?

Or Geja's Cafe - where hundreds of Chicago marriage proposals are made each year for the last 30+ years?

Somebody stop me!!!!!!

[Mezzaluna]

Amen on Lou Mitchell's for breakfast. They're open until 2 PM, too. Those guys know how to scramble an egg and make a cup of coffee.

[Nicko]

Ouch, how could I forget Lou Mitchell's? That is the heart and sould of Chicago, used to go there all the time.

If you're talking Chicago and mention Lou Mitchell's how can you leave out Twin Anchors? Frank Sinatra loved the place and made sure that when his pallies were in town, they all joined him for ribs. The atmosphere is REAL Chicago, there are no rezzies for less than six and the crowd is great. It's one of the old standards of the Windy City. Everyone has their own tastes on ribs & BBQ sauce, I know. And I know you said, "Not too casual," but Twin Anchors is a great local haunt that fulfills the flavor of Chicago.

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I have to agree-Lou Mitchells, rocks. Do they still pass out little boxes of candy when you get seated? They are not open on Sundays, dont make the same mistake I did. I like the last few posts, The mentioned restuarants gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling, so they must be "Chicago Style". Have a great visit and let us know where you went.

Two words: Charlie Trotter'S

[David Jones]

Twin Anchors - excellent! Haven't been there in years. What about RJ Grunts - Rich Mehlman's first restaurant?