Tips 1 - 10 of 81 Chicago Restaurants
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Saloon Steak House: Little Known Steak House
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Tip Rating:  Satisfaction: 
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Restaurant Name: Saloon Steak House
For a very special 44th Wedding Anniversary on August 10, 2007, Allan and I agreed to eat at the Seneca Hotel's Restaurant called "Saloon Steakhouse". What an excellent decision we made!
First of all, we just took the elevator from our 17th floor room down to the Lobby of our hotel, walked a few feet inside, opened the side door, walked up about 6 steps, and we were inside the restaurant.
We were seated in a room where there was only one small table; the rest were large groups of people. It was somewhat loud, but it only added to our festive mood..
Favorite Dish: First, we ordered drinks: Allan had a red wine, and I ordered a Reisling. Both of these wines were outstanding. They brought warm bread with whipped butter to the table. I usually don't eat either bread or butter; however, we were starving from all the walking we had shared that day. The bread was just wonderful, and we each had three pieces!
A crisp, fresh salad came with our meal, and we both ordered blue cheese dressing, which was above par, indeed.
Allan ordered a 10 ounce Prime Rib with a horseradish glaze, and I ordered a filet with a blue cheese topping. We both "raved about our steaks and cleaned our plates.
Then, of course, we had desserts! I ordered a decadent pecan pie that had chocolate and caramel dripped over it; Allan had a Peach dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We also had delicious coffee. [By the way, our delightful waitress placed a lit candle in my piece of pecan pie in honor of our anniversary!]
Allan ended the night with a sipping liquor.*
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Theme: Steakhouse
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40
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Phone: 1(312) 266-4500
Address: 200 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Directions: Located inside the Seneca Hotel
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Chicago ALE HOUSE Bar & Grill: Slogan: "Great Place, Great Beer, Great Food"
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction: 
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Restaurant Name: Chicago ALE HOUSE Bar & Grill
On St. Patrick's Day Allan and I took our daughter Jill out for lunch. We let her select where we would have lunch relatively near her home. She chose "Chicago ALE HOUSE Bar and Grill. What a great selection.
The restaurant nearly empty at about two in the afternoon. They were preparing for the dinner crowd for St. Patrick's Day. They offered specials for this celebration. The regular menu is quite extensive with Appetizers; Salads and Soups; Sandwiches which include French Fries; Ale House Favorites [which include soup or salad]; Thai Favorites; Pasta; & Thin Crust Pizza.
The Ale House Favorites include: Chicken or Beef Kabab; Grilled Spicy Chicken with Limes, Roasted Duck, The Ale House Cut of Beek, Herb Crusted Salmon, Chicken or Beef Fajitas, Baby Back Ribs, 10 oz. Filet Mignon, or 12 oz New York Strip Steak.
It's a huge restaurant with open ceilings, lots of windows, a bar, and plenty of seating arrangement. The service that day was excellent, and the food was good.
Favorite Dish: For St. Patrick's Day, both Allan and I decided to order from the special menu.
Allan's meal was Cornbeef and cabbage with mashed potatoes and carrots [see photo #1]
I ordered a Cornbeef Sandwich with French Fries. [See photo #2] I could not eat but half of my sandwich and just a few of the French Fries. Allan took the meat out of my sandwich and ate it. He also had a few of my fries.
Jill and I shared a huge Chicago Ale House Salad which that divided into two plates. It consists of Fresh spring mix, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, onion, bleu cheese crumbles, and tomatoes tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette [house] dressing. We both LOVED it and cleaned our plates! [See photo #3 for picture of my portion of the salad]
Jill also had Calamari, which she enjoyed.
Photo # 4 is a picture of the outside of the restaurant. It's a fun place to eat, and Jill says that it is "kid friendly".
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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20
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Phone: (773)-275-2020
Address: 2200 West Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60025
Website: www.chicagoalehousegrill.com
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Chaihanna: A Trip to Buffalo Grove
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Chaihanna
When Chet [yooperprof] asked me to join other Vt's to try a Uzbekistan restaurant in suburban Buffalo Grove, I was eager to say yes. It had been such a long time since I had seen Chet and Kristi [Dabs], and since I had never been to a Uzbek Restaurant, I figured it would be a double treat.
It was only about an half an hour drive for me, so I was pleased. On Sunday, March 1, 2009, I set out to try my first bit of Uzbekistan food. I was the first one there, just as the restaurant was opening at 1:00 p.m. The young waiter sat me at a table for six [as I requested], and I commenced to read the interesting menu. I then saw another woman waiting and asked her if she was involved in the VT lunch. Even though Laura is not a member of VT, she was here as Kristi's guest [they went to high school together and had not seen each other since Kristi's wedding 20 years ago!]
Shortly thereafter, Kristi [Dabs} and her husband David arrived. Chet was the last to arrive.
Even though the outside of this exotic restaurant is a letdown [located in a Suburban Strip Mall], the inside is charming with its lovely murals {See Photo#2} on the walls, Uzbek silk hanging in the windows, and the eating platform in the back of the room. I was enchanted by the beautiful Uzbek dishware in Blue and white and gold trim [See photos #2,3,4,5] .The white tablecloth/napkins, the traditional music, as well as the waiter with his silk sash added to the cultural ambience.
The menu offers cold and hot appetizers, salads, soups, main entrees, and desserts. Too bad that I had begun a diet a week ago, or I would have "pigged out" on the yummy desserts!
The young waiter was very patient, describing the choices and answering all of our many questions.
Favorite Dish: Since I was on a strict diet, I ordered from the Salads Selection: "Chakarap" [fine sliced tomato with fine sliced onion] for $5.50 and from the Soups: "Shurpa Beef" [Meat Broth With Vegetables] $6.25 [See Photo #3]
Fortunately, the others had free reign with the Menu: Chet ordered Soup, Blintzes, and a Napoleon for dessert {see Photo #1}.
Laura had "Chicken Tabaka" [half of chicken fried under press with garlic sauce] and Napoleon for dessert.
Kristi had the hot appetizer called "Samsa [baked small pie stuffed with meat"] (see Photo #4), "Minced Kebab" [skewered minced ground beef], and Homemade Chocolate Sour Cream Cake {see Photo #5}.
David enjoyed his delicious-looking Chicken Kebab, fried potatoes, and two desserts:"Chak-Chak" [fried dough covered in honey] and Smetannik in a small pastry shell shaped as a Walnut and filled with what looked like caramel. [Photo #5]
I did taste the inside of the Smetannik, and it was yummy. Kristi and David also tried the"Lepeshka [Uzbek bread].
All in all, it was a good experience which I would have enjoyed so much more if I had not been on the strict diet.
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Theme: Other
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20
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Phone: (847) 215-5044
Address: 19 East Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove, IL
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Aria Restaurant at Fairmont Hotel: What a Breakfast Buffet
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Aria Restaurant at Fairmont Hotel
When checking into the Fairmont Chicago Hotel, I learned that our room rate for our suite included breakfast. I figured it would be a typical breakfast in a hotel; more like a continental breakfast. How wrong I was.
First of all, the breakfast was located in the lovely Aria Restaurant. We could order anything that we wanted, even the expensive Breakfast Buffet.
The Restaurant is ultra modern with glass, wood, and sheer fabrics. We were seated toward the back of the restaurant, which we desired. I sat on the "booth" side of the table. I must admit that the seat was a bit low for me, but remember that I am quite short. The attention to detail was evident from the start. Service is of the highest quality.
The menu is extensive and includes almost any item that one would want for breakfast.
The restaurant is famous for using the freshest ingredients, which was quite evident upon tasting the food.
Favorite Dish: Both Rosie and I decided to order the Breakfast Buffet, after we perused the Buffet room and saw the excellent selections. The first thing that we ordered was the orange juice. It was the most delicious orange juice that I've had ever...freshly squeezed with real pulp, nice and cool, and served in a lovely tall glass. Next, Rosie ordered coffee, and I order a Cappuccino. What excellent coffee drinks they were.
The Buffet outdid my wildest dreams. The fruit was remarkable...organic, fresh, and with so many choices. I had the fresh pineapple, huge blackberries, strawberries, raspberries. and melons. Yum & Yum again! I also was thrilled with the choices for pastries. I thought that the oat muffin with raisins and nuts was "out of this world". {I must admit that I had two}
There were hot dishes of bacon, turkey sausage, pork sausage, two kinds of scrambled eggs, potatoes, hot oatmeal, etc. Of course there were dry cereals, but I was particularly fond of the homemade granola with fruits and nuts and a glaze of honey. I enjoyed it so much that I asked the waiter if it was made in house. Yes, it was, as is everything.
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Theme: American
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40
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Address: 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, Illinois
Other Contact: e-Mail: Chicago@fairmont.com
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Giordano's: Just Around the Corner From Our Hotel
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Giordano's
The first day that Rosie and I spent in Chicago, we went non-stop. It was nine at night, and we still had not eaten dinner. We were too tired to get dressed up and go for a long distance away; thus, we chose a place within a short walk of our hotel. One item that I wanted Rosie to try was a Chicago favorite, Deep Dish Pizza. Although Giordano's Pizza would not be my first choice in Chicago, it was convenient and good.
We walked to the restaurant, which was crowded for this late on a Wednesday night. It was typical Giordano's with the checkered table clothes. We were seated and attended to immediately.
Besides a pizza, we decided to have house salads as well. The salads were good, but not special. At least they were fresh, crisp, and cold.
Then we had to decide what kind of Deep Dish Pizza we wanted to share. We knew that we did not want left overs since we were staying in a hotel. Thus, we ordered the SMALL size. We both like olives so we chose a cheese and olive pizza. It was a very good choice, and we ate all of it but one piece, which we left behind [I must admit that this was the first time I've ever left pizza].
Rosie was impressed; she was amazed at the amount of cheese that the deep dish pizza has on it...that's the part that makes it so good. All-in-all, it was a successful meal, but not the excellent one that I had in mind to introduce Rosie to a Chicago favorite, Deep Dish Pizza
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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20
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Rosebud: A Big Disappointment
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Rosebud on Taylor Street
It had been 20 years since I had been to Rosebud on Taylor Street in Little Italy. Both Allan and I were excited to show our guest Rosie [rozehill] some good Italian food in Chicago.
Well, to our shock, it was a disappointing experience. Rosie was visiting us from New Zealand, and she and I were spending 2 1/2 days in Chicago. It was our last night in town, and my husband Allan surprised us by driving into the city to take us out to dinner. We selected Rosebud on Taylor Street in Little Italy because we had such fond memories of our previous visits. We were apprehensive about the huge helpings since we could not take any "doggie bags" with us.
First off, the place was almost deserted on a Thursday night at about nine. When we walked inside, there was a mild odor of mildew, which upset me right then. We were seated and given a menu. Rosie is a big fan of Italian food and really wanted some good LASAGNA. She was pleased that it was on the menu. So, we began to order.
Favorite Dish: Rosie decided to try the Lasagna, and Allan and I ordered to share a Beef Fillet in a mushroom sauce. [We knew that the portions were huge, so the three of us would share the two orders]. All three of us ordered a house salad. The salad was good but not terrific. I must say that the salad dressing was quite tasty. The bread was really excellent, and we made "short order" of it, dipping it in an excellent extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
When the main meal arrived, both orders were huge as we had anticipated. The Fillet was truly wonderful; however, the Lasagna had to be sent back and heated because it was cool. That was an indication that it was not fresh, but frozen. What a disappointment. When it came back hot, it was better but not good. I did not even eat mine. Rosie did eat hers, but it was obvious that she was not at all pleased. Allan is a guy who eats everything, but he thought that the Lasagna was just fair.
I would never return, but I would go to the Rosebud on Rush.
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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30
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Phone: 312-942-1117
Address: 1500 W. Tayor St.
Website: http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com
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ENO: The Big Three: Cheese, Wine, Chocolate
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: ENO
My husband Allan had taken our daughter to this unique Wine Bar about a year ago, so when Mickey and I went to Chicago, we decided to try it, even though we had been warned that it is quite EXPENSIVE.
It does not open until four in the afternoon, and we were some of the first people to be seated. We chose a table that looked out on Michigan Avenue. It was a beautiful day, and the people watching was at its best!
The decor is made up of shades of mocha, ochre, and oxblood red. It is not fancy; rather, it appeared rather rustic. It reminded me of a wine cellar really.
There were glass-enclosed wine racks all around. They say that there are over 5,000 bottles in those racks. Immediately we were offered menues....they only display three of my favorites:
Cheeses, wines, and chocolates [chocolates are in a different menu]. They have 700 varieties of wine that are available by the bottle, glass or flight [three small portions of wine rather than a class of wine].
They offer 35 types of cheeses, both domestic and international. You can have individual slices or flights [3 different kinds of cheese in small amounts]
The cheese comes with dried fruit, honey, and nuts.
The CHOCOLATE menu changes frequently and consists of chocolate bars and truffles that are hand-crafted by local and regional chocolatiers. They can be single servings or flights [3 different chocolates]
Our waitress was quite well versed and educated us on their system of service and what cheese and candy went with our wine choices.
Favorite Dish: Mickey loves PORTS so she, with the help of the waitress, selected three different ports. I like white wine and after tasting two different whites ended up selecting a German Reisling.
With more help, we did a flight of cheeses: one Blue Cheese, an aged Gouda, and another light cheese that tasted similar to Swiss [without the holes]. I liked the Gouda best, and then the light cheese; I felt that the blue that she helped us match with our drinks was too overpowering.
The chocolates were a cherry-infused dark chocolate, another creamy dark chocolate, and a milk chocolate toffee bar. I personally thought that the Toffee Bar was best, even though I prefer dark chocolate. Three small pieces of candy for two people was quite a disappointment.
I'm glad we experienced this, but I would not do it again because it is too expensive for the small amount you are given.
They are open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.. On Sunday they are open from 1 p.m. until 10 a.m.
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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40
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Phone: 312-321-6738
Address: North Michigan Avenue
Directions: Located in teh InterContinental Chicago Hotel
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Caffe Baci [South Michigan Avenue]: Quick, Inexpensive, & Good Food
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Caffe Baci [South Michigan Avenue]
Mickey and I had been walking for miles on a beautiful September morning in Chicago, and we wanted to sit down and eat something light, inexpensive, and with quick service. The perfect solution was the cafeteria-style Caffe Baci on South Michigan Avenue. Since it was so nice outside we ate alfresco.
You walk into this attractive room that is quite organized and looks more like an expensive restaurant than a cafeteria-style chain restaurant. We stood back and looked at the overhead menu and also observed what most people were selecting. The menu consists of all kinds of coffee drinks, paninis, salads, soups, and hot entrees. They also have breakfast items if it's before 10:30 a.m.
We wanted to share because we planned to eat later in the afternoon.
They have an area where salads are custom made, a custom made sandwich/panini area, a dessert area, and a coffee area. We agreed to share a salad [they are huge].
Favorite Dish: We decided to try one of the most popular salads called a Walnut Apple Salad for $5.99. Mickey wanted to add chicken so we ordered it on the side. The salad is made up of mixed green, cranberries, apple slices, walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and a creamy balsamic dressing. When I say that it is huge, I mean it. We also ordered a bowl of mixed green and black olives since we both adore olives.
See the photograph of Mickey in front of the salad, and you will see what I mean.
We both ordered diet cokes, and I had to go to the coffee bar and ask for slices of lemon because I always have slices of lemon in my cola drink.
The salad was absolutely delicious and more than enough for two people. We have no idea how one person could eat that much.
I paid $7.00, and Mickey paid $8.00 [because of the added chicken], and that included tax.
As you can tell from the photograph, we ate outside under an umbrella and watched all the activity along Michigan Avenue.
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Theme: Italian
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10
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Phone: 312-322-2109
Address: 332 S. Michigan Avenue
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Skewers Grill: New Restaurant in Lincoln Square
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: Skewers Grill
Allan and I had spent the daughter with our granddaughter doing a train, trolley, and boat ride, and we were exhausted. We decided to "treat" ourselves so we went to Lincoln Square area in Chicago to check out a rather new restaurant called Skewers Grill. I immediately was impressed by the sleek decor, the glass-top tables, and the comfortable lighting. Our waitress was most helpful, explaining all the items that we inquired about.
The menu includes "STARTERS" such as Baba Ghanouj, Hummus, Falafel, Dolmeh, Lentil soup.
The SALADS inclue Mediterranean Salad, Village Salad [freshly chopped tomatoes, cucumbers & onions topped off with their Mediterranean Dressing], Garden Salad, and Fattoush Salad [Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, cucumbers, radish, mint & parsley, topped off with toasted pita and their Mediterranean Dressing].
The ENTREES included Ground Beef Skewers [Kifta], Filet Skewers, Chicken Skewers, Fish Skewers, Vegetarian Skewers plus many more.
They also offer SANDWICHES [ from 1-3 in the afternoon].
DESSERTS include Baklava, Berry Skewers [fresh berry skewers, drizzled with chocolate and powdered sugar], Yogurt and berries [homemade].
Favorite Dish: Allan chose Lamb Skewers made with tender pieces of lamb, seasoned and char-broiled. With it came Rice and a small salad. [$13.95]
I ordered the Beef Shawerma which is thinly sliced pieces of beef marinated in a blend of spices and cooked on a rotisserie. It, too, came with rice and a small salad. In addition, I had Tabbouleh [a medley of cracked wheat, parsley, tomatoes, and scallions that are blended with lemon, olive oil, and mint].
The food was really delicious. The Beef Shawerma was especially wonderful, and the wonderful spice mixture contained cinnamon. YUM!
We were pleased with our selected restaurant.
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Theme: Middle Eastern
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20
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Phone: (773) 293-0300
Address: 4609 N. Lincoln, Chicago IL 60625
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The Gage: Seems So Different for Dinner
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Tip Rating: Satisfaction:
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Restaurant Name: The Gage
The Gage is advertised as "Chicago's first and only gastro tavern" I had eaten lunch here this year with a group of Vt members, and this time, Allan and I ate here for a special DINNER CELEBRATION for our 45th wedding anniversary. I must say, that it has a whole different "vibe" in the evening....more like a great dinner club rather than a "gastro tavern". The people at our hotel, The Fairmont, made the reservations for us on a moment's notice, and we had no trouble at all being seated at 7:00 p.m. on a Thursday evening. We were first seated in room that was filled with noise. We asked to be reseated, and we were and with a smile. The second seating was just lovely in a booth toward the back. Our waitress was quite unique...very urban looking but quite "laid back" in personality. She did a marvelous job explaining the menu and precisely what ingredients went into each dish.
Chef, Dirk Flanigan does such an excellent job using the finest and freshest ingredients, mostly organic.
I was not too hungry, but Allan was starving so we skipped appetizers and went straight to the meal.
Favorite Dish: Allan ordered the special for that evening which was a Monk fish in a delicious sauce surrounded by fresh organic vegetables. The portion was not large at all, but it was oh, so delicious. Allan gave me a taste, and it melted in my mouth, and I found myself wanting more.
I ordered a special salad made with mixed organic lettuces, grapes, nuts, and blue cheese. It was quite delicious with its subtle salad dressing that added to the crisp, clean taste.
We decided to have a special dessert and coffee. It, too, was a very small portion, but outstanding. It was composed of an individual round pound cake, freshly whipped cream, and chocolate. The coffees were strong, hot, and ever so good.
It was a delightful evening in this rather new restaurant across from Millennium Park.
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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40
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Phone: 312-372-4243
Address: 24 South Michigan Avenue
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 Comments for deecat about Chicago | | | | |
rexvaughan Mon Nov 9, 2009 23:31 UTC
Just a few of your wonderful restaurant tips and I am starving! Can't believe I have not visited this page, but probably found its size daunting. I will return. | VeronicaG Mon Nov 2, 2009 22:56 UTC
You've certainly got a wonderful choice of restaurants in Chicago, Dee! I just checked out your latest restaurants tips since my last visit....enticing as usual. You've got my mouth watering for a juicy steak! Have a good week. | 807Wheaton Mon Sep 21, 2009 19:45 UTC
Reading your tips is a trip down memory lane with my grandmother. as the tour guide. The last time I was in Chicago was in the late 70s to see the King Tut Exhibit. We definitely need to plan another visit when we make a trip "up North" ....... | jillzi Fri Sep 18, 2009 20:15 UTC
Just completed the last pages I've been wanting to see. These pages are a masterpiece of Chicago..The city should be paying you for your positive comments, beautiful photographs, & brilliant narration. This is most amazing. What a city. |
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