[ Carmichael's Chicago Steak
House
| The Grill On The Alley ]
[ Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Kingfisher | La
Madia | La
Sardine |mk| Mirai Sushi ]
[ Petterino's | Prairie Grass Cafe |
RL | Spiaggia | Terzo Piano ]
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for meetings in Chicago
Carmichael's Chicago Steak House
A classic favorite in downtown Chicago is spacious Carmichael's
Chicago Steak House, where Chicago's nostalgia mixes with choice
cut steaks. Options range from Angus Beef bone-in 20-ounce ribeyes
to the Provimi green-peppercorn veal chop, with a supporting cast
of garlic mashed potatoes and apple pie baked in a paper bag. In
the summer, everyone moves outdoors to the garden with its charming
gazebo. The lunch menu's less pricey and the place is generally
more packed, but the steaks seasoned with the catchy "add-a-crust"
selection are worth the extra spread.
Carmichael's Chicago Steak House
1052 West Monroe St.
(312) 433-0025
www.carmichaelsteakhouse.com
The Grill On The Alley
The Grill on the Alley is an upscale classic American establishment
and Chicago's answer to the original Beverly Hills-based classic.
Created from a chunk of the Hotel Westin's lobby, this clubby charmer
is very civilized (the martinis are very dry). The ambience adds
up to dark woods, ultra-private leather booths and the right menu
for power brokers: grilled prime steaks, and a lush dessert called
brownie pie with caramel sauce. Also have a go at the steak tartare
appetizer for two and special tequila-marinated fried shrimp.
The Grill On The Alley
909 North Michigan Ave.
(312) 255-9009
www.thegrill.com
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Joe's Seafood, Prime
Steak & Stone Crab
From South Miami to the Windy City no one serves the stone crabs
better than Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. Served
in-season from October 15 through May 15, and with Joe Weiss's traditional
mustard sauce they are truly exceptional. For starters, spinach
stuffed mushrooms or shrimp and scallop ceviche do fine, or take
out a "second mortgage" of seafood appetizers if you're really
hungry. Then save plenty of room for the main course - it's weighty
and a little pricey, but so satisfying.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 East Grand St.
(312) 379-5637
www.joes.net
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Kingfisher
Kingfisher, located in friendly Andersonville, is actually a reincarnation of a former seafood restaurant known as Pier 5736. Now located on Clark Street, the restaurant offers fresh seafood year-round. Locals know that their favorites, such as shrimp bisque, will be beautifully and freshly made, and the mains will feature the best catch. Expect an upscale, casual atmosphere without high prices. Those looking for choices beyond seafood will not be disappointed—there are pork, chicken and steak dinners on offer here as well.
Kingfisher
5721 North Clark St.
(773) 506-7014
www.kingfisheronclark.com
La Madia
At La Madia, they promise that the wine list is deep and it certainly is in this River North establishment, with 250-plus bottles to choose from in a contemporary setting. They also promise pizza that delivers and it does. You can relax here for a casual meal with house made fennel sausage, spinach and ham, and white clams and chili peppers among the toppings on delicious homemade pizza. Oven-roasted globe artichokes will do just fine as a starter. There’s a small dessert selection but it is unusual, and they are open for lunch as well.
La Madia
59 West Grand Ave.
(312) 329-0400
www.dinelamadia.com
La Sardine
Homesick for Paris? You'll revive with a visit to La Sardine.
Lean back against a banquette in this long narrow room and contemplate
the subtle lighting and semi-open kitchen in the sophisticated bistro
owned by Jean Claude Poilevey; then dream of the lovely les escargots
bourguignons or baked onion soup you've ordered as an appetizer.
A salad might be composed of goat cheese or watercress, and your
entree could be la bouillabaisse. Fine French dining at
surprisingly moderate prices.
La Sardine
111 North Carpenter St.
(312) 421-2800
www.lasardine.com
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mk
Culinary artistry in Chicago's River North Galley District comes
by way of mk, named for the chef/owner Michael Kornick. Kornick's
longtime track record in creating fine contemporary cuisine has
led to acclaim for such signature dishes as yellowfin tuna, seared with
red wine syrup and garlic mashed new potatoes. The wine list is
tops; desserts include creme brulee. Come for lunch: the people watching
is exemplary and the tab a bit less pricey than at dinner.
mk
868 North Franklin St.
(312) 482-9179
www.mkchicago.com
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Mirai Sushi
Mirai Sushi is a cutting-edge "new world sushi" restaurant
known for its three-foot fish tanks located behind the sushi bar. When
you're not staring at the live fluke, rockfish and lobster, you
may order such starters as sakana carpaccio moriwase, ebi motoyaki
(grilled prawn and shiitake mushrooms), miso soup, seared duck,
or ise ebi (lobster with fresh seaweed, lotus, and orange tobiko).
Post-dining is fabulous in this floor-to-ceiling glass house, with
its icy blues and warm seagreens, climb the steps to the lounge
to listen to the deejay and sip sake on the weekends or simply lounge
out during the week.
Mirai Sushi
2020 West Division St.
(773) 862-8500
www.miraisushi.com
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Petterino’s
Best for pre-theater dinner or lunch, Petterino’s is a good choice for a fast meal. Come after 7 p.m. to partake of the
nightly three-course prix-fixe dinner. You choose from seven firsts, seven entrees, seven desserts, and
even seven wines for a bargain dinner. The menu includes classic beef and chicken dishes. Enjoy the wine chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier and sit back
for the dessert choices.
Petterino’s
150 North Dearborn St.
(312) 422-0150
www.petterinos.com
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Prairie Grass Cafe
A prairie-influenced panorama promotes a casual atmosphere that,
combined with contemporary American cuisine, creates a truly Midwestern
dining experience. The Prairie Grass Cafe exemplifies the handiwork of chef/owners Sarah
Stegner and George Bumbaris previously established at the Ritz-Carlton's Dining Room. The cafe's seasonal menu changes monthly and
offers a variety of signature dishes and homemade desserts.
Prairie Grass Cafe
601 Skokie Blvd.
Northbrook
(847) 205-4433
www.prairiegrasscafe.com
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RL
Adjacent to the world's largest Polo store, the Chicago flagship
on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant has a fashionable accent,
exceptional service and is stylish enough to make Mr. Lauren very
happy. Once comfortably enclosed within the navy blue walls accented
by mahogany paneling, you can enjoy an excellent choice of wines
while you dine on an appetizer like steamed mussels or baked camembert
and then choose from among the exquisite entrees of American fare
with a French twist.
RL
115 East Chicago Ave.
(312) 475-1100
www.rlrestaurant.com
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Spiaggia
A great many Spiaggia aficionados might argue that this
Italian-flavored oasis has the best view in town; Lake Michigan
lies beyond the massive windows of this luxurious and comfortable
space. Spiaggia (which the Chicago Tribune deemed "the only four-Star
Italian in town"), offers a vast wine list. In a town crowded with good Italian
trattorie, however, it should be noted that most are more moderately
priced than this beautiful restaurant.
Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave.
(312) 280-2750
www.spiaggiarestaurant.com
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Terzo Piano
The new Modern Wing at The Art Institute of Chicago is known for its art, of course, but lately it is also a place to dine in style—at least on Thursday evenings and for lunch. Terzo Piano, highlighting the cuisine of chef Tony Mantuano, offers a three-course dinner that is complimented with the perfect choice of wine. Enjoy the roasted Alaskan salmon served with tomato vinaigrette or try the handcrafted spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, ricotta, toasted garlic, herbs, and pine nuts. It’s a different sort of experience and one that will be worth talking about. You don’t need a ticket to the museum to dine here, but reservations are suggested.
Terzo Piano
The Art Institute
111 South Michigan Ave.
(312) 443-8650
www.terzopianochicago.com
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