re: Alinea Chicago

I had dinner at Alinea in 2013 before the recent renovations. It was, by far, the most amazing dining experience of my life.

I used to travel to Chicago a couple times a year for work and I hit most of the other big names in town before making it a point to secure a table at Alinea. It is so far above the typical "show up at the hostess stand at your allotted time, be seated, eat, get out" that it's almost difficult to call it a dinner. It's an eye opening all-engulfing sensory experience that I hoped would never end. From the time we stepped off the street into the pitch black entryway filled with aromas of freshly cut live grass growing under foot to the chef-served dessert spread across the top of the table, everything was magnificent and perfect. No matter how much Chefs Table you watch or how many tales you read about the experience, it will exceed all expectations. Do not skimp on the premium wine pairing! The service and ambiance are amazing without being pretentious.

Just this morning I was emailed some December availability at NOMA in Copenhagen. It's on my short list and a notoriously difficult "get". In my veiled attempt to justify the expense of the flight over, I promised my better half that NOMA "will be better than Alinea"...though I am not so sure. That experience will have to wait.

As one of the other posters suggested, each of us has our own vices whether it be Michelin starred dining, sports, hunting, fishing, and other ways we choose to spend discretionary funds. It should only be an issue when ALL of those "vices" afflict your bottom line. I believe that the value of a lifetime filled with amazing experiences is immeasurable.

Alinea pro tip: Follow them on Twitter and set notifications to alert you whenever the restaurant posts. Often times they'll drop same day availability there. Have their number on speed dial. Be prepared to pay for dinner when you call.

What kind of money are we talking for 2 people?

Depends if you get wines and what not. It was around 350 a piece at the end iirc. (Not a tree fiddy joke). That’s for the salon, the gallery is a little more.

I say go gallery or go home? Right? If I’m spending the money I want the full experience. I’d love to do the chef’s table but you need 6.

If you can, then get the gallery. You won’t be disappointed by the salon at all but if you’re willing to spend money on a place like Alinea you might as well go the whole 9. That sad I don’t know how big the difference is between the two.