re: Chicago Restaurant Recommendations needed?

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Definitely head upstairs to Cindy's Rooftop for some pre/post-dinner drinks at some point.

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Cindy's is a great day-drinking spot, but for sunset and nighttime, you can't beat London House.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions.

We went to Cindy's rooftop last time, which is why we are staying at this hotel. We also went to London House in 2019 as well. We love rooftop bars.

Also, on our last visit in 2019, we ate at:
(1) Girl and the Goat,
(2) Chicago Chop House and
(3) Trattoria 10 (just closed because of lack of theater traffic)

All 3 restaurants allowed us to bring our own wine (we bring fairly expensive bottles of wine (not trying to brag) and they only charged a nominal corkage fee (less than $20). That is why I thought it was normal in Chicago, but I don't have a lot of experience at restaurants in Chicago. We also bring our own wine in restaurants in New Orleans, Atlanta, D.C., San Francisco, etc.

Went to Monteverde a few weeks ago and was really impressed.

Purple Pig was good as well.

Sounds like when me and my wife went back in 2018...came across CAC and always said we'd look to stay there when we go back.

Any idea if the indoor area is open like to play games etc?

May pop in.

We fly out early Thurs morning me and my son to catch 2 games. Sox Thurs night, and Cubs friday. Should be a fun trip...


**** HIJACK ****

If anyone has any recs for a father son (13 year old), let me know...

There from Thurs-Sat so looking for all meals, but will target:
-Au Cheval (didn't go last time)
-Pequods (went last time and was in love with their style)
-DEEP DISH RECS? (We did Giodarnos last time, enjoyed it...but definitely had the franchise feel to it and wasnt as cool of an environment as Pequods).
-Piece Pizza? New Haven style? I watch alot of Pizza Reviews on Barstool so have been wanting to try. let me know if we would be wasting our time.
-Possible little goat for breakfast thursday? (Is it worth it?, or do you have a better rec for breakfast options?)

Day game friday for the cubs, so looks like we'll get in that area early and try to walk around and soak up the environment. Looking at Cubby Bear and Murphy's as a spot to pop in for early lunch. Also, if you have any recs on that much appreciated!
Thx!

There is a restaurant in Chicago named Aliena owned by Grant Achatz. Typically rated as one of the top restaurants in the World. Usually in the top 10 and has been as high as 3 I think.

It is a culinary experience and if money isn't a deterrent, then look into it. It is doubtful that you can get in as they have limited seating and there is usually a 4 month wait for reservations.

Even if you decide not to go there is a Netflix series named Chef's Table and I think it is shown in Volume 2 probably the first or 2nd restaurant highlighted. This is a great Netflix special and I am certain that you and the Mrs. would love watching this even if you decide against going.

There is no menu but they serve what they are cooking that night. All dishes are small appetizer size and usually a meal consists of 15 to 20 of the small servings.

It's on my bucket list. Send me an email and I'll send you the link to the Netflix Special.

hblegend@outlook.com

Fred

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looks like its been in the 80s over there for the high but Thurs/Fri will be in the mid/upper 50s for the high with possible rain chances.. sucks, but hope everything works out

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Really, really unfortunate because the weather has been incredible. At the least, Saturday and Sunday look good. Sucks about the rain on Friday, especially on the heels of a holiday weekend with people in town.

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Saturday we’re going to be on foot trying to walk from our hotel (near the river) and see the sights around Millennium Park, Soldier Field, Grant Park etc.

Any Recs for lunch in that area?

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Really depends...

Bit of a walk between Millennium Park and Soldier Field / Museum Campus. If you're down near Soldier Field around the lunch hour, I won't be much help - I can count on one hand how many times I've been in South Loop.

If you're near Millennium Park, easy walk across the bridge on Michigan Ave and eat somewhere in River North / Streeterville - The Purple Pig, Crushed by Giants, Parlor, and Lizzie McNeill's are just a few casual ideas that popped into my head.

No clue about The Loop. Can't remember the last time I was there on a weekend, but I'd imagine Beatnik on the River and Monk's are open.

Are you flying with your wine or buying it once you get to your destination? If you’re flying, how are you storing the wine?

I have "wine diapers" for my wine and pack the bottles directly in my luggage. I do have to check my luggage on Southwest, but it is pretty insulated with clothes and the wine diapers and I have never had a broken bottle. I should have a separate wine luggage bag, but I am only brining 3 bottles this trip since it is just my wife and I. I plan on bringing a 2017 Peter Michael Au Paradis Estate wine (a cabernet bordeaux style blend) for steak night and a 2017 Peter Michael Ma Belle-Fille Estate wine (a chardonnay) for the French/Mexican night at Tzuco. Both wines are amazing. Check them out on Vivino. We are celebrating our 36th anniversary a few weeks late. I may bring another cabernet blend, like a 2012 Quintessa for my third wine, but not sure yet. Yes, we do spend money on wine, so a $35 corkage is very reasonable. All of these wines would cost $350-$400 plus in most restaurants (Au Paradis maybe even $500+) if you paid the restaurant prices. My cost is about half the restaurant price, so worth it to me for the small corkage fee. If wine is not your thing, just disregard the prices. Not trying to brag on our choices, just sharing. My motto, LIG, LTD (Life Is Good, Living The Dream!)