The love/hate week for many of Chicago's restaurant staff is coming up. Fresh new line up of $22 prix fixe lunch and $33/$44 dinner menus offered from February 1-10, 2013. I encourage you to take that extended lunch or excessively fancy dinner during the week because you can!
To find the full list of restaurants and reservations check out OpenTable!
These choices were my close contenders (mainly because I’m not made out of money and had to narrow my choices for my bank accounts & shoe collection's sake). See my first round picks and continue with my second round picks! I hope you find your new favorite spot in the city!
Srirachana's Picks Round Two with fine musical pairing!
Allium, Gold Coast. The revamped space inside the Four Seasons Chicago, cleaned up quite well. Though still pricey, Kevin Hickey, head chef, breathed new life into the menu. The old restaurant was old school, and I mean old school. Way past #TBT status, they served petite fours and all (though that will be missed). The new joint’s kitchen knows what their doing! The food is modern, upbeat, but definitely not too gimmicky. The reason why I can hold off on this is because for all of the month of January, their three-course value offered through the month of January. With their Anti-New Year’s Resolution January menu, they couldn’t haven’t gotten more modern than that. I personally would like to highlight their high end all you can eat FRIED CHICKEN TUESDAYS. Splurge from your waistline and not from your wallet with three course prix fixe, extra entrée helpings, and fancy schmancy drink pairings including Spiked Sweet Tea. Lemme Get (some of) that!
Balsan at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Gold Coast. This sister restaurant to the famed EPIC, also in the Waldorf, gives you that Crazy, Sexy Cool vibe with their unique American Contemporary Bistro fare. The chefs pay attention to every detail on your plate and every micro detail to flavor. There is a certain American “sensibility” and luxury at your fingertips. I’m surprised to see this on the restaurant week list this year – a definite must try! The hotel itself is a stylish celeb filled haven. (Ahem – I met T.I. & Marlon Wayans here and had the best meal in my life at Ria with my boo- I might be a little sentimental). Though after morning the short lived and highly respected Ria, (the partners after two years are trying new adventures), the Waldorf still boasts the Balsan. May the Waldorf forever transcend Luxury Hotel Dining!
Belly Q, West Town. Brought to you by the brains behind Belly Shack and Urban Belly, Chef Bill Kim's new concept restaurant brings your season Asian BBQ utilizing local ingredients and a definite jump above regular chinatown roasted meats. Tradditional yet new, the combination pops in your mouth. I have to admit I was hesistant at first. I personally don't care for Asian fusion or different reinventions of Momofuku's pork belly buns. My belly is very happily suprised! Your taste buds can just thank me now. You're welcome.
Chicago Restaurant Week 2013, your chance to eat at many of Chicago's top restaurants for a fraction of the price, returns again next month. From February 1st to 10th, you can enjoy $22 three-course prix fixe lunches and $33 or $44 dinners at more than 200 locations throughout Chicagoland. Though still a few weeks out, you better make your reservations now if you want to grab some of the most coveted tables.
It's that time of year when Chicago's finest restaurants offer their prix fixe menues for a fraction of the cost. Every year the event gets bigger and bigger in Chicago so book your tables now via Open Table. I'm anxiously awaiting for the restaurant week menus to be released!
Here are my picks!
GT Fish and Oyster Bar, River North. I was here recently and I definitely will be returning. From tradditonal seafood dishes to modern staples, GT, a part of the BOKA restaurant group, offers the freshest seafood in Chicago. Their oysters alone were enough to draw me there but the lobster rolls will keep me coming back for more! (Lunch Only)
Fred's at Barneys, Gold Goast. People keep forgetting that there is a super cozy restaurant on top of Barney's. Though the restaurant week discounts do not apply to Barney's itself, the cafe tucked away on the roof is the perfect hideaway to go to with that special someone. Utilizing local ingredients and pasta made in house, Fred's offers a serene setting next to their brick oven and stunning views quietly overlooking the bustling Gold Coast shopping. I'd have to say, this is a Valentines Day must! **hint hint**
Sepia, Near West. You walk in and you sense the immediate swag. The restaurant is lively but has a certain sex appeal that takes this dining establishment to the next level. With decor paying homage to their Printer's Row location, Sepia offers true Chicago fine dining with a modern twist. Locally sourced, their Rabiola is divine as it melts on your tongue.
NoMI, River North, mainly because it costs an arm and a leg to eat there. Though drinks are not included in the prix fix, definitely snag yourself one. The ambience is stellar and the pastries alone are to die for. (Lunch Only)
Though until then... my lunches will look something like this...
