By Stephanie Mojica
Whether one is visiting or living in the "Windy City" of
Chicago, there may be a desire to take a
romantic date to one of the city's best restaurants. Fortunately, Chicago has a number of restaurants that are known for good food and atmosphere and would be ideal for a date. The city's largest daily newspaper, "The Chicago Tribune," regularly writes articles about the best restaurants in the Windy City.
Alinea Restaurant
Alinea Restaurant is definitely a road to impressing a special date, as it can cost upward of $200 per person. However, The Chicago Tribune and other major periodicals endorse this fine dining and atmosphere extravaganza as one of the best in the city. The eatery was created by an interior designer to offer privacy, low lighting and resemble a fancy two-story residence with large mahogany furniture. Guests can choose from several fixed-priced menus, most starting at about $145 before drinks, taxes and tip. Protein specialties available include roe caviar, bacon with butterscotch, apple, and thyme, and the "Lilac," which has scallops, other shellfish and honeydew. The restaurant also serves Foie gras, truffles and a variety of sweet and regular potatoes. Dessert options include strawberry, vanilla bean and lemon pound cake.
Alinea Restaurant
1723 North Halsted
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Phone: (312)867-0110
E-mail: alineaoffice@gmail.com
http://www.alinearestaurant.com
Keefer's Restaurant
Keefer's Restaurant is both a French bistro and a traditional steakhouse that has been honored as among the best by The Chicago Tribune as well as other periodicals such as Playboy magazine. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Outdoor and indoor seating is available, creating choices in the kind of date atmosphere desired. If you are seeking an even more intimate atmosphere, you can arrange private dining by advance request. Every table receives filtered water in one-of-a-kind artistic glasses, and those wishing to buy a keepsake for their date can opt to purchase one or more unique pieces of glassware. Steak specialties include 17-oz. New York strips, 22-oz. T-bones and filet mignon. The dishes are served with sauces such as bérnaise, hollandaise and borderlase. The restaurant has a large selection of appetizers and lunch specials, including seared ahi tuna, calamari and asparagus-wrapped prosciutto. Guests can also try pork chops, chicken and pasta dishes. There is also an extensive wine list. Low lighting and scenic water and city views also help create a date to remember.
Keefer's Restaurant
20 West Kinzie
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Phone: (312) 467-9525
Fax: (312) 467-9526
http://www.keefersrestaurant.com/
Table Fifty-Two
Table Fifty-Two offers white tablecloths and a variety of authentic Southern foods, and was named among the best by The Chicago Tribune. One of the eatery chefs, Art Smith, worked as a personal chef for Oprah Winfrey. Fairly private tables, low lighting, fine glassware, and candles and flowers throughout the restaurant help add to a memorable date experience. Appetizers such as fried green tomatoes are fused with fine dining ingredients to create plates like "Fried Green Tomatoes Napoleon." That dish has traditional fried green tomatoes with goat cheese, local greens, applewood bacon and sun-dried tomato tapenade. That fusion of traditional South and fine international dining is continued through dishes such as pistachio-crusted chicken breast and espresso-dusted tenderloin filet. Salads are also available, as are desserts such as 12-layer chocolate cake.
Table Fifty-Two
52 W. Elm Street
Chicago, Illinois 60010
Phone: (312)573-4000
E-mail: msdebratorres@me.com
http://www.tablefifty-two.com
About the Author:
Stephanie Mojica has been a journalist since 1997. Her articles have appeared in newspapers such as "The Philadelphia Inquirer" and "The Virginian-Pilot," as well as several online publications. Mojica earned a Bachelor of General Studies, Arts and Science degree from Athabasca University in 2005 and is a certified weight-loss coach.
