It is that most marvelous time of year again: Chicago Restaurant Week.
While you usually have to fight tooth and nail to snatch a table during this annual event, the extension to two weeks has made the task a little easier. You may still be out of luck for a prime time Saturday spot, but if you are willing to sacrifice a weekday evening for a culinary field trip, you have plenty of options from January 24 – February 6.
The wonderful thing about Restaurant Week is not just the $33-$44 pre-fixe menus filled with some of the chef’s greatest goodies; it’s also the perfect excuse to be out and about in the dead of winter. I would love to stay holed up during this oh-so-miserable cold snap, but if you dangle GT Fish & Oyster’s lobster roll in front of me, I’ll cave into my parka and snow boots.
Most of the favorites are still on the list, like Graham Elliot Bistro, Trattoria No. 10 and The Bristol. Some of the newbies in town are taking advantage of the publicity that comes with Restaurant Week to showcase their new establishments, like Travelle at The Langham, Chicago and Summer House Santa Monica in Lincoln Park by Jeff Mahin, of Do-Rite Donuts fame.
If you are intimidated by fine dining, this is a perfect opportunity to sample menus and expand your palate without diminishing your wallet. The great thing about Chicago is that you cannot make a bad decision during Restaurant Week. So close your eyes, throw a pin at OpenTable and see where fate leads you. I for one am already decked out with three reservations and a hot date with the gym tonight.
Tuck in, Chicago.
Finding Gastropia 