New Chicago Places To Take A Visiting Chef

[orenlund]

A friend from culinary school is visiting this week from Vegas. During the days, he's meeting with people about coming to work here, but at night, I plan on showing him some newer Chicago places to help convince him that this the right city for him.

He's led Michelin 1 and 2 star kitchens in Vegas and before that worked at a Mobil 5 star restaurant in Chicago (to keep some of his anonymity, I won't name names), but I don't think fancy dinners will do the trick. I'm thinking more about places like the Violet Hour, Depot American Diner, TAC Quick, and Kuma's Corner- places where cooks would (or should) be eating and drinking.

I don't really have any time to think on this one- his flight get's in Tuesday afternoon and he's only here for 2-3 nights.

If you were thinking about moving here to cook, what places for dinner or drinks that have just come up in the past five (or so) years would convince you to stay?

Right now my list of definites:

Violet Hour

Kuma's

Maybes:

Depot

The Gage

Smoque

That's-A-Burger

Edna's Restaurant

Pastoral

Graham Elliot

Lao Sze Chuan

urbanbelly

Even though we have some truly great Thai food here, he's got the exalted Lotus of Siam in Vegas, so everything would pale in comparison.

Let me know what y'all think. What am I missing? What else should be in the "definite" column? I need help, and quick!

[Poffertjes]

Too bad he wouldn't be here for Monday Night Farm Dinner, but you can still enjoy Lula Cafe.

Also, see if they're having an after hours dinner at August.

Schwa?

Edited September 16, 2008 by Poffertjes (log)

[Alchemist]

Hot-Dougs seems like a great place for lunch. Green Mill for cocktails. Avec or Blackbird. The Matchbox.

Toby

[jesteinf]

I would second Avec and Schwa. I would also add Sun Wah to the list.

[Aaron Deacon]

Even though we have some truly great Thai food here, he's got the exalted Lotus of Siam in Vegas, so everything would pale in comparison.

I haven't been to Lotus of Siam, but I get the sense that Chicago's top spots compare favorably. I know there are some discussions to that effect on LTHForum, and there may be here as well.

[Daniel]

I was at avenues a little less then a year ago.. The sous chef told me that a new place had opened up.. It was a french place with well priced wine and classic french cuisine.. I havent heard anything about this place since.. I think it might have been called Chateau or something.. Anyone know the name?

Edited September 18, 2008 by Daniel (log)

[Lenski]

If your friend is a chef, you can safely avoid "The Gage."

[nsxtasy]

I would add North Pond, as much for its exquisite, unique setting as for Chef Sherman's cuisine.