When it comes to fine dining in the Chicago area, you can’t beat the classics–or so it would seem, judging by Zagat Survey’s 2006/2007 Chicago Restaurants guide, which hits bookstores today. The survey, which is based on opinions submitted by Chicago diners (nearly 5,000 of them, say the Zagat folks), awarded the highest score for Food to Carlos’ in Highland Park. Second place went to Le Francais in Wheeling (back in the voters’ graces after falling to 24th last survey), and Les Nomades finished third. In other categories, Charlie Trotter’s was voted Most Popular, just ahead of Tru and Frontera Grill, and Alinea was cited for Top Service.
Sam & Harry’s, a steak chain based in Washington, D.C., has opened its first Illinois location in the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center (1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg). The upscale concept features prime aged beef, daily seafood “24 hours out of the water” and a list of 300 wines, visible in a floor-to-ceiling wine display. 847-303-4050.
MK (868 N. Franklin St.) reopens Friday after a two-week vacation, and executive chef Todd Stein has added an optional, all foie gras degustation (four courses plus dessert, $82) that will be available through Aug. 21 (the city’s much-discussed foie gras ban takes effect Aug. 22). 312-482-9179.
There’s a new dining option at four-star Courtright’s (8989 Archer Ave., Willow Springs). Owners William and Rebecca Courtright have remodeled the restaurant’s lounge (retaining that gorgeous oak bar, however), where they offer a casual seasonal menu that includes a smoked-trout brandade with crispy wontons, a petite filet mignon sandwich or soft-shell crabs with heirloom-tomato panzanella. The menu also lists suggested wine pairings. The lounge is open whenever the dining room is (dinner Tue.-Sun.), but the lounge menu will not be served in the dining room. 708-839-8000.
Aria (Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Drive) has revamped its lounge as well; Aria Bar has been redone with glass-bead wallpaper and coiled drapery that creates private nooks. There’s a large array of sakes, wine and beer, plus a light menu of sushi and other Asian dishes by chef Byung Kyu Park (ex-Mirai). 312-444-9494.
South Gate Cafe (655 Forest Ave., Lake Forest) is celebrating its 25th birthday with a block party from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, featuring live music, children’s activities and grilled corn, hot dogs and burgers (priced from $3 to $5). Proceeds will be donated to Lake Forest Open Lands. 847-234-8800.
The foods and wines of Provence will be the focus of a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at KiKi’s Bistro (900 N. Franklin St.). Cost is $60. 312-335-5454.
Now that Cirque du Soleil’s “Corteo” is at the United Center, three restaurants are offering deals. At one sixtyblue (160 N. Loomis St., 312-850-0303), there’s a three-course, early-bird menu, served from 5-6:30 p.m. prior to each evening performance, priced at $49. And ticket-holders dining at Marche (833 W. Randolph St., 312-226-8399) will receive a complimentary appetizer (chef’s choice) and complimentary limousine shuttle to and from the performance; there’s also a Cirque-inspired menu available. Or flash your ticket or ticket stub (day of performance only) at Carnivale (702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005) and receive a complimentary mojito.
Head to Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard St.) 6-8 p.m. Thursday for a Big Easy-themed event featuring New Orleans-inspired hors d’oeuvres and Rockit Hurricanes. Tickets are $20. Proceeds will go to Common Ground Relief, which helps victims of Hurricane Katrina. 312-645-6000.
And order a 22-ounce Hurricane cocktail in a keepsake glass at any city or suburban Heaven on Seven, and the restaurant will donate $1 to New Orleans Habitat for Humanity.
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pvettel@tribune.com
