09/13/08

The Best Fondue and very romantic!

by MassageGirl21

This is the only way I'd do fondue, and I've gone to Gejas a number of times and I definitely would highly recommend getting a booth because it's definitely much better than the tables. Every time that I've gone I've had good service and the food has been good as well. Just be careful if it's your first experience to watch out for the oil because when it does get really hot it does kind of crackle and pop. The first time my brother went there he was mad and couldn't stand it because he couldn't keep track of how long his food was cooking and kept on losing the food off of the little forks. The forks are color coordinated, and it can be tough to keep the food on them, especially with lobster and the patatoes. It was rather dimly lit, but hands down the most romantic place I've ever been to. I agree that if you have noisy people behind/in front of you you can hear their conversations, so going later can help with that. This is the only place where I'll eat lobster and actually the first place I tried it, and I just love it! (and I'm generally not a seafood fan, plus, the shrimp is good too). Everything is top quality food, and I'll be coming back here again and again because it's a fun, and unique experience every time.

• Pros: Very romantic, amazing food, great experience.
• Cons: Dimly lit, hard to see at times, gotta ask for a booth

07/15/08

Perfect for couples

by tnoves

I went here with my boyfriend on a monday night to celebrate our one-year anniversary, and it was the best choice we could have made. First off, the valet was the great at only $9. We chose to wait for a booth (which I HIGHLY recommend doing). It definitely isn't a bad wait if you aren't pressed for time. They have a decent outdoor patio with little tables and candles, and the hostess calls you in when the booth is ready. Despite what some people may have said, I completely adored the restaurant's decor and atmosphere. It wasn't too dim, as the windows are a nice size for the "cellar vibe", and there are candles, and warmly lit lamps in the booths. There are old wine bottles covering all of the walls, and wine-style oil paintings. It isn't one big room like some restaurants, but has a few walls dividing the doorway, seating area, and bar. Not all the tables in the center were extremely close, and I could tell that they had done their best spacing people out, but on a busy night it would be best to wait for a side table or a booth if you don't want to feel like you're a joint party with another table.

The food was simply delicious. They are quite generous portions, and the fruit and vegetables were very fresh. The waiters were very professional and elegantly dressed. The guitarist was also great. He sits on a raised chair in the corner of the dining area. It took just over two hours for us to finish our premier dinners: salad, cheese fondue, meat/vegetables, chocolate fondue, and coffee. Since we only chose to have chicken and meat, as opposed to seafood as well, the whole dinner was only $36/person. For some reason they charged us for our cappuccinos, so I'm assuming that just plain coffee is included in the premier dinner price. So overall our bill was $88, and with a tip we paid just over $100. Definitely worth the money. You also get a $25 off certificate with your bill, always a nice way to recieve a check.

• Pros: ambience, perfect for special occasions, great fondue
• Cons: if you have louder neighbors, you can too easily hear every word

04/16/08

My favorite restaurant when I visit chicago!

by ascholten

I discovered this place 4-5 years ago when visiting chicago (I am from MI), and no fondue experience has ever been the same. Everytime I return to chicago it is a must that I dine here! If you have ever been to a chain like the melting/pot - it doesn't even compare to the experience here. The atmosphere is small, cozy, romantic. I DO recommend that when calling in for a reservation that you specifically ask for a booth. If you get a table, you will find that you may be sitting on the laps almost of the table next to you. Also, I would suggest coming a little later - say 8:30-9ish as things will calm down a little more.

I will say I had one minor bad experience here the last time I visited this x-mas of 07. I took my fiance here for the first time (his first time in chicago as well). I won't make this long, but watch out for the exploding potatoes! My fiance got minor burns on his hand from the hot oil, and I got oil all over my new shirt I had just bought. While the staff made sure to frequent our table more, the manager only comped a couple glasses of wine, he didn't offer anything for my ruined shirt, and we still had to pay for the dinners in full. Considering how great of business this place gets (and how much I frequent it for not even being a resident of the city) I would think that the least they could have done was comped our meal for this time. If you are someone that can't laugh an experience off like this I would suggest not going as apparently this does happen from time to time.

However, b/c of how much I love this place, the experience, and the food I will visit again the next time I am in chicago. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time (2-3 hours), and come with an empty stomach!!!!

• Pros: Great ambience and food
• Cons: Poor management