Tasting menus---created by Alinea vet Curtis Duffy---carry the torch at this Peninsula hotel dining room.. In Short
Subdued and sedate, this hotel dining room is a destination the world over. Clothed tables cozy up to leather armchairs that beckon those with money to burn. An open kitchen allows diners to glean preparations, and a glassed-in wine cellar displays hundreds of selections for oenophiles. Dishes--offered as nightly four-, eight- or 15-course tastings--highlight pristine, artfully presented ingredients. Wagyu might appear on plate with smoked coconut, white shoyu and African blue basil; scallops could marry with amaranth, huckleberries and quail grass. A finale might be banana with a liquid blueberry "orb," sweet madras curry, banana noodles and lemon balm.…

Friendly Service; Deliciously Interesting Food. Last Saturday, a friend was visiting from out of town. She wanted to go to Alinea because it is ranked by every magazine, but I suggested this place instead. We sat at the kitchen bar and everybody was super conversational, including the chef. The food was a lot of fun! Dipping into English pea made me feel like a little kid participating in fine art. Lamb with Yogurt, Tangerine, Mint blossoms was rich and refreshing, as was the asparagus soup.…

Incredible dining experience (but you are going to pay big time). Had the opportunity to duck into this magnificent rstaurant recently while in Chicago on business. The place itself is within a very elegant hotel that certainly adds a regal atmosphere to the evening, and I quite liked it. The wait staff were very professional, attentive, knowledgable and friendly. The wine list was superb and the wine decanted precisely. The multi-course dinner was like I had never experienced in years, a real symphony of delectable tastes and textures. It was truly a magnificent dining experience... until I got the bill. After a round of CPR, I finally regained consiousness, managed to pay the bill and was carried out. Nevertheless, an experience not to be missed for sure, but do save up (or better yet, get someone else to pay).…

The best restaurant there is. Hy, Me and my pals from USA Grants INC went to this restaurant one evening and we were amazed of the services there. Really good personal and the food is awesome. Gonna get some more friends from USA Grants INC to eat there.

Respect,

USA Grant INC…

Interactive dining at it's best. Recently dined at Avenues and we asked to be seated at the kitchen bar (something I highly recommend unless you are out for a romantic evening) and so glad we did. Explanations of all courses and ingredients as well as the thought behind the dishes. Wonderful interaction with the entire staff. Food was commendable, tastes flowed together flawlessly. For an extra treat have an after dinner drink and a fine cigar in the hotel bar. Perfect evening.…

My best meal in Chicago. One of the highlights to my Chicago trip. I had the 12 course chef's menu which was not only creative, using a broad range of ingrediants, but very pleasant to the palate. The service exceeded my expectations... a waitress actually personally guaranteed that I would love my meal.…

Service was stellar. We dined at Avenues for our first anniversary and were treated like royalty. The food was elegant and delicious and we loved the bit of whimsy that the chef throws in to his dishes. The setting is pure romance. It was a spectacular evening for us and, though we can't afford to go there very often, we will return on our very next opportunity. Over $100 per person was well spent as far as we were concerned.…

Worth Every Penny. For me, the prices were a stretch, but I found it to be worth every penny! The food was fantastic and the service was the best I have ever seen! It was without a doubt worth the trip and I am looking forward to another special occasion to get me back there!…

Very nice, but your wallet will hurt. Everything about this place SCREAMS "I have money, and I like to spend it". That aside, the place is VERY romantic, quiet, with service that is second to none, and food that is to die for. However, the old adage holds true; as the prices get higher, the portions gets smaller and the plates bigger. The food, while absolutely spectacular, was in small, elegant portions. A wonderful romantic place for two, if you can afford it; It was nearly $200 for two people, without drinks. The service, though, was incredible. Our waiter was an expert on EVERYTHING that was on the menu, and was able to make some excellent suggestions. The buss boys and other service people were perfect in how they were always just out of sight, but always there when you asked, instantly. If you can afford it, WOW!…