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I would like to take a group of 6 people to a special occasion restaurant in Chicago to celebrate my father's 80th birthday in March. They are coming from out of town, and they would like Italian or continental food. I would like a restaurant where they can make a special dessert for my father's birthday, or do something else special for the dinner. We are coming from the northwest suburbs, and we always take them to suburban restaurants when they visit us. I was thinking of the restaurant on the top of the John Hancock building (for the view of Chicago), or Spiaggia, or a steakhouse in Chicago. Can you offer any other suggestions of a restaurant that would be good for a special occasion dinner? Thanks.

I'd really think Spiaggia is the way to go for upscale Italian. Another option might be Nomi, but it's not really in that category.

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is making all his reservations under the name Steve Plotnicki from now on.

Maybe Naha or Blackbird

A little less obvious choices would be Sabatino's for old-school Italian, or Lutnia for continental, including tableside flambés.

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Chicago Craft Beer Week!

I recently went with a group to Spiaggia and was disappointed for a a number of reasons, the most important reason was the food.

If your group is full of 'foodies', Arun's is a wonderful choice and never fails to impress. Blackbird is also a good suggestion. Both restaurants would be more than happy to help you celebrate your guests birthday in a special way. Either way,

Wishing you the best on your foodie quest,
mariposa

I'd recommend North Pond for your special dinner. Along with great food and service I'm sure they'll be able to work with your dessert needs.

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GOOD TIMES!

Thanks for the suggestions for a restaurant. I am looking for a restaurant that offers a good view of Chicago for my visitors. My father is not a foodie, and he is not adventurous with his food choices. I think that either Spiaggia or North Pond offers a good view. Does North Pond have food that won't be too gourmet for my father? Does anyone have any other suggestions for a find dining restaurant that offers a great view of the city? Thanks, Carol

While the Signature Room at the 95th in the Hancock offers great views (when the clouds aren't too low), the food isn't up to snuff (go for a drink at the bar on the 96th instead if you must see the view). OTOH, Everest delivers on both counts, though if it were up to me, I'd choose Spaggia.

Everest
440 S La Salle St
Chicago, IL 60605
312-663-8920

Signature Room at the 95th
875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-9596

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

I just had dinner at Everest, be careful with that one, my table certainly had no view. Even looking at the cheesy mirrored walls, I didn't have a view. Everest would be a perfect place to take that age group. The food wasn't gourmet in the least to me, very uninteresting, and nothing that wowed, except the check. I can see the appeal to some groups of diners, my dad would like it. The Spiaggia and North Pond ideas are sound. Park Grille has a view of Millenium Park, less upscale, Banderas and Grand Luxe Cafe on Michigan Ave. You would have to make sure you ask for a table with a view.

Considering your father isn't a foodie and it's his birthday, I would recommend the Signature Room. My family aren't foodies either and the one time I suggested Spiaggia for MY birthday it was shot down as soon as they looked at the menu (we settled on Cafe Spiaggia which I liked). And even though I agree the Signature Room's food isn't as good, it's so worth it for the view and is a restaurant those same family members of mine really enjoy. Plus, if you go on a weekend with a reservation you can bypass the long line of people waiting to go for a drink in the bar.

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www.foodiereflections.com

Thanks for all the suggestions for restaurants. I have been checking the menus for Spaggia and other places, and I really think that my father would not be comfortable eating at Spaggia. I think that you are right Jackie, both my parents would really like the Signature Room because of the view. They are more interested in a great view than fancy food.