Chicago Restaurant Week: L. Stolpman's picks

By L. Stolpman in Food on Feb 20, 2009 7:40PM

Anthony laid out some of the great reasons to try a restaurant during Chicago Restaurant Week and I have to echo them here. It's a great opportunity to try some places on which you might not otherwise risk your hard earned cash (or credit). 3 course meals - $22 for lunch, $32 for dinner. Be sure to check out the actual menu items being offered. You can see the restaurant week menu by: 1) clicking here, then 2) choose the restaurant you're considering and 3) click on the Restaurant Week Menu button - You can also make your reservations on this page (after step 2).

C-House: There's a raw bar...and a candy bar. What more do you want? Here's their restaurant week menu. Here's why you should try it now - Butternut squash soup ($15) + Salmon ($24) + Candy Bar Trio ($6) = $45 dollars meal...for $32. Anyway you slice and dice it, it's a great deal and a great way to try C-House if you haven't already. 166 E. Superior.

Bin 36: Bin 36 was up for a James Beard award last year for its wine service and its food is nothing to sneeze at, either. Chef John Caputo and Wine Director Brian Duncan make a great pair, wine pun intended. Check out their menu for the week here. You will be doing yourself a disservice, however, if you don't splurge on some recommended wine pairings with which to enjoy your peppercorn encrusted blue marlin or your stuffed pork loin. Mmmmm! 339 N Dearborn.

One Sixtyblue: I'm a fan of this West Loop favorite and it has a new chef who has me curious. Chef Michael McDonald is at the helm and if you haven't been there in a while, this is a great time to re-visit and see and taste some new offerings. Here's their restaurant week menu. The leek gnocchi, chicken and biscuits and sticky toffee dessert date cake had us at hello. You should note, per here, no fixed price offering on the 21st. 1400 W Randolph.