Three Dinners

I’ve never been what you’d call a particularly wealthy person. Ever. There’s never been an instance that I can think of in my life where I can say I was literally rolling around on a big pile of money. But that doesn’t mean I can’t eat like I’m the kind of person who has a lot of money – right? And there’s no reason that I can’t have an amazing night out that’s as fantastic as IF I had a ton of money – right?

But the point I’m driving at here is that I like to go out. I like to eat an obscene amount of really tasty food. And sometimes I can justify spending a lot of dollars, but a lot of times I can’t. Since Chicago is such an insanely food-and-drink-driven down, it can be a little overwhelming just to pick a place for dinner.

So. I am here to help you with that – by offering an expensive option, a mid-range option, and a cheap option for various kinds of meals and occasions.

Today’s Occasion: Important Person In Your Life’s Birthday

Expensive Option: Tru
Remember that one time when you were made of money?
That was fun, wasn’t it?

Or maybe you weren’t made of money, but you’d budgeted for this event (and it is an event) and decided to be treated as though you were made of money and eat the best food you’ve ever had in your life that managed to be all kinds of fancy and refined while still coming off as a steak-and-potatoes kind of meal. You’ll eat things you’ve never had before, and some amazing spins on intensely rich classics that manage to taste completely different than anything you’ve ever had.

I recommend the Chef’s Collection – because going to a place like this isn’t something you do very often. So you might as well go balls out. Total food bill for two people getting the Chef’s Collection is $290.

Mid-Range Option: The Publican
Pig, Shellfish, Beers: The Publican in a nutshell. Community dining, locally farmed ingredients, and perfect cuts of meat – all thrown into a place that manages to magically be dim and bright, open and intimate, classy and casual – all at once.

You eat with your hands. You eat pork rinds of all things, with your hands, and they taste like heaven. You make friends with the other people at your table, and you discuss the different things you’ve all ordered and marvel over the extensive (and I do mean extensive) beer list.

Try the trio of three hams and the pork rinds as appetizers and finish with the waffle for dessert. Total food bill with those three and two entrees will run you about $75 for two.

Inexpensive Option The Bluebird
Technically this is a “gastropub”. Even more technically this place is “awesome.” It’s quiet, it’s intimate, it’s got high ceilings and exposed brick and dim lighting and an inventive and varied menu that will have you eating rabbit and thinking about how it’s not nearly as gamy as you’d imagined rabbit to be and then suddenly you’ve eaten all of it.

There’s also the “pub” aspect of the place, which is second to none in terms of quality and selection. But don’t let the gorgeous gorgeous bar fool you – this isn’t the kind of place you’d go to to make poor decisions. The Bluebird has more class than just about every other booze-serving establishment I’ve ever been in.

An appetizer and two entrees will run you about $45 – which, for someone who’s important to you, isn’t a total bank breaker.

Photo credit: JOE_M500 and Stringbot

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