One of my favorite things about living in Chicago is that there is a seemingly endless supply of new and different restaurants.  Each one tries to be more unique and chic than the next.  My boyfriend and I devote our date nights to trying new restaurants and it seems that we’ve tried all types: fancy, simple, and completely over-rated.

Our fanciest (and funniest) date was to Trump’s “Sixteen.”  We were by far the youngest people there and tried our hardest to break our server’s “penguin” like manners and façade.  As we do with all of our servers, we just wanted to know his name and chat with him like a friend.  We decided on ordering the tasting menu.  We figured if we were at the Trump we should go big, be surprised and order food we wouldn’t know how to pronounce. The first course (of several) came out and we could barely make it through the server’s long and fancy explanation before we looked at each other and laughed out loud at the tiny little creation, complete with a “squiggle” of liquid garnish.

The courses did get better (and bigger) and the service was second to none.  In fact, the service was so exquisite that we started to wonder if there were hidden cameras on our table.  We joked that we should time how many seconds it would take for one of the staff to come over and refill our glass after one of us took a sip of wine. They made it to us within seconds each time.  The atmosphere was the most unique I’ve ever experienced in Chicago, perhaps because of the beautiful view, very dim lighting and decadent crystal chandelier in the center of the restaurant. It was such a treat to dine at “Sixteen”, but we (and our $18 cocktails) aren’t planning on running back there in this lifetime.

This weekend we attended a 30^th birthday dinner at a simple Italian restaurant, a hidden gem on Armitage in Lincoln Park called “Tarantino’s.”  They had amazingly authentic food and great service.  We had a party of 20 without any slips in service, quality or timing which is quite a feat.  I don’t love Caesar salad but I had a taste of theirs and, honestly, I’m still thinking about it!  I also ordered the Black Linguine which was served with fresh shrimp and mussels in a spicy red sauce- excellent, and a new favorite!  I had never been to Tarantino’s before but I’d tell anyone to go there because it fit the bill of quality, service and atmosphere.

But sometimes curiosity prevails and you just have to try those buzz-worthy restaurants.  After trying to get a reservation for some time, we finally got in at Perennial.  The interior of the restaurant is pretty: wood floors, what seems to be live foliage and trees with a modern flair.  The backroom had lots of pretty Christmas “trees” with blue lights and ornaments.  Overall though, we were disappointed; especially after hearing such a buzz about it.  It was very loud and the seating wasn’t intimate.  Our server was on the verge of snotty, and the menu was very limited.  We did LOVE their Crudo, though, which is very flavorful raw fish drizzled in oil, lemon and herbs.

So when it comes to my favorite Chicago restaurants, I’ll pick simple any day.  All the hype, glamour and over-the-top attempts at being the most unique sometimes ruin the whole experience.  Maybe all of that glitz and glam covers up the whole point of dining out in the first place: great food and friendly service.