Alinea, Chicago

1723 North Halsted, Chicago Illinois 60614

312-867-0110   In the Lincoln Park area of Chicago.

Hours of Operation:

Dinner only Wednesday through Sunday.

Reservations required. Men are required to waet jackets.

THE ROOM:

Alinea first established in 2002 was named Gourmet magazines top American restaurant in 2006. It is a 4 star restaurant and has a AAA five diamond rating as well. It also ranks as one of the top fifty retaurants in the world. Chef Gary Achatz and his team that includes sous chefs, interior designers, architects and designer sculptors have  created an dining experience that is  unparalled in this world. My entire experience the evening I spent at this restaurant will be a cherished memory. It was magic. Everything worked. It was a delight for the senses ....all your senses. From the moment you enter the restaurant it is an adventure. You expect a maitre d' but you find yourself alone in a long dimly lit hall. The right wall is scalloped in design and as you walk down the hall thinking you are on the USS Enterprise, swoosh, a door inset in the wall on the left automatically opens into the restaurants first floor. To the right is the amazing open kitchen with more staff then I have ever seen in a restaurant; to the left is a dining room. We are led upstairs to another dining room. The style is hypermodern with minimalist decor but amazingly comfortable. Beautiful art graces the walls and the use and display of exotic flowers and greenery is minimal but elegant. We are led to a banquette I feel I could lanquish in. The tables have an ebonized finish. I understand that the silk pillows revolve to compliment the colors of the season and the programable LED lighting system allows walls to be tinted to accomplish the same goal. The effect is magical and I had a feeling of great anticipation and excitment.

THE FOOD:

Alinea offers