Well, that . . . wasn't bad.

[angelchicken]

So, I just got back from Charlie Trotter's for my mom's birthday dinner.

Here's the story: three months ago me, Jenny and Mom are trying to figure out what to do for Mom's sixtieth birthday, an event to be celebrated, indeed. We were thinking Europe but I can't get off around this time of year and mom already went to France this summer and there were various other factors that added up to No Europe. So we went with a Big Deal dinner instead. Where, oh where should we go?

Jenny said, "Charlie Trotter's!" and the three of us looked at each other and BAM!, it was a go.

Fast forward to tonight. My family has been looking forward to this for months and months.

We get to the restaurant. Me, Mom, Jenny, Jack, David and Bob. We've saved up as the reputation of this place is above and beyond: one of the best, if not *the* best restaurant in Chicago, and well worth every penny.

The service was fantastic. Above and beyond.

The wine was incredible. Four bottles of different wines and Proseccos and such.

The food was . . . okay. I liked it.

David, Jack and Bob weren't impressed.

Mom and Jenny thought it was repulsive. And my mom eats everything.

Overall, though, even though the food was really lacking, it was worth it. Like I said, the wine and service and also the ambiance were amazing and without a doubt top of the line. And the anticipation was wonderful. We *all* wanted to go and try this place.

But we expected heaven in a bite with at least some of the (seven!) courses. And that didn't happen. So it's a bummer and all that, but still, I'm glad I went, for the experience. I don't think I'd recommend it, exactly. There are much better ways to burn through money. But it was fun. We laughed and talked and drank and the menu said "Happy Birthday, Susan!" at the top which was a delightful surprise.

And, I know this is so, so shallow. But opening the check and seeing the bill, that was being split five ways, let me be clear, was kind of great. Eh, I'll just be shallow.

Anyway, a very happy birthday to my mom who I love dearly. And a B to Charlie Trotter's from me. If it was based on food alone, it would have been a C.

And that's my two cents.

Comments

[disbelief11.livejournal.com]

I've been to Trotter's and was disappointed. The fancy place that has never disappointed me (I've been there 4 or 5 times, back when I had more money to burn) was Tru. Delicious!

Anyway, glad you guys had a good time.

[angelchicken.livejournal.com]

We did have a good time, even though the food was meh. And I have heard SO MANY good things about Tru, I just never think of it. Now I'm like "When is the next big event? When can we go to Tru? Jenny's turning 30 in January of 2009 . . . "

Heh. I'm a dork.

But now I know (about Trotter's, not the dork part. I've known that for years).

[devilpiglet.livejournal.com]

I've seen a few different Trotter's menus and my reaction has always been the same: "I...have no idea what I would order." In my case, my palate just isn't refined enough to support the enthusiastic deployment of watercress and bisque, you know?

[angelchicken.livejournal.com]

Well, they make it a bit easy in that they have the Grand Menu or the Vegitarian menu. You get one or the other and they bring you everything on it in about seven courses.

It was interesting, though I think the sour cream sorbet was pretty good.

But ultimately not worth the money.

[(Anonymous)]

I've herd that before, about fancy schmancy places, that it can be more about the service, ambience, and experience than the food. Sour cream sorbet does sound tasty though. I think also, with a set menu, there is a higher chance that some people just aren't going to like anything at all.