A special meal/ Les Nomades?

I am visiting Chicago in June and have made reservations at Cafe Spiaggia, Bistro Margot and Gibsons.

On the final night I was thinking of giving us a bit of a treat and trying Les Nomades or somewhere similar. I will be staying at Sofitel Water Tower. Anyone got any other suggestions/ recommendations please?

Many thanks

A special meal/ Les Nomades?

I haven%26#39;t been to Les Nomades in a few years. I was a big fan of the prior chef and haven%26#39;t been since he left. I have not avoided the place. Instead, in the area at that price point there are a lot of places that I like a lot. People I trust to discuss food have reported that Les Nomades is not on the former level and as such, given the option of spending a lot of money on a place that I know and trust or trying someplace where the reputation is not there, I go with the other places. It may be very good. I do intend to go sometime in the next few months, but of course, if I go and it is not great, I have only wasted some money and a few hours. Considering that you won%26#39;t be spending much time here, I would go with a more reliable option.

The options that I tend to choose instead of Les Nomades:

Alinea;

Avenues;

Everest;

Charlie Trotter%26#39;s.

Each place will run about $400.00 for dinner for two and the meal will last about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Each is a great value.

A step below, but still providing outstanding food:

Kevin;

Naha;

NoMi.

Another option: I would consider Topolobampo. It is a great Mexican restaurant that is considered by some (including me) on the same level as Everest and Charlie Trotter%26#39;s (same cost and time of meal). It is amazing what a chef can do with traditional Mexican ingredients. It is definitely a meal that you won%26#39;t get at home.

A special meal/ Les Nomades?

Thank you Skeeter one, lots of constructive suggestions. I now need to do some more research on the internet.

I went last year for anniversary and althought we had a nice evening and the food was very good (except for pea soup) it does not lure me back I would rather try other places in that 400 price range. I think you would be disappointed in the ambiance of Les Nomades after seeing your other selections. It%26#39;s very subdued but not in a romantic way. This will sound like an oxy-moron but it seemed to have a casual air even though it was uptight. i.e. sort of like a country club and you could tell there were regulars who went there with their adult families often. Blackbird%26#39;s was wonderful and I have yet to try Alinea but it%26#39;s on my list. Try Toppolobumba for a treat --I killed the spelling--it%26#39;s Rick Bayless upscale mexican.

Thank you Charstorm for your comments.

I think Les Nomades is now off my list.

The Mexican sounds interesting!