Best experience in Chicago

My wife loves to cook, and is an excellent chef, and our solid wine collection make it a challenge for us to justify a restaurant visit that doesn't provide a "Wow Factor". Alinea did that and more. I was placed on the wait list when trying to make a reservation a few days out for a Friday evening, and that afternoon I was called and given a selection of "Choice" reservation times to choose from; I'm not sure that its comforting that every sector of the economy is feeling a pinch nowadays, but we were beneficiaries nonetheless.

We chose the smaller tasting menu, and after discovering both that BYO wasn't permitted here and that the wine pairings were recommended by many, we elected for the wine pairing as well. I don't know how any bottle selections could do justice to the wide variety of foods sampled, and the sommelier for our room (upstairs, quiet, comforatble and not in the least bit cramped for personal space) quickly got to know us, our background and tastes, and offered a few wine samples that weren't part of our flight.

The various courses, their preparation, the balance, the ability to discern so many individual flavors within a single bite, all blew us away. The service was precise, yet in a casual and unpretentous manner. There were always lots of people to care for you, but you never felt that you were being doted over or pushed.

Is it pricey? More than I ever imagined I'd pay for a single meal. Was it worthwhile? I'd return in moment.

Best dinner I ever had, and the price showed. Super expensive, but absolutely amazing food.

Horribly overrated and expensive restaurant. Grant Achatz should practice restraint in his dishes.