Should fine dining establishments go out of their way to accomodate toddlers?

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by agzg

Lately we've been super in love with Rick Bayless, who does sustainable organic Mexican food and hosts a cooking show in addition to owning and operating several restaurants in Chicago. They range in "fancy" from fairly casual (although I was shocked to see people there in jeans, but we also went to a show last Friday and people were wearing jeans there, too) Frontera Grill to slightly fancy Topolobampo, to the Library Room at Topolobampo which features five course meals complete with wine tasting.

All in Chicago, all connected. I know of other "haute" organic places elsewhere but I hestiate to make recommendations as I really only know first or second-hand accounts of places in Chicago.

I've been dying to go to one of Rick Bayless' restaurants, but the last time I was in Chicago, he had taken his whole staff for both places (Frontera Grill and Topolobampo) to Mexico for a retreat! My husband swears we'll go back to Chicago for a culinary tour of the city instead of the usual Cubs weekend with his cheap eats friends.

[agzg]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I've been dying to go to one of Rick Bayless' restaurants, but the last time I was in Chicago, he had taken his whole staff for both places (Frontera Grill and Topolobampo) to Mexico for a retreat! My husband swears we'll go back to Chicago for a culinary tour of the city instead of the usual Cubs weekend with his cheap eats friends.

I recommend all of his restaurants. If you want a quick (but good) and less expensive meal, XOCO is great - Mexican street food. Frontera's good for more casual dining. You can be jealous now - the last time we went to Frontera Maple was in season so they had Maple Flan. Best. Desert. Ever.

Sad thing is, you can't recommend a certain dish, because the menu changes every season!