I here the Alinea restaurant in Chicago is amazing. Has anyone been there???

Question

I'm going to be in Chicago is it worth my time? Expensive?

Answer 1

It is amazing, but in sort of an odd way.  It's like visiting an art museum.  The food is prepared in an artistic manner, and presented in an artistic manner.  Everything is beautiful and extremely creative.

That said, I can't exactly recommend it.  It's an amazing place, but sort of weird too - I mean, a single flavored orange on an orange scented pillow?  A single peanut butter flavored grape?  A slice of perfectly prepared bacon floating from a metal swing?  It's fascinating, and creative, and tastes amazing, but it's all a little...strange, might be the best word.

It is an interesting experience, but if you're hungry and want an amazing meal - and if expense is OK, because both of these places are crazy expensive - I'd lean more towards Tru.

Answer 2

gourmet magazine named it the number one restaurant in america a few years back. i'm so going to try it one day! here are some other thoughts:

http://www.menuism.com/restaurants/bQxXd...

Answer 3

It is amazing.  And it is also ridiculously expensive.  And it also takes a really long time to eat there (if your time is limited).  I would say that yes, it is worth it, but only if you're willing to open your mind to really different techniques and flavor combinations that you've never dreamed of, and only if you don't mind spending $140 or $195 each depending on which size menu you get.  It is fixed price, so you can't go any lower.  And if you get the larger one, which I did, it takes a good 3-4 hours.  But it was the most mind-blowing food experience I've ever had, and if you're open-minded and open-walletted, definitely worth it.