Sorry, this is sort of a cross post continuatino of where to have a special dinner in Chicago...

Amazingly, I got a reservation for thsi Saturdya night at Charlei Trotters. This will eb without a doubt the most upscale restaurant I've ever bee nto. I don't have time to shop for anything. What do I wear? I have only two dressy dresses. I tihnk the blue is too prommy and the pink is not nice enough.



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There are a few nice boutiques on the same street as Charlie Trotters you could probably find a little memento from your Chgo trip to wear there. I think the pink is perfect. There is a wonderful shoe store right on the same block (I think). It's called Laurie's. Great Shoes! Have fun!

P.S. Gonna cost ya!

Janel

after looking at how the people in their photos are dressed, i would almost say neither dress. it looks very bunsiness-dressy.

do you have a nice pr of slacks? a wide-leg trouser w/ heels and an elegant top would be nice.
or the standard "little black dress" would be perfect here. if you don't have one, do you have a girlfriend who does?

honestly, as long as you are put together nicely, confident and comfortable, it'll be a good meal... and its really about the food here, right? so don't sweat it!

and please let us know all about the meal next week!

buon appetito!

I do have a nice business dress I bought to wear on my job interview last fall. It's very classy. But long-sleeved, therefore hot.

Of course, I've never been to Charlie Trotters, but I think you look fabulous in the pink dress. What material is it made out of?

Do people really get THAT formally dressed up, even in the upscale places? In Philly, I think you could pull that pink dress off at the nicest restaurants in town, without a problem.

Terry

T-Mac:

I've been to Charlie Trotter's - you are in for a fabulous meal!

The pink dress would be better than that blue one. CT's is very elegant, but understated. I wore a black silk and satin tuxedo dress and jacket which was perfect because we were there in August and I could take off the jacket if I got too warm. I'd say that everyone was dressed up in dressy business wear - suits, nice dresses - or subtle evening wear, like silk pants and a silk top. Your blue dress looks more like a dinner dance/fundraiser outfit. Make sure to wear some nice jewelry and shoes, perhaps take a silk wrap and you'll be fab.

Let us know how you like your evening. Enjoy!
Sandra

The pink dress - lovely photo and it looks great on you.

Have a good time!

Argh jeez. I have no nice jewelry or silk scarves. I've looked at their dining room photos now. I think it will be the pink dress because my husband loves me in it and after all this is to celebrate our anniversary. I wish I had a nice scarve though - I'm self conscious about a scar over my collarbone from having skin cancer surgery two years ago (right after I returned from the trip where those photos were taken).

My second choice is the Tahari by Arthur S. Levine skirt suit I bought for my job interview. I just think I'd roast in it - in addition to being long sleeved it's lined.

I'm excited to have somewhere to wear my Prada shoes I bought at the outlet in Italy

quote:

Argh jeez. I have no nice jewelry or silk scarves.

Don't stress. The dress is lovely and you'll look and feel great. If you want the scarf because you think you might be chilly, a little summery cotton sweater or shrug would be great with that dress.

Happy Anniversary!

Pink dress will be lovely - we were there in June a couple of years ago and the air conditioning was really cold so I second the notion of a pashmina like scarf or shrug.

Most memorable dish - foie ice cream! It worked!

Won't get foie anything there now. Charlie has banned foie gras from his menu and is one of the biggest proponents of the (IMHO) silly proposed ordinance in the city of Chicago to ban foie gras from all restaurants.

That's my only strike against Trotter - I love foie gras!
Sandra

Hi Sandra - funny - we had the whole foie menu! Boy he must regret that now.........foie is my guilty pleasure!

No foie -- no problem, as I don't eat meat. Which is why I'm extra excited aboutt his place .. there's an entire vegetable menu.

Enjoy your dinner at Charlie Trotter's. We've eaten there many times and the atmosphere is quite understated and elegant, not necessarily "dressy." As with many restaurants nowadays, you'll probably see patrons wearing all manner of attire. Be comfortable.

As to the Chicago ban on foie gras, which takes effect in August, chefs will find a way to get around it. The ban only prevents the SALE of foie gras -- so it's possible that a restaurant could offer $16. first course of, say, quince or fig sauce. It could come with a complimentary side of foie gras.