Anyone have an in at Alinea?

I don't but I've been dying to go as well. I have been to Next and highly recommend, that might be easier to get into.

 

One of the best dining experiences I've had. Could not get in either, but a friend with a Amex black card got me in within a 48 hour notice! The black card concierge service rocks!


Geno

 

Don't have an in at Alinea, although as mentioned above, a conciege from either the Amex black card or even something like the JP Morgan palladium or Citi chairman concierge might be able to get you a reservation.

I've been fortunate enough to dine at Alinea, as well as sample each menu so far from Next, and Grant Achatz is no less than a genius at his craft.

 

As a matter of principle I refuse to go to any restaurant that can't give me a seat when I make a reservation.

Life is too short for humbug.

 

Andreas,

+1000, it's like any other 'Bubble'; here today, gone tomorrow!! Their food can't possibly be so great that people would be willing to wait month's to get a reservation.Seems like another Hoi Polloi fascination that will soon fade! And, with today's economy, their prices are outrageous

My sentiments exactly.... http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g35805-d570063-r88768719-Alinea_Restaurant_LLC-Chicago_Illinois.html

 

It's quite a number of years they maintain their top position and get away with difficult to obtain reservations (does not seem to diminish demand,rather makes it even more desirable).
Similarly to French Laundry in Yountville that has very restrictive and silly rules how to get a table and seem to prosper for almost 20 years now.....

 

I've been there. I like it much netter then Trotters. Although pricey and long - is a great experience. Def should get the wine pairings.

 

Bingo. I agree. I wont wait in those huge lines for cupcakes or popcorns either as i see people doing on Michigan ave. Or at the Apple Store for a phone that will be obsolete in 6 months.

 

OR a rediculous wait, unless the owner sponsors a cocktail.
The frustration for me arises when with others who are more tolerant/enamored, then I'm stuck or the impatient one.

 

Kind of like buying a new Ferrari for some. If the food is great people will play along with the rules. The same can be said for someone wanting the latest Ferrari offering. It is actually a brilliant strategy if you can get people to go along with it.

 

Funny: I was actually thinking about the popcorn folks. Same nonsense as the must have deep dish pizza from Uno. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, just go next door.

As for molecular gastronomy: meh

 

I would not call its popularity 6 years running a bubble..

 

I guess it can be seen as similar but the Ferrari should either last you 3/4 years or if sold within 6 months net you a nice profit.

 

amex platinum concierge is fairly worthless

 

How long did the dot-com and housing bubbles last? They lasted until their exorbitant valuations became ridiculous. Same can be said about any business, restaurants included. In the beginning no one wants to be left out of a new and exciting experience....it's like following the crowd, no one wants to be left out and be called a loser.

I've eaten at a number of upper-crust restaurants here and in Europe. Can I say that what I paid for the meals was worth it; absolutely not!

Many of the highfalutin joints are attended by the want-to-be-seen crowd. There are great Mom & Pop restaurants where you'll get great meals at reasonable prices!

 

Restaurant business is especially fickle, for one to last 6 years with that much popularity is a rare feat. Charlie Trotter's is rather expensive and it's going on 20.

I agree though, there are certainly a number of restaurants that can be had for much less money. I think if you immerse yourself in the experience that these top tier restaurants have to offer it is worth it though. FWIW two of my favorite restaurants are a wing joint near my alma mater and Portillos. You could go a year at each for a date night at Alinea

 

It's what I call "Pageantry Dining". Some like all that, I don't.

 

Andrew,

You don't have to because you got spoiled with the best food on earth when you're in Paris!

Geno

 

You are right of course. A meal that lasts more than an hour just isn't my thing.

 

I've never had a meal in Paris that I considered great; even at Maxim's! And I think 'Le Cordon Bleu' is a joke!

Does it make any sense to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a meal that will be going down the toilet the next day. The pleasure of the meal is fleeting, once you're done the experience is only a short-lived memory.

I can get a great meal at a local restaurant for 20-30 bucks and I'll leave with a full and satisfied belly.

 

I had some ok meals in Paris but the truly sensational ones were out in the French country side