Gather your group for an elegant evening at Cooper's Hawk.
A girls’ night out (with retail therapy): Embrace
Combine your two loves -- shopping and gabbing over great food and drink -- at this charming Hinsdale bistro-boutique. Bring your holiday shopping list and comb through tables of polished home accessories fashion-forward threads and accessories for guys and gals. Then settle into the warm and quirky bistro, where bright glassware tops the inviting mosaic-tiled communal dinner table, seating up to 22. Pair a slew of small dishes -- like Thai shrimp cakes, $14, crispy chicken purses, $11, and an artisan cheese plate, $14 -- with the restaurant’s tempting wine and cocktail list, or go all out with entrees like champagne-poached Atlantic salmon ($26) or peppercorn-dusted beef tenderloin ($33).
A wow-worthy work event: Adobo Grill
What with dealing with your picky boss and the food allergies of Angela in Accounting, spearheading an office outing should automatically earn you a raise. For a holiday event that even Dwight Schrute couldn’t find fault with, head to the latest Adobo in Lombard. Even smaller groups can reserve two private rooms: the Cielito Lindo (for up to 12) and the Oaxaca (for 15-40). An extensive party menu offers mix-and-match options for cocktail receptions and sit-down meals ($17-$38 per person). Or let your coworkers choose from more than 14 different starters ($2.99-$8.99), and zesty entrees like butternut squash enchiladas ($13.99), chipotle-marinated shrimp ($17.99) and carne asada ($21.95).
A something-for-everyone family feast: ZED451
If an ordinary steakhouse won't gratify your group's collective appetite, head to this upscale all-you-can-eat concept in Schaumburg, outfitted with a sleek communal dining table and two private party rooms. Meals here begin with trips to the “harvest table,” a bountiful buffet of soups, salads, charcuterie, cheeses and breads. When (and if) you want to move on, place a discreet stone in front of your plate and chefs will swing by with rounds of seafood, beef, chicken, lamb, pork and game. ($24.50 for lunch, $42.50 for dinner; for harvest table only, $18.50 for lunch, $24.50 for dinner.)
An effervescent evening out with friends: Cooper’s Hawk
Host a convivial wine-tasting party at this well-loved Orland Park winery and tasting room, where your crew can tour the facility and sample on fresh-from-the-barrel sips. For more than a few friends, opt for a tour-and-tasting package or even reserve the winery floor for a splashy private affair. Once you’ve learned about the various varietals made here, keep the party percolating in the appealing dining room with an internationally inspired menu including spinach and artichoke cheese fondue ($9.99), honey-roasted turkey sandwich with brie ($9.99) and red wine-marinated strip steak ($26.99). End the evening with a sweet touch: housemade truffles paired with a trio of dessert wines ($13.99).
A fulfilling family brunch: Mill Race Inn
Hosting a houseful this holiday season and can’t bear to break out the pots and pans before noon? Cart your visiting relatives to Sunday brunch at this 19th century former inn with picturesque Fox River views in downtown Geneva. The Sunday brunch menu (served from 10 a.m-2 p.m.) includes breakfast classics such as German apple pancake ($11.99), plus salads, sandwiches and traditional eats such as prime rib ($19.95) and chicken Oscar ($16.95).
A meet-the-parents occasion: Bank Lane Bistro
An understatedly elegant restaurant serving special-but-approachable food is just the ticket when parents are involved. This Lake Forest favorite has perfected the classy-yet-casual formula with intimate surroundings overlooking historic Market Square. An all-season balcony (seating 22) provides a unique vantage, especially during the holidays, and Mom will appreciate that Chef John des Rosiers makes everything from scratch. His contemporary American menu includes foie gras ($18) and escargots ($10) for starters, and sea scallops ($34) and steak frites ($26) for entrees. Or if the ’rents are treating, choose from four, six or ten-course tasting menus ($48-$88), and let the chef show off his skills.
Wendy Wollenberg is a metromix special contributor.
