The weather is warming up in Chicago and restaurants are breaking
out the patio furniture and that means it's time to dine alfresco!
Janet checked out the city's hottest outdoor dining spots!
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One of the best spots in Chicago for dining alfresco is a café that
has no indoor tables, but offers great views of the city and a miniature
golf course. The Green at Grant Park, near Buckingham Fountain, has
been in business now for four years but is still one of the city's
hidden gems.
"Most people can't believe it's here and it's right here in the
middle of Grant Park. We've got probably the best view of the Fountain
from a restaurant on eye level and for the concerts and Taste of
Chicago this is a great place to sit and be away from the crowd,"
said Rob Wallis, The Green At Grant Park Executive Chef.
This seasonal eatery is open for lunch and dinner from May through
October. It'll cost you $9 to play a round on the eighteen-hole
putting course, which is about the same price of an average entree.
The casual fare includes a selection of grilled burgers, sandwiches
and garden salads. And, pets are also welcome!
Right across Millennium Park's 'Bean' on Michigan Avenue is Caffe
Baci, an eatery offering a taste of Italy.
"We bring true Italian rustic cuisine to downtown market, so that
people in the city can actually have a decent lunch at a reasonable
price," said Joe Dicarlo, owner.
In business for twelve years, Café Baci is the city's first fast-casual
dining spot, where you can indulge in upscale Italian alfresco without
the wait.
And, what better way to dine alfresco than with a picnic in Millennium
Park. For less than $10 you can pick up a Café Bacci picnic tote,
complete with a sandwich, gourmet side salad, chips, a cookie and
drink.
Just past the fifth-floor lobby of downtown Chicago's Conrad Hotel
is an alfresco escape -- The Terrace at Conrad. It is a great place
to unwind in a chic outdoor setting with fantastic cityscape views.
"We're hoping that we will establish something sensual, something
comfortable, something that will make it worthwhile for the summer
to come out here," said Ozgen Cevik, the Conrad Director Of Food
and Beverage.
This alfresco dining destination just recently opened at the end
of May. refreshing spirits and light global tapas are offered at
the eatery, ranging from $8 to $15.
Creative menu choices include hot rock beef and chicken satay,
tempura soft-shell crab with sweet chili sauce and frushi -- fruit
filled sweet rice rolls wrapped in chocolate.
Every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Conrad offers
an array of 20 different chocolate deserts.
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