Nic Narrates

If you’re like me, you love to put on a fancy dress and head out to a new restaurant. So, I’ve decided to bring you along: think of it as “Show and Tell.” In my new (at least monthly) blog series, “Dressing for Dinner,” I’ll show you what I wore, where I went, and what I ate during a night out with my boyfriend or friends, in Chicago or other locales. The only requirements: a dress and a dinner! And now, on with the first in the series…Dressing for Dinner at Graham Elliot.

The dress: Call it “Old Reliable,” this dress has been in my closet for nearly 7 years and has been worn to summer weddings, dinner outings, and even work events. The tag is so worn that it is now indecipherable, but I can tell you this: I got it from Carson Pirie Scott and it cost less than $100. I don’t know about you, but I sincerely miss their gem of an affordable dress department ever since they closed their State Street store. Luckily, this dress still (albeit barely) fits!

Given the tattooed nature of Graham Elliot and the alternative vibe to his wine list and menu, I thought the scrolling detail of the dress worked well for the occasion. With side ruching, an asymmetrical hem, and a forgiving fabric; this dress was perfect for a hot summer night.

I paired it with nude leather Luichiny strappy sandals, a black oversized Coach “Kristin” clutch (who I’ve dubbed instead “Bridgette,” as in Bardot), and bracelets from Tiffany & Co. and The Art Institute gift shop (close up). Love my new nail polish too! OPI Elephantastic Pink.

The dinner: Graham Elliot. The space, service, and menu options were classic but with a modern feel…a lighthearted take on what would otherwise be a more formal dining experience. There were pops of green in the restaurant decor with large street-facing windows flooding the dining room in late day natural light. Waitstaff sported Chuck Taylors and oversized “ge” logo belt buckles, and the man himself popped out of the kitchen while upbeat music filled the chatty dining space and his famous popcorn graced its tables. Speaking of the food, instead of choosing one of the three pre fixe tasting menus, we opted instead to make our own selections from the “cold,” “hot,” “sea,” “land” (rootbeer braised pork spare ribs not pictured below), and “sweet” sections of the menu. Take a look…

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The verdict: All in all, a lovely “light” dinner where each course built upon the previous, leaving us feeling full but not disgusting as we stepped out into the muggy evening. We felt so great in fact that we wandered down the street to Nacional 27 for another drink or two…or three or four! When you can, definitely spring (estimate $200-250 for two including drinks and gratuity) for a dinner at Graham Elliot’s friendly restaurant with an artful yet approachable menu. And, don’t forget a fun dress!

Filed under: a thing of beauty, dressing for dinner, fanciness, i heart fashion, shoes by Nic