http://www.cafeabsinthechicago.com/
Eric and I are Chicago foodies. That said, our surprises to each other often come in the form of dinner at special places.
My birthday was no exception.
I was told I had to wear a dress, and given instructions to get on the red line after my rehearsal and get off at North Avenue, where I was to get on the bus and head west. By some miracle, Eric happened to be on said North Avenue bus, and we got off in Wicker Park. After some brief shopping at the various Akiras in that ‘hood, I was told where we were going – and promptly giggled.
I have wanted to go to Cafe Absinthe for about 2 years – since I first learned of it while trekking to Cherie’s apartment to head to a Music Man rehearsal.
The interior is very intimate – way smaller than you’d think – and the kitchen is right out in the open on one end of the space – so you can see the chefs preparing your food. It’s dim, with private tables and candlelight, and I immediately loved it.
The food was wonderful – so wonderful, in fact, that we felt like we might explode when we left and waddled back to the bus. I had a spinach salad, beef tenderloin, and chocolate cake – all of which were amazing – as well as an Artisianal Cheese Plate made of three cheeses I couldn’t name you, but all were splendid. Eric had the duck, which was really amazing also.
Wine, cheese, cake, candles – it was a pretty damn stellar birthday dinner. Probably even my favorite ever.
Huzzah. 
Lovely! Sounds perfect.