What to bring to BYOB

[chicago]

cheezer
@mrswindycity

H and I are going out for dinner (for those in Chicago, we're going to El Ideas) for our anniversary.  It's BYOB, but we aren't sure what to bring.  The menu is somewhere around 14 courses, always changes, and it's a set menu.  

Any recommendations on what we should take with us?  Normally I'd get a few martinis, but I'm guessing we should go wine. But red or white, and what kind?  Or maybe champagne since we're celebrating?  I'm probably overthinking this, as it's our first meal out since having the baby.  I'm all "what if the drink doesn't go with the course?!?"

@misoangry, I know you're a foodie so I'm tagging you too.  

[Deleted]

Unfortunately for you, I am not much of a drinkie, so I am of no help.

Is bringing something you like drinking not sufficient?  LOL.

[tacom]

anniversaries call for champagne in my book, but I know nothing about actual food pairings. enjoy!

[chicago]

Jul 9, 2014 18:48:09 GMT -5 @misoangry said:

Is bringing something you like drinking not sufficient?  LOL.

I'll be honest and say that my alcoholic tastes might be a little simplistic for this place.  I could happily show up with a $5 bottle of red from Trader Joe's and be content, so I'm thinking I might need some recommendations on a more sophisticated bottle of wine.  

It's mostly the pairing thing that has me thrown off.  Maybe there will be other clueless diners there!  

[Deleted]

Jul 9, 2014 18:55:53 GMT -5 chicago said:

Jul 9, 2014 18:48:09 GMT -5 @misoangry said:

Is bringing something you like drinking not sufficient?  LOL.

I'll be honest and say that my alcoholic tastes might be a little simplistic for this place.  I could happily show up with a $5 bottle of red from Trader Joe's and be content, so I'm thinking I might need some recommendations on a more sophisticated bottle of wine.  

It's mostly the pairing thing that has me thrown off.  Maybe there will be other clueless diners there!  

Maybe you can ask the restaurant for suggestions?

They know what food you'll be served.  At the very least, they could tell you red or white.

[Deleted]

I'd call the reservation for a recommendation of what types of wine would work best. I'm sure they get that question all the time.

Also, I'd check the chowhound Chicago board to see what others have done (if you don't see answers, ask).

[cheezer]

We just drink what we like which generally means 1 bottle of champagne and 2 bottles of red. It's a long meal and we leave pretty drunk. If you like beer, bring beer. If you like wine, bring what you like to drink. You could definitely ask them for recommendations but I never try to pair a specific wine.

Also, bring the kitchen a 6 pack of PBR and they will love you!

[ECB]

I would focus on what you tend to like. And so what if its' a $5 bottle?

[FrozenSunshine]

We looked into having my birthday dinner there. They suggest the following: Sparkling, Medium/full bodied whites, Medium/full bodied red, Dessert wines, Beer. I had mentioned we'd probably bring a champagne, and 2 reds as that's what we drink the most and it sounded like that would be just fine.

[thejen626]

Pacific Rim Reisling! But bring more than one bottle