So, You Want to Dine at Ever Chicago: Prepare Your Wallet (and Maybe Your Liver)
Ever Chicago: a name that evokes images of culinary grandeur, Michelin stars, and small plates so artfully arranged they make you weep with joy (or hunger pangs, depending on your perspective). But there's one burning question on everyone's lips (besides "what exactly is in that deconstructed sphere?"): how much does this fancy feast cost?
Buckle up, buttercup, because Ever is not for the faint of wallet. We're talking about a place where the ambience whispers "money talks" and the portions scream "fine dining tapas."
The Nitty Gritty: The Ever Experience
Ever offers an eight to ten-course tasting menu, which is basically a culinary adventure curated by the chef. Be prepared to shell out a cool $325 per person for this privilege. Yes, you read that right. That's more than a week's worth of groceries for some folks (myself included).
But wait, there's more! This doesn't include beverages. Wine pairings are an additional cost, so factor that in if you want to sip something a little more exciting than tap water while contemplating the meaning of existence through foie gras.
Don't Forget the Extras: A Nickel and Dimed Odyssey
Let's not forget the service charge. Ever helpfully includes a 20% gratuity to ensure their staff is living the high life (while you, my friend, are contemplating pawning your grandma's pearls to cover the bill). Of course, you're welcome to tip extra if you felt the waiter explaining the beet foam construction for the tenth time was truly an unforgettable experience.
So, the grand total? Well, that depends on your thirst level and generosity. Let's just say a night at Ever could set you back upwards of $400 a person.
Is it Worth It? The Answer is Fuzzy, Like Foie Gras Mousse
Look, I'm not here to judge. If you're the kind of person who throws around Benjamins like confetti at a parade, then by all means, indulge! Ever is undoubtedly a culinary experience unlike any other.
But for the rest of us mere mortals, a night at Ever might require a small loan, a side hustle selling artisanal beard oil, and a serious talk with the credit card company.
The good news? There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in Chicago that won't require remortgaging your house. Just sayin'.
The even better news? You can always pretend you dined at Ever by whipping up a ten-course meal of microwave burritos and leftover pizza. Just dim the lights, light some fancy candles (the ones that smell like pumpkin spice work best), and tell your guests it's a deconstructed exploration of American comfort food. They'll never know the difference (or maybe they will, but hey, they'll be too impressed by your culinary creativity to say anything).
