Group rate

Catherine Enfield runs the local Dining Galore and More group on www.meetup.com. I asked her for recommendations on places that are good for group dining this holiday season.

“Recently I had a good experience with the downtown Il Fornaio. They have a special room off to the side. They really helped accommodate us by working with their regular menu rather than their banquet menu.

“One that has a nice private room upstairs is Grange, although I haven’t used it yet. Chicago Fire has always been good to me. I have a friend who tends to go there for her birthday every year.

“Two years ago, Broadway Soul Food opened up especially for us on Thanksgiving weekend. That was very nice of them. Next year, I’m planning on scheduling more for the group, and hopefully the attendance will improve with the economy.”