Chanterelle is my absolute favorite special-occasion restaurant. There's no stuffiness here at all; everyone is encouraged to feel at home and relaxed, and the timing is always perfect. The dining room is simple but beautiful, with a pressed-tin ceiling, widely spaced large tables, comfortable chairs, and gorgeous floral displays; there's also a superb modern art collection.

Your server will know the handwritten menu in depth and can describe preparations in detail and suggest complementary combinations. The artful cuisine is based on traditional French technique, but Pacific and Pan-European notes sneak into the culinary melodies, and lots of dishes are lighter than you'd expect. The seasonal menu changes every few weeks, but one signature dish appears on almost every menu: a marvelous grilled seafood sausage. Cheese lovers should opt for a cheese course -- the presentation and selection can't be beat. The wine list is superlative, but I wish there were more affordable options. Still, you don't come to Chanterelle on the cheap -- you come to celebrate.