Alinea surprisingly not that crazily-priced.
The wine selections, btw? Totally worth it. Made the meal. And I'm not a crazy wine person.
If not, I'm confused, since the tour is $225, and then the wines are said to be nearly as much as the meal, so with tip, that would put it just about at $500 a person. Even with zero wine, it'd be $270 with service.
Also, I may spontaneously combust with envy.
I am less positive about the pricing, but I remember a number that started with a "3", and I remember thinking "I am surprised that this is not the most expensive meal in Chicago". (I meant to communicate, "200 less than 500". Sorry!)
Don't be envious. Come work for us! We will take you to Alinea.