Citybuzz – A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

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Eat/Drink

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Honey Butter Fried Chicken… best chicken in Chicago, cocktails too!

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is an excellent place to go for, you guessed it, fried chicken! Their unique blend of ingredients, paired with their fresh, healthy chicken, creates a one-of-a-kind taste that people come from all over to enjoy. All food and drink pieces are crafted by the owners/culinary experts for a taste you can't get anywhere else.

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Delectable pasta made right before it hits your plate: A10 in Chicago!

A10 is a new restaurant located in the landmark Harper Theater, a shining example of the many vintage storefronts that color the exciting neighborhood of Hyde Park. Proprietor Matthias Merges explains, "Here, food and drink has been refined through generations to reveal a pure, delicious, and superbly crafted experience. Our menu represents our own modern additions to this ancient story, as well as our respect for the centuries of families, friends, and loved ones who brought these dishes to life.”

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The Boarding house… mammoth wine selection! Even a wine chandelier!

The Boarding House The Wine Bar at The Boarding House | First Floor The first floor of The Boarding House serves as the restaurant’s main bar. Enjoy a selection of 20 wines by the glass, 450 wines by the bottle, custom cocktails, specialty spirits and craft beers to pair with Chef Gosselin’s menu of traditional wine bar provisions, including cheeses, charcuterie, shellfish platters, and artisan pizzas. The First Floor Wine Bar menu is distinctly different from the The Dining Room menu. Seating in The Wine Bar is available without reservations. The Dining Room at The Boarding House The main dining room at the Boarding House is located on the third floor, featuring exposed beams, inlaid hardwood floors and tables, large bay windows, plush banquettes and an impressive ceiling installation made from more than nearly 4000 wine bottles. The menu features a mix of small, medium, large, and shared plates. Enjoy Chef Gosselin’s wine inspired cuisine, including braised short ribs, chicken three ways, and citrus poached salmon with a 450 bottle wine selection. The Cellar at The Boarding House | Lower Level Ideal for sophisticated, late-night revelry, The Cellar at The Boarding House includes an intimate cocktail bar and comfortable lounge seating. Cap the night off with wine or cocktails after your dinner. Experience 450 wines by the bottle, exclusive, high-end wines by the glass, classic cocktails, and luxury spirits, all available with the same menu as featured in The Bar. For more information, click over to boardinghouse.com .

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Bub City- the most fun BBQ, country music and whiskey in Chicago!

  Country Music and BBQ at Bub City...Paradise for BBQ fans! Bub City brings in rising stars from Nashville, Austin, and other places, to play on the stage, in Chicago. You might see someone you could only see in Nashville. BubCityIt's a casual atmosphere, where you can stop in for a beer, and some bar-b-que, and listen to some fine country music. Bub City is open late every night. On Tuesday they have Country Karaoke. You wont find a more lively, fun place in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Click here for more information.

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The Purple Pig: a meatovers paradise! Cheese, wine and veggies too!

Calling all meat lovers...pull up a chair and get ready to pig-out at Chicago's The Purple Pig. Located on The Magnificent Mile, The Purple Pig is a collaboration of chefs Scott Harris, Tony Mantuano, Jimmy Bannos and Jimmy Bannos Jr. Featuring housemade charcuterie, cheeses and classic Mediterranean cuisine.

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The Publican

Featuring pork and fish/seafood preparations, the menu is best described by Kahan and Huston as “pristine product, simply prepared,” an approach to food Kahan has long espoused in all of his kitchens. The Publican boasts the simplest cuisine of all three properties, each dish stripped of adornment and containing only essential ingredients. The menu is presented in sections: Fish, Meat and Vegetables, each laid out from lightest to heaviest fare. Pristinely fresh oysters, hand-selected for the restaurant from purveyors with whom the culinary team has formed partnerships over the past year, anchor the fish portion of the menu. From classic Belgian-style mussels to seafood stew to wood-roasted whole fish, the seafood is simple and straightforward yet eclectic in presentation. Meat dishes center upon pork, all certified organic and sourced from Dyersville, Iowa. Anchored by a wide selection of housemade terrines and charcuteries, the menu changes daily to reflect the seasonal availability of products. Other hearty dishes, again, presented simply and stripped of adornment, include such seasonal items as black and white sausage, steak tartare, pork shoulder and pot-au-feu. Kahan and Huston plan to make the wood-roasted chicken a signature, “… with the best frites in town,” boasts Kahan. A selection of vegetables rounds out the menu, including such seasonal items as daily aïoli, roasted broccoli, pine nuts and Italian buratta and cauliflower sformato with Marcona almond romesco. Strong architectural lines dominate the space, which is large, airy and awash in earthy colors. Guests enter The Publican through a glass-enclosed vestibule, its 10-foot-high ceiling offering a glimpse of the restaurant’s 13.6-foot ceiling. Inside, the spacious interior is dominated by a large walnut communal table designed to recall 16th Century European banquets. Set up in racetrack fashion, the banquet table seats upwards of 100 people, side by side. At the center of the banquet table stands eight English pub-style three-tiered cocktail tables where guests can stand, leaning comfortably on one level, with their beer and food resting on the other tiers. This interior space is large enough for guests who are waiting for tables or visiting the restaurant just for a beer and a bite. Against the east wall stand a series of four-top walnut banquette tables set up on platforms and privatized by table-height swinging doors. The walls and ceiling are wrapped in a material reminiscent of antique pressed tin. Across the front of the space, 10-foot cafe-style doors open out onto the street. At the back of the restaurant, a partially open kitchen offers a view to the culinary action.

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Ed Debevics

Orchestrated '50s mayhem recalls the diner in the old television series "Happy Days." Ed's is jam-packed with action: period decor and memorabilia, deejays spinning gems from the '50s-'70s ("Tutti Frutti," "The Twist") and gum-cracking waitstaff, who shtick it up by dishing out rude comments to all -- don't worry; the sass is all in good fun and part of the joint's appeal . The ""Route 66" is available for private parties of up to 35 people, the "Elvis Room" handles groups of up to 40. The bustling corps of valet parkers outside are an amusement in itself. Ed's is one of the city's best bets for visiting families.

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Balena

The Bristol and Boka Restaurant Group have teamed up for this rustic Italian restaurant in the Landmark space in Lincoln Park, where a wood-burning grill and roasting spits work hard to turn out dishes such as cherry and duck bruschetta, whole grilled fish, pizza and panzanella.

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Harry Caray’s Restaurant

Located near the main entrance to Navy Pier, Harry Caray's Tavern waterfront location, family friendly menu, and Chicago's premier sports museum combine to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience for guests of all ages. The extensive menu includes flavorful sandwiches and wraps, pastas, fresh salads, and homemade pizzas. The Chicago Sports Museum, featuring beautifully crafted display cabinets, highlights a rotating collection of museum-quality sports memorabilia, including an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and vintage newspapers celebrating Chicago sports legends, past and present. Harry's extensive patio offers the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan and the excitement of Navy Pier. Click here for more information.

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Trencherman

Trenchermen is headed up by Chef Mike Sheerin, the former Chef de Cuisine of Blackbird, and his brother Patrick Sheerin, the former executive Chef of the Signature Room. They teamed up with designer Kevin Heisner and restaurateur Matt Eisler. On their website, they define “Trencherman” as “a person who enjoys food; a hearty eater and drinker.” You can’t help but be a trencherman when you eat at this establishment.

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Epic Burger

Epic Burger features a limited menu of fresh chuck, all natural beef Epic Burger, a tasty turkey Burger, all-natural chicken breast sandwich, and the very veggie portabella sandwich, all cooked fresh to order and topped with Epic-sauce-lettuce-tomato-pickle-grilled or raw onion. Epic Burger give a whole new meaning to 'burger joint'. Simplistic and fantastic are the only words to describe Epic Burger.

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Sepia: Chic Design & In Living Color Cuisine

Enter Sepia and you feel like you're stepping on set for some design show on TLC. This place is impeccably designed to perfection. As its name implies, sepia tones alight the ambiance with a sexy and chic mood lighting while elegant touches like candles, gorgeous chandeliers and warm brick walls relax you even sepiabefore the wine hits your lips. Transformed from an old printing building from 1890 the restoration is nothing short of spectacular. The food is just as worthy of the spotlight. Flat iron steak with potato confit, maitake with coffee and bearnaise sauces or apple and morcilla stuffed trout with black garlic romesco and white polenta - you really can't go wrong here.

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Vie Restaurant: A Michelin Rated Restaurant in the Suburbs

Who says gourmet dining is limited to the city? Paul Virant’s Vie restaurant in Western Springs, Illinois proves that quality food knows no bounds. In fact, there’s nothing the chef won’t try. While his menu always offers local food in innovative, beautiful, and delicious dishes, Vie also offers special dinner and weeks. This past August, Vie showcased barbecue and its many forms, from brisket to smoked corn salad. Now that Winter is almost here in Chicago, Vie also offers Sunday Suppers with prix fixe menus (when the Bears aren’t playing). No matter what the time of year, Paul Virant and his team offer amazing dishes, which is why they’ve earned a Michelin star.

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Showplace Icon Movie Theater

Modern design and delectable dining converge with state-of-the-art cinematic technology for a feast of the senses. ShowPlace ICON Theatre is an entirely new technology for a feast of the senses. Relax and have a drink and a bite before, after, or even during the movie.* *Guest can bring their cocktails and food into the VIP Premium Reserved section and enjoy their fare throughout the movie.

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Fork: a gourmet but comfortable restaurant

Fork is the kind of place to go when you want gourmet food, but you also want to be in a relaxed, casual environment. While those dining in Fork will be seated in chairs, there’s also the bar -- and couches -- for the drinking crowd, adding to the overall cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the place. Like many higher end restaurants, the menu is clearly carefully attended to, only focusing on a few dishes -- like a heavenly chicken burger -- but all are sure to please your palate. Not sure what to get? The servers here are notoriously friendly and helpful, and will lead you in the right direction.

Fork is located at 4600 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625. Phone is 773-751-1500. Visit forkchicago.net/ for more information.

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Seasons 52 offers seasonal and healthy fresh food

Seasons 52 may be a chain of restaurants, but that doesn’t mean it’s like all the other chains out there. As the restaurant’s name implies, it specializes in seasonal fare so the menu changes as the seasons do. But that’s not all. While the ingredients are absolutely fresh, making the wide-ranging menu delicious, they’re also incredibly healthy. None of the dishes go over 500 calories. While Seasons 52 may specialize in healthy, seasonal fare, don’t let this deter you from their dessert menu. The restaurant calls their desserts ‘mini indulgences,’ because while they may be decadent, they’re not packed with a ton of calories either.

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Old Town Social offers casual elegance

[gallery columns="2"]Is it a bar? Or is it a restaurant? Old Town Social, headed by Chef Jared Van Camp, prides itself on being both, all the while maintaining a casual but refined ambiance. The menu reflects this attitude. Offering everything from a cheese platter to housemade hot dogs, Van Camp puts his trademark on every dish that leaves his kitchen. When Van Camp and his team aren’t sending out food to patrons packed in the restaurant, bar, and outdoor patio, they turn towards their butcher shoppe. There, folks can locally purchase cured meats and sausages. Old Town Social may look like a bar, but with its high-end but reasonably priced foods, it’s clearly something much more, too.

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Girl & the Goat: as good as everyone says it is

To get a reservation in the famed Stephanie Izard restaurant, Girl and the Goat, it’s true: you’ll need to call ahead by at least four months. Even for an outdoor alfresco table. But, the wait is worthwhile for this award-winning gourmet food experience.

While Izard’s style is all about fusion cooking, there’s definitely a focus on meat and seafood pairings. And really when Izard mixes two ingredients? Eat them at the same time, because there’s a reason she paired them together. They’re good separate, but amazing together.

Insider’s Tip: That pig face on the menu? It’s incredibly tasty, but don’t expect a swine to be looking at you from across the table.
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Cozy up at Maude’s Liquor Bar

The low-lighting in Maude’s Liquor Bar may make this French-inspired restaurant feel a bit cozy, but the smashes--cocktail drinks--are what will warm you up. The smokey violet is a top-seller and for good reason; the bizarre combination of flowery and liquor flavors are stronger than they taste. All the plates are designed for sharing, and catch that lobster if you can. While its a simple dish, it tastes even better than it looks, especially with those sauces. Even so, don’t pass up the more traditional dishes like the hearty cassoulet that’s sure to fill you up, even when you share.

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Kuma’s Corner serves heavy metal with their burgers

Hipsters must enter through the back, or so the sign says right outside Kuma’s Corner front door. Be prepared; those taunts aren’t the only thing patrons will face. Heavy metal blasts through the speakers as diners partake in the delicious juicy burgers appropriately named after heavy metal bands. If the food doesn’t take all your attention, Kuma’s also entertains with gory slasher flicks or karate movies.

The kitchen may be small, but it serves a mean burger, one sure to please your palate, whether on the summer patio or indoors.

Insider’s Tip: The Hate Beak may not be a burger, but it’s the best buffalo chicken sandwich in Chicago.

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A different Waterhouse Tavern every night

Tucked next to the Paulina brown line el stop, Waterhouse is the local watering hole that changes atmospheres depending on the day of the week. On weeknights, expect a laid-back bar with plenty of specials, from $3 burgers on Monday to ½ price sangria, beers, and well cocktails on Thursday. On Purdue game nights, Waterhouse also offers $5 Bacardi bombs and $5 Purdue 22oz mugs while patrons watch the game. On Fridays and Saturday late-nights, expect more of a club vibe with a dedicated dance floor in the back.

Waterhouse Tavern is the sister bar to Bluelight, Rebel Bar & Grill, as well as Pitchfork.

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Franks ‘N’ Dawgs: encased meat treats

A big reason for the latest trend in the encased meat world, gourmet hot dogs, is Lincoln Park’s Franks ‘N’ Dawgs and its chef, Joe Doren. Many of the menu items are house-made, including the tur-doggin and black sheep sausages. While some menu items aren’t going anywhere, Franks ‘N’ Dawgs also like to mix things up by offering a monthly Iron Dawg competition with dogs designed by local chefs as well as a charitable dog created by an amateur chef.

Franks ‘N’ Dawgs also recently added a lobster dog to its menu, but it’s only available on Fridays.

The sides are also delectable, from elegant truffle fries to a surprisingly good brussel sprout salad.

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Lillie’s Q

The decor is both urban and southern at the same time (no easy feat). The tables have bottles of sauces already on them ranging from smoky, hot smoky, one called carolina and one called ivory. The idea is to pour as much as you want on your meat and fill your mouth with saucy goodness. Lillie's BBQ is beyond phenominal, and when your in Chicago, wishing you were even more down south, than stop on over at Lillie Q's. Inside Tip: Order the fried pickles! Enough said.

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A secret supper club at Southport Grocery

[gallery] Don’t let ‘grocery’ in the name deceive. Using some of the items it also retails, Southport Grocery & Cafe creates homemade-like brunch every weekend. The also sell-out spots to their monthly secret supper that takes over the restaurant as well as the super-secret upstairs bakery. With the menu already decided for every patron, the hardest thing anyone will have to choose is: white or red wine? The secret supper includes three courses, including one dessert, and no one but the chefs and Southport wait staff knows what it is until they sit to eat. Get in on the secret by joining the Southport Grocery mailing list or liking the store/restaurant on Facebook. 3370

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Piece: Eat Your Pizza in Peace

pizzaandbeerWhen you think Chicago and pizza, the image of a 100 pound deep dish usually conjures. Not the case at Piece Pizzeria and Brewery in Wicker Park. Nope. Here slices of just about anything you want can be made and the most popular is actually the "New Haven" style.

From clams to sauteed mushrooms, the topping selections means no one goes home hungry. And the beer? What other perfect accoutrement could one need? With its seven barrel brewery, Piece produces award winning micro brews thanks to brewer John Cutler who was even named top brewmaster at the World Beer Cup Champion as was this small brewpub. Prost!

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Epic: Spoil Yourself

epicRocking Hubbard Street, Epic has made a splash on the Chicago scene and for good reason - the service is ridiculously good. On a street and in a 'hood where new restaurants come and go as fast as fashion fads, Epic should be here to stay as guests feel spoiled indulging in the attentive service and delicious menu.

Here, despite its location in the Midwest, the calamari is as thick, plump and juicy as if you were in Hawaii - same goes for their tuna tartare. Steak lovers rejoice and celebrate in a hearty Midwestern steak and if you're only down for cocktails, this is the perfect place as well. The dark and sexy lighting makes the medicine go down.

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Hub 51: More Than Meets the Eye

Want to dine to the likes shia-labeouf11of Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel & Fergie? Then Hub 51 is your place. While filming Transformers 3 in the Windy City, the stars (and spouse in Josh's case) frequented Hub 51 which is also known to host plenty of NBA stars as well. So what is it that causes the stars to flock here? Perhaps it's that they serve a little bit of this and a little bit of that and they do it all oh so darn well from the juicy burger to the fresher than fresh sushi. Then again it could be the drinks - like a whole lot of yummy draft beer selections, superb wines and unique draft cocktail specialties that change with the seasons. Whether its the menu, the drinks or the stars that lure you here - just make sure you look your best as you never know who you'll run into.

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Second City’s Lauren Ash Brunches at Bongo Room

After a long week of wise cracks and improvised jokes, Second City star Lauren Ash hits up the sinfully delicious brunch at Bongo Room. Lauren's must-have is the Nestle Crunch Pancakes, with bananas and crumbled Nestle Crunch bars baked into the pancake. If that sounds decadent, take a look at the rest of the menu. The Chocolate Tower French Toast is a favorite, with chocolate French Toasts piled high and topped with bananas and both chocolate and white chocolate shavings. For those who want to stay away from the carbs- although this is the place to divulge- Bongo Room has a phenomenal Lump Crab Egg Benedict that's cooked to perfection, and a lunch menu filled with American favorites like BLT's and classic salads, but all served in over-the-top portions. Bongo Room proves that not everything is bigger in Texas, because brunch is massive at Bongo Room. *** Lauren Ash is a Canadian-born comedian and actor at Chicago's iconic Second City comedy club. Lauren has received rave reviews for her starring role in Second City's Taming of the Flu.

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Wishbone Restaurant: Southern Eatin’ in the Midwest

Rockin' comfort food since 1990 back when it was nothing more than a few stools and 23 seats, Wishbone Restaurant is clearly doing something right since they've now evolved to three locations.DOG_LOGO Back before Wicker Park was an "it" neighborhood, Wishbone opened as one of the first chef-owned indie restaurants in Chi-town making it a fave locale for artists and hipsters. Today, Wishbone's three locations continue to host artists and hipsters in the 'hoods of Berwyn, Lincoln and West Loop. The secret to their success? Chef and owner Joel Nickson and his brother, co-owner, Guy Nickson are indeed from the south so trust them on their southern take on good eats. Joel even schooled with Anthony Bourdain so let's hope there was nothing on Kitchen Confidential on Wishbone.

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Park Grill: 4 Seasons of Fun

Millennium Park bustles with tourists and locals in the soutdoor-summerummer gawking at art installations, music concerts and taking summer strolls while the winter hosts bundled up cuties of all ages circling the ice rink with their best moves. All seasons, this park swarms with action and the perfect place to tuck in to rest your feet in between park time is where else, but the Park Grill, found in the center of it all. Lunchtime heats up with local business power lunches while happy hours revel in drink specials while dinners are posh yet classsic, top notch yet not over the top. In other words, Park Grill is always a safe bet and has been since it and the park's debut in '03.

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Revolution Brewery: We all Want to Change the World

Micro-breweries are so hot right now. Chicagoans said they want a revolution (from dull beer) and they got one with  Revolution Brewery.

Managing Partner, Josh Deth is just the man to bring on the revolution as his long history with beer (working with, not only drinking) began with iconic Chicago's Goose Island Brewery.

All draft beers at the bar appear as arms and fists, a slew of revolution hungry revelers. And the brews that pour from them? Salivate over the sounds of the Iron Fist Pale Ale: dry-hopped American ale featuring centennial, cascade, chinook and amarillo hop or the summer special, Rosie: tart summer ale infused with 12lbs of hibiscus flowers and  orange peel with a sexy pink hue.

And though beer technically is a food source (right?), they do serve chewable food as well - and darn good grub at that. A hearty brunch, tasty pizzas and the classic Iron Fist Fish & Chips.

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Kingston Mines: Authentic Chicago Blues

kafel_ampRockin' since 1968, mention Kingston Mines to most Windy City residents and they'll most likely have a story for you, a memory or simply just a smile. This is why Chicago is known for the blues. It's the oldest. It's the biggest. It's the winner of "Best Chicago Blues Bar" by the Chicago Music Awards for 13 running years.

Open 7 nights a week, Kingston Mines presents two stages of live music with killer sounds run from Kafel Amps, custom made amplifiers - a design of former Polish rock star, Jacek Kafel, who now resides in Chi-town.

Wear what you want, this isn't a time to get fancy, you'll probably spill rib sauce from Doc Rib's amazing eats on your shirt anyway (and if you don't you're probably not enjoying them as you should).

As for the crowd, it is eclectic as is the place and ranges from 21 to 100. So come one, call all: eat, drink and be blue.

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Diggin’ Deep Dish at Gino’s

ginos_pizza_chicago-0953There are two types of pizza in this world. New York thin slice and Chicago deep dish. Sorry, Italy - your pizza doesn't really even register anymore. If you ask the DJs Deep Dish, their answer is simple - Chicago pizza takes the cake (or pie). When they moved to the USA, they fell so in love with it, that they named themselves after it. When looking for that classic Chicago deep dish, the place to go is Gino's East . Don't expect the most glamorous ambiance or the best service, no, no. This is all about the checkered table cloth, simple service but amazing pizza. There's just something about that cornbread crust. Beginner's beware: You don't need a lot of pie here. One piece will likely fill you up in a beautiful way. Also, if you think you're in a hurry - forget it! A deep dish pizza at Gino's will run you a minimum of 30 minutes - but hey, heavenly taste don't come easy baby, so chill.

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Bin 36 is Oenophilian Heaven

Bin 36, it's as simple as that, hell their very own Brian Duncan was voted "Wine Director of the Year" by Gourmet Magazine. Here's a place where flights of wine take up table tops, their wide array of flirty flights making it near impossible not to opt for one (because one equals four). Cheese specialties fatten up the acidic wine selections making this happy hour heaven, the perfect place for a date and a top joint for scouting for peeps who still have class. Yes, Bin 36 does have food and yes it is delicious - it's just an after thought when the wine menu is taking the spotlight. But it's worth the spotlight as well, Chef Caputo's wonderful selections are attributed to his rich culinary past working in Michelin rated restaurants in France and studying wine in Sonoma. Breakfast, lunch (perfect business lunch in 40 minutes!) and dinner, Bin 36 is now somewhat of a Chi-town icon with is wine shop and wine classes. Each month they offer classes on food and wine pairings (whilst promoting tasting as the best means to learn!), themed movie, culture and game nights. They've also spread to Wicker Park with Bin Wine Cafe.

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So Chic And So Good: Terzo Piano at the AIC

When the Modern Wing of the AIC unveiled in 2009, it gave the already gigantic museum an additional whopping 65,000 square feet of modern galleries designed by Renzo Piano. Thankfully, Chicago also got a restaurant out of it: Terzo Piano. Those who don't have time to do the museum can still enjoy the fresher-than-fresh offerings from the restaurant as well as its striking views of Millennium Park and Chi-town skyline.Picture 6 With salads so fresh you wonder where the garden is, delectable flatbreads and entrees, taste anything they offer and you'll realize Chef Tony Mantuano (of Spiaggia) can do no wrong! And after your main course, it's simply a must that you indulge in the cava di stagionatura or the authentic cheese cave. Fresh picks of cheese from neighboring masters in Wisconsin and imported delights from around the globe are the perfect way to finish your extended lunch or dinner. As for the decor, think Modern Wing baby. Just as the wing was designed, so was the restaurant. Stark, clean white is complemented by earth accents of subtle metal and wood: so chic and so, so good.

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Iconic Gibsons Steakhouse is Good Enough for Johnny Depp

If there is one iconic restaurant in Chicago, it may just be Gibsons Steakhouse. This is Chicago at its best: mouth watering steaks, a bar that never runs dry and serves nothing but premium liquors and wines, celeb sightings to watch for and enough people watching to compete with your appetite. Rounding off the "Viagra Triangle," yes, the 'hood really is called that because of the Ferrari driving white-haired men and their hot young things, Gibsons Steakhouse is the place to be. In case you don't want to call its digs the V Triangle, it's also known as the Gold Coast area where Rush Street and State Street become one. Gibsons Steakhouse is literally packed from Monday through Sunday, partly because of the financial district heads who dine there or the ladies who lunch (and linger until happy hour), but the place gets jumping early and ends late. If you want to snag a good table, you'll want to head there at 4ish on a weekday! As for the Johnny Depp connection? Gibsons Steakhouse was a favorite eating place for Depp when filming the mobster flick: Pubic Enemies. Johnny liked the place and its service so much, he left a $4,000 tip! So if it's good enough for Johnny, you better believe you're going to love Gibsons.

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Simply Divine at Devon Seafood

In the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast and two blocks of the Magnificent Mile, Devon Seafood is the Devon3MidWest's answer to the freshest daily catches, delicate flavors and all the wine you could want. With over 600 wines and Champagnes on the menu, including plenty of rare boast-worthy bottles, there's absolutely no risk of not finding the perfect accompaniment. Whether it's Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes, ahi tartare with fresh asparagus and herbs or scrumptious Georges Bank scallops, Devon Seafood has been mastering its changing menus since opening in 2006. The chic interior competes with the "oohs" and "ahhs" gushing about over the cuisine. Looking like it could very well be an interior design boutique or hipster furniture shop with its lush velvet chairs, feather covered lamps, stone covered walls and perfectly colored wood floors, guests work up an appetite just by checking out the place's digs. When the plates arrive, however, it's all about the catch of the day and yet, you'll probably be back for the catch of tomorrow as well. For that, one has to thank executive chef, Scott Barrows. Thank you, thank you very much.

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A Chicago Classic: The Rosebud

Chicago is known for its restaurants, but some stand out far above others, and one of them is Rosebud. For 30 years, this landmark restaurant has attracted famous Picture 12Chicagoans and the visiting elite for its dreamy ambiance of shiny wood floors, mahogony framed mirrored walls and white linen covered tables. With impeccable service and mouth watering steaks, the Rosebud has gained such a fan base that it now has several addresses including a specialty Italian restaurant on Chicago's bustling Rush Street, a trattoria, an express shop and several suburban locales. It's hard to believe that back in 1977, it was just a mundane grocery store. What's easy to picture is the array of guests who have frequented the place: Tony Bennett, Oprah Winfrey and even magical ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. From the starting line-up of the Bulls to the Bears, this place tends to be crawling with stars and big wigs. Just check out the "Wall of Fame" if you need assurance while there. Celeb watching aside, this is a place to indulge so don't hold back and get that 14 oz. Italiano steak - delicioso!

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It’s All About Legs at Hugo’s Frog Bar

Chicago's Gold Coast is a mecca of fine dining and celeb sightings. Where Rush Street turns into State Street- what Chicagoans call the Viagra Triangle for its reputation of older men with arm candy dates- is a scene of classic Chicago restaurants where Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House stands out above the crowd as one of the best spots for seafood you'll find west of the Atlantic. But before you even get to the mouth-Picture 15watering menu options of crab, lobster, oysters (for the aphrodisiac lovers) and fresh fishes, it's all about the legs. Oui, les frog legs that is. Lathered in garlic and delicious spices, the frog legs at Hugo's are so scrumptious that even the pickiest of eaters tend to become leg lovers post visit. If you save enough room after the legs, the menu is chalk full of more seafood options and of course, plenty of turf for meat lovers as well. Equally as notable as the delicious cuisine here however, is the charm of the ambiance. The ol' maritime interior and swingin' vibe leave patrons in a jolly good mood as they sip dirty martinis and their conversations begin to spill from one table to the next. Viagra not included.

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Don’t Break Up Over Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse

Yes, it's true that there are several Smith & Wollensky Steakhouses throughout the US, but only one can claim fame for hosting Jennifer Aniston and hometown Chi-guy Vince Vaughn in the mega-hit The Break-up in 2006 (the restaurant is definitely recognizable in its break-out role). With its killer views Picture 13and location in "Marina City," Chicago's Smith & Wollensky is proudly perched above the Chicago River in the heart of the city and surrounded by big players like Hotel Sax and the House of Blues. Smith & Wollensky is the ultimate place for a date, a steak, and/or just a glass of red. The original location in NYC opened its doors back in '77 and was the brainchild of the same guy who brought us T.G.I. Friday's. But fear not, none of the cheesiness can be found in this venture. Instead, its all about the upper echelon of steaks with The Chicago Tribune's food critic calling it "perhaps the best sirloin of my life." The classic interior design of dark wood, shining brass, polished wood floors and iconic Chicago views is icing on the, er, steak. Come once and you'll come again - with or without the person you originally came with.

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Jersey Chasers Score at The Fifty/50

Wondering where the elite echelon of sports stars hang out while in the Windy City? Without a doubt it's at the Fifty / 50, a bar which brings the sexy back to the Ukrainian Village 'hood (if it were ever there in the first place). Now it definitely is, from Tony Romo to Pierre Thomas of the Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints. Even the investors are sports stars; Curtis Granderson is an investor (of the New York Yankees), and owners Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner roll in the same circles as these big boys. Alas, jersey chasers - the doors to the Fifty / 50 are basically your pearly gates. The food will give another inkling as to why the jocks flock here: the menu is based on fried foods, smoked foods and sandwiches (and beer of course). Read: dieters this is not your place, unless you're happy dining in the eye candy. And worry not, feasting on the likes of athlete superstars is not restricted only to the evening hours, this place is a brunch hotspot as well. Ladies, suggest this place to a guy and you score. Guys, suggest this place to the ladies and they're happy (albeit because they're wondering who they'll see). Either way you flip it, 50% chance plus 50% chance equals 100% happiness.

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Any Given Glamorous Sunday at Fred’s of Barneys

Oftentimes brunch is a euphemism for hangover cure and a time when people aren't exactly looking their most chic. Au contraire at Fred's at Barneys New York on a Sunday, the hottest place for brunch in Chicago. Prepare to loChicago2ok smashing if you want to dine on the delights at Fred's, because everyone else will be. Dressed in their Sunday best, but not because they went to church, Fred's is a see-and-be-seen, plush 5,000 square feet of Gold Coast property heaven (fifth floor ensures amazing views of the lake and streets below). On any given Sunday you can expect to see some of Chi-town's biggest socialites and business mavens and maybe even a celeb or two. That along with your average slew of really, really, ridiculously good-looking people- albeit collagen-enhanced. People-watching aside, you'll actually want to eat. For just $25.00 enjoy the Fred's brunch special which includes:
  • Bread basket of scones and focaccias
  • Salad
  • Entree of your choice
  • Dessert
  • Mimosa
  • Never-ending coffee
The service is impeccable in a dance of sorts, where more people than you'll remember will have visited your table at a timely perfection to check on you, refill your coffee and keep the dance flowing.

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Rockit Bar And Grill

Executive Chef James Gottwald has taken the traditional bar and grill concept and given it a contemporary culinary twist. The Rockit Burger has won major acclaim, including Good Morning America calling it the top in the nation. The menu also features such other casual cuisine as signature pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Plus, the stylish setting here was designed by Oprah fave Nate Berkus himself, so you’ll be sure to dine in style. Open for lunch, dinner, and Saturday & Sunday brunch. And now, they’ve just opened a second location in Wrigleyville!

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Luxbar

This neighborhood bar serves up simple, every-day eats in a casual-chic setting. The cuisine is artfully prepared with the freshest organic ingredients, and the delicious specialty cocktails boast a similar caliber. Luxbar, you will love!

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Grand Lux Café

Inspired by the lavishness of European cafes, the Grand Lux Cafe has something for everyone. Influences range from Thai and Malaysian to American and European. Dishes include: Austrian-style Wiener schnitzel and Indochina shrimp and chicken, fused with Chinese and Indian flavors. The cocktail menu features enticing Mai Tais, spicy Bloody Mary's, and Kicked Up Coladas.
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