Chicago

This little lake-side village is churning out some pretty darn solid restaurants:

Giant: definitely grab a counter seat at this unassuming, incredible neighborhood joint; the trout roe tempura, Japanese eggplant and Pasta Matta are absolute musts! ($$$)

Roister: cool spot with simple food prepared to perfection; the fried chicken with gravy and the hamachi collar are unreal; so is everything else  ($$$)

Maple & Ash: if you like wood grilled food, look no further; and don’t leave without trying the roasted seafood tower!  ($$$$)

Mott Street: like a modern version of NY’s Blue Ribbon with an Asian tilt; top dish: mushrooms in miso butter ($$$)

Momotaro: There are too many must-have dishes on the menu so you simply must-go ($$$$)

The Girl and the Goat:  Yes, I’m on the bandwagon, this place rocks; and, yes, get the pig face ($$$)

The Aviary: just go drink your dinner here for goodness sake; In The Rock is quite cool ($$$)

Longman & Eagle: killer neighborhood joint with a great bar and solid contemporary midwestern fare ($$$)

Au Cheval: Burger.  And a few other things ($$$)

The Publican: My new fav in Chicago; aggressive, inventive food; great beers; killer space; Meal of My Life ($$$)

Valois: “See Your Food” at this old school breakfast joint in Hyde Park ($)

Homestead On The Roof: A really cool spot (if you can find it); great cocktails too ($$$)

The Gage: fun place near Millenium Park; Scotch Egg rocks ($$$)

Lou Malnati’s: Sausage deep dish pizza is the best in the country ($)

Hot Diggity Dog:  the best dog in the Windy City, total dive ($)

Blackbird: bias alert (I had my rehearsal dinner here), but I hear it is still good; great wine list too! ($$$)

Cafe Absinthe: great bistro-style food with a super-cool bar ($$$)

The Weiner Circle:  the rudest dog in town…not for the timid! ($)

Gibson’s (downtown): the best steak in the city that made it famous ($$$$)