Wife and I love, and I mean, love food. Especially good food. It is hard to narrow down favorites since we have so many, but perhaps frequents for us.
Restaurant Michael in Evanston. We have followed the chef from his time at La Deux Gros (Two Fat Guys), to La Francis, to this restaurant. He is a French saucier specialist, and while his background is in French cooking (and is outstanding at it), this restaurant was a turn for him for two reasons (1) He wanted to fuse with other food stylings while still keeping the core French or vice versa; (2) do this on the cheap ($75-$100 for two with wine vs. $300-$500 for two with perhaps wine). He has done both and gets our recommendation.
Antico Posto in Oak Brook. This is a
Let Us Entertain You restaurant (Wildfire, Maggiano's, Shaw's, Big Bowl, and more are too), but one if their best. It is an Itallian pasta primarily restaurant. The Gnocci will be one of the best you will ever eat in the states.
Sakura in Rolling Meadows. Other than being walking distance for me, and the head sushi chef lives a few houses down from us, this is one of the best traditional sushi houses in the Chicagoland area. Sure it does not have the glitz and the big fancy named rolls, but the quality, cuts, and sizing is perfect. The wasabi is also made in house. BTW, the head Chef loves Old Style and we can usually bribe a free side or two from him with it.
Season's 52. Yes it is a chain (started in Orlando, and where I had it first), but still small and growing. Food styling is all over the place, but most every dish is grilled or has something grilled to it. Menu changes with the season's, and their various types of meats are excellent. Desert is all shot glass style, meaning the desert is in a tall shot glass and the perfect size, IMO.
Arun's in Chicago (On Kedzie, near Irving Park). Traditional Thai with the head chef's own stylings and sometimes fuzed with other food stylings as well. The food can be spicy or not so spicy however you want it. Many of the larger dining tables are in mostly private rooms, and it is Prie Fixe only. Also the menu is constantly in change.
The Gage in Chicago (Millennium Park). Awesome food and very very eclectic. And sometimes food you would never think of trying, but the styling just makes it irresistible not to try. Easily a place to drop in for just a quick appetizer and perhaps a libation before moving on to something else.
If you are willing to drop some serious coin and have 3-5 hours on hand for great meals L2O and Tru are among the best in Chicago and I would recommend L2O over Alinea any day of the week.
I post more as I think of them.
Ron, I agree with Bob Chin's and Ruth's Chris as outstanding restaurants. I highly recommend Ruth's Chris for steak and do the porterhouse for two if tyou have someone else with you. Hot(er) plates and loads of butter always make things better.
