Want to try the tried and true, one that put Chicago at the top of fine dining lists and a restaurant that is debatably the best in the country? Well, then Charlie Trotter’s will be the destination that will thrill your taste buds. Unwilling to sit back and enjoy its magnificent reputation, Charlie Trotter’s constantly pushes the envelope to become one of the most innovative and progressive establishments in the world. After twenty years in the business this dining mecca has earned its excellent reputation and is certain to provide diners with sensational fare that will leave you smiling.

If you consider yourself a foodie of the cutting edge variety then you’ll probably want to visit the ultra-chic Moto. Chicago restaurateurs Joseph De Vido and Homaro Cantu found the perfect environment for their trendy restaurant, tucked among loading docks and amidst the meatpacking district is a surprisingly hopping avant-garde boutique and gallery district with the perfect compliment of dining options. Moto boasts progressive, postmodern, futuristic menus situated in a stylish, contemporary setting with impeccable service. And that service is truly unique as you realize your waiters are also chefs and they specialize in molecular gastronomy. For the newcomer this style of food preparation and presentation is not only a bit foreign but otherworldly and the resulting flavors are truly out of this world. For an encompassing dining experience, try the 10 or 20 course tasting menus, but be prepared, the servings are less than generous.

For French delights sprinkled with global fusion the pairing of Chef Rick Tramonto and Pastry Chef Gale Gand was a marriage made in culinary heaven. The married couple decided to combine their passion for food and develop a fine dining experience like no other in Chicago. Tru is the result and it’s truly unique. A visit to Tru means a surrendering to the whim of the chefs. The tasting menus are referred to as collections and the composition is decided by the kitchen. So you never really know what you’re going to get and you’ll probably never have the same meal twice.

If you’re looking for sushi then Chicago is full of fantastic dining delights, but one of the newest hotspots is Ai Japanese Restaurant and Lounge. Chef Toyoji Hemmi has found a way to combine traditional Japanese flavors with some more standard fare into incredible edible creations. If you’re a bit more adventurous then you’ve absolutely got to try the fugu. Fugu is the famed poisonous blowfish that is considered a gastronomic delight the world over. It takes a trained chef with surgically precise knife skills to prepare fugu and Ai Sushi and Tsuki (sister restaurants) are the only Midwest restaurants serving fugu. If you’re thinking about taking this risky culinary leap it’s advised that you call in advance to see if it’s on the menu for that day.

For those that think Mexican food can’t be considered fine dining, then they’ve never been to Topolobampo. Located in the same building as the more moderately scaled Frontera, both restaurants feature authentic Mexican fare created with much talent using local fresh and organic ingredients from local farmers. Not only has Topolo (as it’s known by the locals) garnered awards for the excellent dishes it puts out, but the man behind the scenes has earned his own awards and stepped into the spotlight. Chef Rick Bayless is the host of MEXICO – One Plate at a Time on PBS. Topolobampo offers a spicy alternative to traditional fine dining that will make your evening a hot one.

A much spoken about restaurant is Trump’s new Sixteen, located on the 16^th floor of Trump’s relatively new International Hotel & Tower, Chicago. Mix novelty, incredible views, an exceptional chef and high prices and you’re bound to come up with a winning fine dining solutions. Trump did just this at Sixteen and the addition of Australian Chef Frank Brunacci was the icing on the cake. Look for a bit of international flair in more traditional dishes and a wine list that’s sure to leave your pocketbook lighter by the end of the evening.

Another notable restaurant that resides within a hotel is Avenues in The Peninsula Chicago. Avenues also is a strong believer in using locally grown ingredients and combines them into contemporary cuisine in an open kitchen. Critics consistently agree that Avenues is one of the best restaurants around and have literally rained awards and recognitions upon this destination restaurant. New to the line up is Chef de Cuisine Curtis Duffy who moved from the acclaimed Alinea to Avenues in 2008. He also cut his chops at some of Chicago’s other top noted kitchens such as Charlie Trotters and Trio.

And speaking of Alinea, if you’re thinking about trying everything and have some free time on your hands, then a trip to the ultra chic Alinea is a must, as long as you have a healthy sized credit card. The 24-course tasting menu is a fabulous way to get a little taste of simply everything this American fine dining restaurant has to offer. But you can expect to spend about five hours working your way through the courses and you’ll drop a couple C-bills in the process. Chef and owner Grant Achatz is really a master with ingredients and presentation, coming up with some of the most delectable delights in town.

Chicago, once known for its pizza, has become a mecca for foodies the world over and the windy city’s restaurants are forcing critics to stand up and take notice for it’s quite certain that Chicago can churn out much more than a tasty tomato pie.

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Long steeped in jazz culture, Chicago is a haven for those who love good jazz performed by jazz greats and Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant  has a long standing reputation as one of the best jazz clubs around. Local performers line up to play at Andy’s and they cover a wide variety of styles from traditional and swing to bop, fusion, Latin and afro-pop. Check out the ever changing Spotlight Performer Series to see if your favorites are coming to town and make sure to get your tickets early as Andy’s is one of the most popular jazz spots in town. Don’t forget to check out the menu, make it an evening and enjoy Andy’s delicious culinary delights while experiencing some of the best jazz around.

Another popular jazz alternative is Green Dolphin Street. You’d never believe this swanky nightclub used to be an auto garage but it underwent its magical transformation with grace and came out the other side as a sexy, retro 1940′s style venue. The average crowd indulges in martinis and cigars from the club’s own humidor and then settles in for some traditional style jazz music. Green Dolphin Street also has a full menu with some very upscale prices and ala carte ordering. If you’re looking for an evening full of class and sophistication and a laid back atmosphere that still grooves, then Green Dolphin Street is definitely the place to spend your evening.

If you want music but something a bit more modern, give Metro a try. Metro is Chicago’s premiere venue for live rock acts who are just on the cusp of becoming multimillion dollar mega stars. Once you’ve checked out your new favorite band, keep your ticket stub and head downstairs to Smart Bar. That ticket will get you free admission to more music, drinking and fun as the subterranean dance club packs them in seven nights a week. It’s your chance to rub elbows with the future stars of the music scene.

Let’s keep with the public transportation theme for a minute and mention Transit Nightclub. A warehouse beneath the el train wouldn’t appeal to many but Transit found a way to turn it into one of the hippest dance clubs in town. Rather than going all kitschy with the theme, Transit keeps things simple and serious. This huge club sets its décor around the surroundings with geometric shapes and sparse furniture accenting the postindustrial metal staircases. If you’re lucky enough to get invited up one of those staircases you’ll find a couple extra special VIP rooms. Die hard dance fans will love the atmosphere and the bone shaking bass beats. Come dressed to impress, the club may be low key but the clientele is not.

More music, more dancing and more fun can be found hidden in the River North gallery district if you look hard enough. The Funky Buddha Lounge uses the surrounding industrial region to camouflage this happening hot club. The outside features a Buddha sculpture on the door lets you know you’re in the right place, but be prepared to be wowed when you enter that door. The inside is a mélange of all that is cliché in clubs, red lighting, black leather and faux fur, candles and secret dens for canoodling. The old crowd used to grove to the standard fare of hip-hop, bhangra, funk, African and soul music but lately a new crowd has moved in and Thursday nights feature a much younger set that is ready to rock while Fridays and Saturdays feature the eclectic crowd who are out to see and be seen.

A more well known and high-energy nightclub can be found at Crobar. Top international DJs grace the stage at Crobar and get the crowd to their feet. Packed into this smaller nightclub you can’t help but feel the excitement of the music and the crowd. Acts and themes change regularly so check out the website to see what the upcoming entertainment may be. No matter what it’s bound to be exciting and loud.

If you’ve hit the famous Randolph Street’s Restaurant Row for dinner then you’ll be happy to know you can stay right in the area and hit one of the current chic hotspots. Bon V has a lounge feel with a much noted atrium-style top level and opulence abound (or at least what struck the owners as opulence). And speaking of the owner, sports fans will want to take note that Casey Urlacher, brother of famed Chicago footballer Brian Urlacher is one of the owners. With a somewhat famous tie in it’s no wonder that rumors of celebrity sightings at this nightclub.

If you still haven’t had enough of the nightlife, head to the Martini Ranch for a late night nightcap. With a menu of more than 60 martinis there is no doubt you’ll find something to your liking, as long as you like it tasty and strong. The Martini Ranch is open until 4am every night except Saturday when it pushes the curfew back to 5 am. Not only are there incredible drinks at this late night hour, but you can also order traditional American tavern fare from their late night menu. Don’t worry about the party winding down, the Martini Ranch features some of Chicago’s best DJs who will keep that party vibe jumping. Or look for your oasis in the land of confusion and head out to the beer garden and one of the heated tables for that quiet evening nightcap.

In the windy city the hotspots blow in and out of favor with the in-crowd. Expect your favorite nightclub to be the happening hip place to be one night and a passé cliché in a few months. Keep your ear to the ground and look for long standing favorites to be your touch point and trendy enclaves to be the icing on your evening.

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( photo credit: ymuniz)

There’s more to see and do  in Chicago than you can possible complete in one trip.  So, before completing an itinerary for your coming trip, start a second list of things you want to do on your next trip.  Did you know that Chicago has 40 museums, 150 plus theaters, over 6,000 restaurants and 3 of the world’s tallest buildings?  You’ll also be interested to know that Chicago made the first pair of roller skates, the first steel sky scraper, the first Cracker Jacks and opened the first McDonald’s Restaurant.  Well, there’s a whole lot more to see, so let’s get started.

John G. Shedd Aquarium is located on the coast of Lake Michigan.  It offers over 650 species of fish, birds, reptiles and mammals not just from the area, but from around the world.  There is a 90,000 gallon coral reef exhibit in which you can watch whales and dolphins.  After you’ve had your fill of the aquarium, have lunch or dinner at one of the many exquisite restaurants that allow you a view of beautiful Lake Michigan while you eat.

Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was first built and is still the tallest in North America at 1,450 feet.  It’s still a pretty ominous sight and even more fun to take the high-speed elevator up 110 stories to the Skydeck where on a clear day you can see a major part of Chicago at what feels like the top of the world.  The Chicago Tribune calls the Skydeck one of the 7 Wonders of Chicago.

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s newest additions offering a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities.  The outdoor pavilion offers top performing concerts.  The winter ice skating rink is fun for the whole family. If you love gardens, you’ll enjoy a stroll around the Lurie Garden.  Look for the Cloud Gate Sculpture, sometimes referred to as “The Bean,” made from 110 tons of steel.

Chinatown in Chicago is one of the largest in the country.  Have fun shopping in the ethnic shops and eating at one of the great Chinese restaurants.  You’ll want to pick up some red envelopes and put some money inside for a good-luck gift.  Learn about the Chinese New Year and plan your own part back home for next year.  Chicago’s Chinatown is ever expanding with a recent completion of a new shopping center.

Harpo Studios, that’s right, did you forget that Oprah, the talk show queen,  is in Chicago?  Her popularity grew out of her ability to pick and speak to topics many were not willing to bring to light.  Now, she’s begin giving gifts to audience members.  Some have been cars, her favorite things and one lucky person even got a house.  Oprah continues to grow her empire with you “O” magazine and book club.  She’s introduced Dr. Oz and others to the television scene.

Oak Street Beach is Chicago’s most frequented beach.  The sand has been shipped in to complete this man-made beach.  Bring a lawn chair, sun block and your bathing suit to enjoy this beach off of Lake Michigan and a great view of the John Hancock Building.  Don’t worry about lunch, there’s a great café and plenty of food vendors along the bike path.  If you are feeling like a game of volleyball, there are plenty of courts and games going on to join.

Wrigley Field is on the top of the list for any sports fan visiting Chicago.  Take a tour and learn all the secrets of the Cubs home.  You’ll stop at the player’s dugout and clubhouse, scoreboard, bleachers and playing field.  This field is the second oldest ballpark in the majors, Boston holding the first.  There’s lots of great baseball history here.  These tours are only offered between April and September when the Cubs are the road.  After this tour you’ll be revved up to see a game next time you’re in town.

Michigan Avenue Bridge is the most photographed spot in Chicago because of it’s great view of the river and city behind it.  It’s the spot where the first settlers to Chicago first staked their ownership of land.  The bridge was built to help transportation within the city and to enhance the water front.  Michigan Avenue Bridge and bridge house were built in 1920.

Union Station is not the center of Chicago transportation as it once was.  It is a must destination for the architecture alone.  Large Roman columns reach up to the ceiling in the great hall where you can book a reception or wedding.  It’s a 3,500 square foot room of beauty and style.  Statues look down at travelers scurrying around or just sitting on the benches.  Union Station houses Amtrak and the Metro commuter trains.

Lincoln Park was designed by the same landscape architect as New York’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmstead.  It encompasses over 1,000 acres of lakes and greenery.  Located on the north of Chicago next to the Lincoln Park Zoo and DePaul University.  It was forest and quicksand until 1820s.  The army created a small post in the area in 1824.  Directly after the Civil War the area became home to a Polish community.  Today, besides the Zoo and University, you’ll find an outdoor theater, a rowing canal, the Chicago History Museum and a stature of General Grant.

Holy Trinity Polish Church is touted as one of the most interesting church of Chicago.  It’s Renaissance and Baroque style architecture abounds throughout the structure.  The elaborately painted ceiling was done by K. Markiewicz in 1926.  When first created, in 1873, the church brought in primarily Polish parishioners.  Today, it is quite a mixed crowd of attendees from many different backgrounds.  However, some of the services are still lead in the Polish language.

Chicago Sightseeing

Once you get started working your way around the many really beautiful and interesting sites of Chicago, you will think there is no end to it’s beauty, culture and style.  Besides the many locations listed here, you can enjoy seeing such places as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry or the Clarence Buckingham Fountain, just for starters.

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(cc: photo credit: see phar)

Chicago, the “Windy City,” is easily accessible from all over the United States. The city, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, also offers excellent public transportation, deep-dish pizza, and a variety of free attractions to please travelers on a budget. Just a few of these are:

Navy Pier. One of the symbols of Chicago, this entertainment destination, built in 1916, features dozens of food vendors, shopping kiosks, a concert stage, a ballroom, a 150-foot tall Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children’s Museum, an IMAX theater, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. In addition, Navy Pier is surrounded by over 50 acres of park land. You can also board one of the many Lake Michigan sightseeing, cocktail, and dinner cruises from the Pier. Although many of the attractions carry a fee, there’s no charge for strolling the length of the pier and admiring the view.

Art Insitute of Chicago. Chicago’s art museum, located on S. Michigan Avenue in downtown, is one of the most important such museums in the country. The Art Institute is known for its large American Art collection, its Impressionist galleries, and its European decorative art objects. The museum is free on Thursdays between 5pm and 8pm.

Lincoln Park Zoo. Located just north of downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country. The park features over 1200 animals, including a unique underwater viewing area. The Lincoln Park Zoo is free to all every day.

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The main attraction is the brachiosaurus skeleton in Terminal 1, Concourse B. This is a complete skeleton of the largest animal ever to walk the earth and on loan from the Field Museum. And speaking of the museum, the Field Museum Store is a great way to waste some time, learn a little bit about the world around you, and pick up some gifts for your friends and family.

Shopping fans will also love the Chicago Historical Society Gift Shop, which offers great souvenirs and some interesting regional history.

Looking for a little spiritual retreat? The Interfaith Chapel in Terminal 2 is open 24 hours a day and, during work hours, features Catholic, Protestant and Muslim chaplains.

And if all else fails, eat. There are enough choices in O’Hare to sate each and every craving.

• Restaurants and bars, Terminal 1.
• Restaurants and bars, Terminal 2.
• Restaurants and bars, Terminal 3.
• Restaurants and bars, Terminal 5.

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