You're not the only one! I like the "aldermoron" term....I have to borrow that. Count me among the 25% who voted for Mark Thomas.

Here's my issue with the Portillo's/Ann Sather's/[any deep dish pizza place]/[any Italian beef place]: There are so many restaurants in Chicago that blow these places away. If you want cheap, unhealthy food, sure...go there. Be my guest. But if you want some of the best Chicago has to offer, just take a look at the recent James Beard award winners (for example, anything from Paul Kahan, who in 2013 was named co-winner of the Outstanding Chef Award, which basically goes to the top chef in the country). Or look at Time Out Chicago's annual dining awards, Eater Chicago's Hot List, LTHForum's Great Neighborhood Restaurant recipients, etc. And...stop listening to 99% of people who don't live in Chicago and are giving you recommendations. Contrary to popular belief, Chicagoans don't spend their time dining at Gibson's and Giordano's.