So DW and I had some nice experiences:

Lunch at Frontera (and Rick Bayless was "in the kitchen") - guacamole + sikil pak combo app was amazing, trio of moles also great

Had lunches at both Lou Malnati's and Giordano's so we could compare. We liked Giordano's better

Found Kurah Mediterranean Tapas in the South Loop, that was good and very reasonably priced

And a mind blowing experience at Alinea in Lincoln Park, service and food and presentation all superb.