Spent 2 weeks in Chicago and hit a few Michelin-starred restaurants and figured I would report. In general I don't think a Michelin star in Chicago means as much as elsewhere.

1 Star:

Topolobampo: Rick Bayless's high-end Mexican restaurant inside his more casual Frontera Grill. Had the classic dinner tasting menu with wine pairings. It was fabulous! Wine pairings were spot-on. I would return.

Band of Bohemia: Went for brunch. Brewery with food, just recently received its first Michelin star. Decent brunch dish -- had crab benedict, served with mascarpone polenta instead of an English muffin, with a spicy hollandaise -- but not particularly memorable. House-brewed beers are good.

2 Stars:

Sixteen: Went for lunch and had the lunch tasting menu with wine pairings. Incredibly disappointing. The view is stunning but the decor is very 90s and drab, and the food was entirely forgettable. Service was unpolished.

Tru: Went for dinner and had the tasting menu. This place had 1 star for 6 years and just received its second star last year. Creative and delicious dishes, 2 stars seemed right for this one. Dishes were not complex enough or inventive enough to be in 3 star territory, so I completely understand this rating. Delicious dessert (black truffle ice cream) and stunning cheese trolley. Everything was cooked perfectly.

3 Stars:

Grace: Went for dinner and had the Fauna tasting menu with wine pairings. The most disappointing 3 star meal I've had. Service was theatrical and mostly good (with the exception of a bread course that was not explained). Some of the dishes simply did not work for me (too sweet or too smoky or flavors off); others were good but not great. The Thai style wagyu with lemongrass was wonderful, as were the desserts. Wine pairings were off the beaten path and the sommelier was a gem!

Am in NYC now and will be at the reliable Jean Georges for dinner tomorrow.