Photo's is in iDine? Too bad that didn't happen when I was growing up, I used to eat there all the time (my parents live right behind the place). I'll have to stop by more often.

As far as the Evanston participants are concerned...

Blind Faith Cafe: Vegetarian place just south of downtown at Chicago and Dempster. I've only been there for breakfast, and while it's not cheap (typically $30 with tax/tip for two people) the food is very good. Don't let the fact that it's meat-free scare you off. I've never tried the Peanut Butter Shake but a former co-worker used to rave about the things. My usual breakfast there is the Aztec Hash, although the pancakes are excellent as well. One of these days I'll get around to trying the omelettes.

Carmen's: Thin crust, pan or stuffed pizza. Just went there for the first time last night and got a thin crust to go. Not bad at all; almost as good (if not as good) as Gulliver's, which is the pizza place to go in Evanston, even though it's technically in Chicago since it's on the south side of Howard. They have salads and pastas available as well, but this is obviously a pizza place first and everything else second.

Alladin's Eatery (Middle Eastern), Clarke's (American), Dixie Kitchen and Bait (Cajun/Creole) and Zab Thai (duh!) are the other four participants in E-Town. The ranks have thinned somewhat, unfortunately... there used to be well over ten iDine participants in Evanston, and with the number of restaurants in town, I'm surprised there aren't more.

And back in Chicago...

1492 Tapas: According to the United version of the program, 1492 only participates on Sundays. hrmpf. That's unfortunate because the miles used to temper the prices, which seem a little on the high side to me. Then again, it is in the Gold Coast, so there's the location factor to be considered as well. Zagat rated 17/30 for food/service/decor.

The Pepper Lounge: A refuge from the goings-on in Wrigleyville and one of the few places that I would consider "romantic" in the area. Salads are excellent, I've never had an entree I didn't like, and the martini list has a number of very good offerings. With alcohol, tax and tip, expect to spend $100-120 for two. Highly recommended.

Lucia's: The full name is actually Lucia's Gourmet Italian Cuisine, but that's probably pushing it a little bit. The food is definitely good, but I wouldn't make the leap to "gourmet." It's BYO at Lucia's, which I happen to like; if you happen to be in Wicker Park and get the urge to visit, there's always the liquor shop around the corner on North Avenue (Lucia's is at North and Honore) that has a decent wine selection. I've only been for dinner (they're also open for lunch) and the service has been great every time with very personable staff.