I've read over the list of restaurants people suggested, and as somebody noted above, all are excellent (although there are a few new ones I haven't heard of). But the best meal I ever had (and I've eaten at some great restaurants around the world (mostly the U.S.)), was at Charlie Trotter's. If you can only go to one restaurant in Chicago, go to Charlie Trotter's. And if you are daring, see about reserving their "Kitchen Table." It's a table that seats 4 or 6 and is in their immaculate kitchen. You get to watch as Mr. Trotter holds court.

I second or third Charlie Trotter's, but as they will be closed when you are there, you might try Zealous. The head chef and owner is a Trotter protege. I ate at both during a Chicago trip last year. Here's a link to the trip report if you want the details of the meals ... and don't worry, despite my trip report, there's a whole lot more at each restaurant than just veggies.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/000980.html

[This message has been edited by letiole (edited 02-28-2001).]

Has anyone been to GRACE on (West?)Randolph Street - the venison is outstanding!

Thanks to everyone for your recommendations. I seriously considered Le Francais, but as I'm staying downtown and I don't know Chicago that well I thought I'd stick to the downtown area. I have booked a table at Ambria, but I will consider the other suggestions for other nights!

Cheers, Conrad

Hey Conrad:

Ambria's a great choice. Can I come. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Yes...if you're looking for guests, I can be available on short notice! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Wine Spectator 2000 Restaurant Award (Sept 2000) lists: Best of Award of Excellence

Brasserie Jo (F) - Food (M) Wine (M)

Cru Cafe & Wine Bar (B)- Food (I) Wine(M)

Savarin (F)- Food (M) Wine (M)

Tru (MF) - Food (E) Wine M

Expensive (E) Moderate (M) Inexpensive (I)
French (F)Bistro (B) Modern French (MF)

Try "BlackBird"

The head chef and part owner Paul Kahn was named one of the top 10 chefs in America by one of the big food mags, I can't remember which one.
I was in Chicago last month and was taken there by customers. Very good.

If you've got a second night available for dinner and want to try something a little different, I would recommend Topolobampo, a gourmet mexican with outstanding food and service in a fairly casual atmosphere.

I noticed in the Financial Times this past weekend an article reviewing some of the restaurants in Chicago. The full text is at:
http://globalarchive.ft.com/globalar...d=010303000386

In summary - Tru got a good writeup, Grace got a very bad one. Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and Morton's were also well-reviewed.

Dudster, after your recommendation, and the review above, I think I will try Topolobampo.

Conrad

Most of the restaurants listed in this post are worth your visit. ARUNS,BLACKBIRD,LE FRANCAIS, CHARLIE TROTTER'S, TRIO, AMBRIA,
TOMPOLOBAMPO.

But most of these are very well known, for a not so known, rising star try:
Savoy Truffle, 1466 N. Ashland, Chgo, 773.772.7530 Reservations are a must.