3 1/2 Stars

Calling all BEER drinkers! I’m not sure about you, but in college beer to me was that light yellow stuff that was cheap enough to allow me to have a few solo cups worth while at the same time gather up the remaining change for food and gas. I had no idea what else was out there! After graduating college and actually landing a real job making consistent income, I was introduced to a little thing called hops. Coming to realize what IPA was, in addition to Belgians, Imperial Stouts, and Porters-I now know what true love is.

Charlie Trotter's is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the world. For nearly 18 years, the restaurant has dedicated itself to excellence in the culinary arts. Not willing to ride on its laurels, Charlie Trotter's is continuously forging new directions and has been instrumental in establishing new standards for fine dining worldwide.

Having recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, food critics enthusiastically acclaim Spiaggia as one of the very best Italian fine dining restaurants in Chicago and America. Nominated for Outstanding Service in the U.S. by the James Beard Foundation in 2005, sublime in its grandeur and classic in its elegance, Spiaggia is uniquely defined by Chef/Partner Tony Mantuano's superlative interpretation of authentic Italian cuisine.

Located in Chicago's River North gallery district, chef Michael Kornick practices his culinary artistry in the sophisticated, urban setting of a renovatedc paint factory. Angled skylights, exposed wood trusses and a loft dining area that magically hangs from the rafters provide a splendid backdrop for his stylish, comtemporary cuisine.

Step into Shaw's and find yourself in a special time and place reminescent of the sophisticated eastern seaboard of the 1940s. Shaw's Oyster Bar features shrimp, lobster, crab dishes, sushi and regional oysters on the half shell. Shaw's main dining room serves more than 40 seasonally fresh seafood entrees as well as prime steaks, pastas and chicken.

One of the country's premier dining rooms, Everest is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange. Chef/proprietor J. Joho's world-renowned cuisine and award-winning wine list have earned Everest international recognition.

Gibsons Steakhouse has been the pinnacle of Gold Coast dining for nearly two decades. Housed in the space made famous by Mr. Kelley's, where Streisand and Sinatra performed, and later occupied by 70s and 80s hotspot Sweetwater, Gibsons continues the star studded tradition with a nightly procession of the famous and powerful.

Established in 1997, Volare reflects the look and feel of an old world Italian restaurant. The food represents the finest traditional Italian cuisine with modern accents. At Volare we are very proud of our simple presentations accentuating the very best Italian food in the Chicago area.