Startle

Chicago has come a long way from the days when it was known as the "Hog Butcher for the World." Nowadays, the city's dining scene is known much more for its role in the molecular-gastronomy movement - hot spots like chef Grant Achatz' Five-Star Alinea and chef Homaro Cantu's Moto give Ferran Adrià a run for his money. Generating buzz lately is Achatz' newest restaurant, Next, which forgoes a traditional reservation system for prepaid tickets. If you can't get into Next, try the adjacent Aviary bar.

Meanwhile, stalwarts like Charlie Trotter's confidently remain at the very top of the country's contemporary American list. And Chicago chef Rick Bayless popularity has continued to climb since he won the first season of Top Chef Masters in 2009. His newest full-service restaurant, XOCO - which serves delicious tortas - has a continuous line out the door (if you don't have time to stop by and you're lucky enough to be traveling through O'Hare airport's Terminal 1, hit up Tortas Frontera by gate B11).

Of course, if you've come for the gooey goodness of deep-dish pizza, you won't be disappointed. Just pack your patience when you visit the legendary Pizzeria Uno; the waits are usually long (Uno claims to have invented deep-dish pizza in the '40s), but the pie is worth the wait. If you simply cannot stick it out, then try other deep-dish spots like Gino's East and Giordano's. Or try one of the many places that have been popping up which serve wood-fired pizzas, such as Great Lake or La Madia.

Though the city has plenty of outstanding vegetarian options - from chef Shawn McClain's upscale Green Zebra to Indian food counters on the Far North Side's Devon Avenue - Chicago is still largely a carnivore's paradise. Witness the city's famous steakhouses, which are always packed. You can't go wrong, whether you chow down at classics like Gibsons, where you can expect a lively atmosphere and full-flavored steaks, or at newer places such as David Burke's Primehouse or Mastro's Steakhouse.

On the other end of the spectrum - but no less delicious - are Chicago's renowned Italian beef sandwiches. These messy sandwiches (thinly sliced roast beef served on an Italian-style roll with giardiniera or sweet peppers on top) are said to have originated in the 1930s. You can try this drippy, delicious throwback at Al's #1 Italian Beef and Portillo's. Another still-popular Depression-era classic is the hot dog. But not just any frank will do - locals line up for the gourmet dogs at Hot Doug's, which offers a Chicago-style hot dog with all the trimmings, with a side of addicting duck fat frites.

With so many fine dining options in Chicago, it might seem daunting to choose just one for a romantic evening out. The options are truly endless in this dynamic dining city, but here are five of the best:

1. Cafe Absinthe's dimly lit atmosphere is the perfect backdrop to the seasonal, American-oriented menu. Be sure to share the dark chocolate lava cake infused with Grand Mariner liqueur and served with prickly-pear sauce with your special someone at this Wicker Park gem.

2. North Pond goes one step further, being that it's situated in the middle of a pastoral setting in Lincoln Park. Its gorgeous Prairie-style building overlooks a small pond and provides a stunning view of the Chicago skyline. Almost as impeccable is chef Bruce Sherman's sustainable-minded fare.

3. When you think of a romantic restaurant in one of the biggest cities in the country you're probably envisioning something like Signature Room, which is located atop the John Hancock Center. Though it has a more corporate feel than, say, North Pond, the dazzling views make up for it. Start off with some craft cocktails in the Signature Lounge and then head to the dining room for dishes like shellfish risotto and grilled New York strip steak.

4. Appropriately located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Everest's magnificent city views (framed by floor-to-ceiling drapes) are a perfect companion for chef Joho's highbrow Alsatian cuisine. Served by an exceedingly polite waitstaff clad in suits, the menu includes a filet of wild sturgeon wrapped and roasted in cured ham, and venison served with wild huckleberries and braised pear. It's safe to say that a night at Everest will leave you and your date feeling, well, on top of the world.

5. Sixteen is similar in that the views are fantastic, as it's located on the 16th floor of Donald Trump's hotel and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows. The hosts dress like they're about to walk down a Paris runway, and the food is unforgettable. Chef Frank brunacci meticulously crafts entrees like duck breasts in a date-and-kumquat chutney with black cumin, and pork with creamed corn, warm potato salad, collard greens and grilled peaches. But the menu changes daily.

Chicago has many fun, casual eateries where you won't be embarrassed to bring young kids. Sure, the city is home to many celebrity chefs and world-class restaurants; The Windy City can still make a mean deep-dish pizza and Chicago style hot dog. When it comes to family-style restaurants, both playful atmosphere and simple yet delicious food make them appealing. From Ed Debevic's and the Rainforest Café to Portillo's, Gino's East and Wishbone, no kid of yours will leave unsatisfied.

1. The faux '50s eatery, Ed Debevic's, has been known for its inordinate amount of kitsch since it opened in 1984. After your purposefully sassy host seats you, everyone at your table is forced to wear a deli hat. Your kids will also get a kick out of waiters and waitresses dancing on the countertops. Most importantly, though, no-frills burgers and shakes are inexpensive and family-friendly.

2. Equally as lively in aesthetic is Portillo's, a massive hot dog and burger joint that opened in 1963. Because it's not a formal dining experience, your kids can munch on some of Chicago's tastiest fast food unbothered.

3. Gino's East serves butter crust deep-dish pizza of Chicago fame, and children get their very own Kids Corner menu. The wonderful pizza is something adults will also and the unassuming atmosphere, well, that's something everyone appreciates once in a while.

4. Don't forget about Rainforest Café. Though it's not particularly cheap for being so gimmicky and family-friendly, this recreated jungle is sure to stimulate the senses. Sometimes thunderstorms occur-trees shake and the lights flicker-while lions roar and frogs ribbit as you eat your American style fare.

5. Wishbone, though it does not serve burgers like the others, is just as accessible for kids. They call their cuisine Southern reconstruction cooking-North Carolina style food with a dash of Creole spices, to be exact. Located one block from Harpo Studios, this restaurant prides itself on catering to kids who continue to frequent Wishbone as they get older and remember it fondly.

Don't be surprised if the Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Chicago has a file on you. The staff meets every morning to go over who's arriving that day and what they might need, whether it's something you requested prior to your visit or something they know by scrolling through their huge database of guests. It's this flawless service that makes a stay here feel exquisitely relaxing. It also doesn't hurt that the hotel recently underwent a thorough revamp, and is just steps from the city's best shopping.

Steps away is the Five-Star Peninsula Chicago, which mixes Old World opulence with Asian-influenced style. The hotel's graceful service befits the dignified atmosphere of this gem. But the Peninsula's crown jewels are also its most delicious. While the trendy Shanghai Terrace serves inhalable Asian-inspired fare and cocktails, the reputable Avenues is still a force to be reckoned with in the city's fine-dining scene.

You might be confused when you walk into Four-Star Trump International Hotel & Tower. Is it a hotel? Is it a condo building? It's both, and the understated but upscale lobby is a precursor to everything this well-done hotel has to offer: A sophisticated but relaxed lounge; a gorgeous, fine dining restaurant; lavish rooms where every detail has been taken into consideration (down to Sub-zero refrigerators); and amazing views from everywhere.

Located high atop Water Tower Place along Michigan Avenue, the Ritz-Carlton Chicago underwent a major renovation in 2010, giving rooms a sophisticated and modern makeover. The new Deca restaurant on the 12th floor is a chic place for cocktails and bistro fare.

The city's newest hotel, The Elysian, is adorned with chandeliers inspired by Coco Chanel's jewelry and features only 10 rooms per floor, which include fireplaces, terraces, and white Carrera marble bathrooms. The elegant Parisian-style building has a cobblestone motor court, a Greek-columned spa, handsome bar and two fantastic restaurants.

Chicago is at its heart a sports town, so finding a place to watch live sports in Chicago is simple. Start with a day at legendary Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball's "e;lovable losers"e;. The team hasn't won a World Series since 1908, the longest dry spell in the league. Still, going to watch the "e;Cubbies"e; is a summertime rite of passage, one in which at least fans come out winning - just being inside the ivy-festooned, historic Wrigley Field is a stirring experience. Wrigley was built in 1914, and it still boasts a manual scoreboard; it installed lights to play night games only in 1988. Try to get tickets in the bleachers, where drinking, sunning and socializing is just as important to some Cubs fans as the team finally winning a pennant would be. Can't get into the stadium? Celebrate in any of the dozens of watering holes around the Friendly Confines - thousands of fans tend to make game days all-day benders at popular bars like Cubby Bear and Murphy's Bleachers.

The pride of the South Side, the Chicago White Sox are often considered the Second City's second team, at least outside the confines of the city limits. Though the Sox's 2005 World Series victory seems to be turning the tides of popularity outside of Chicago, for fervent, lifelong fans here at home, it's business as usual. The corporate-sounding name of the Sox's home, U.S. Cellular Field, is a good indication of what the stadium looks like - modern (it was completed in 1991), massive, in the middle of a sea of concrete.

The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, is also massive. And it's hard to miss the amount of Chicago Bulls pennants hanging from the ceiling, as they have one of the greatest dynasties in the NBA-winning six championships in eight years and two three-peats. Now, of course, it's all about Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP. Though he led his team to the playoffs in the same year, they were defeated in the first round. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, won the Stanley Cup in 2010, which incited a citywide Hawks frenzy.

But perhaps no other sports team is so loved across the city as "e;da Bears,"e; which call Soldier Field home. The stadium is located on the Museum Campus in the South Loop, near the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Nobody will soon forget the glory days of the '80s, when the Super Bowl shuffle, William "e;Refrigerator"e; Perry and Mike Ditka made it all the way to the top. After a dry spell in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Bears made a comeback in 2007 (getting all the way to the Super Bowl before losing to the Indiana Colts) with formidable defense and a promising team of young players like Brian Urlacher, Matt Forte and Devin Hester.

Lurking in the grand Stanley Field Hall that greets visitors at the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History is Sue - at 42 feet long and 13 feet high at the hips, it is the most complete, best-preserved and largest Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever discovered. Unearthed in South Dakota in 1990, Sue (named after the woman who found her) is no plastic replica (though the T-Rex skull is so heavy the real thing is housed upstairs while a stand-in graces the actual body), and the skeleton's placement near the entry is a reminder of the museum's commitment to displaying authentic remnants from nature's past. Spread out more than 480,000 square feet, the museum holds popular exhibits on ancient Egypt as well as artifacts and wilderness scenes from all parts of the globe. The museum's recently renovated Grainger Hall of Gems features rare jewels, gold objects and designer creations, including a collection from Tiffany & Co.

If your tastes lean to art over history, check out the Art Institute of Chicago, best known for its vast stock of Impressionist works. Though with the 2009 opening of The Modern Wing, it now also houses collections of modern art, photography, and architecture and design. With this 264,000-square-foot addition, the Art Institute is now the second-largest U.S. art museum (after New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art). Among the museum's permanent collection of more than a quarter million pieces are iconic works such as American Gothic, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and Nighthawks.

Looking for the work of today's artists? Housed in a rather uninspired building between Lake Michigan and the Water Tower, the Museum of Contemporary Art is home to about 2,500 pieces in its permanent collection, including work by Dan Flavin and Lee Bontecou. The interior space can be daunting, with wide hallways and an unusual eyelid-shaped staircase with a fishpond at the bottom that is worth viewing on its own. But despite its size, the MCA won't take long to see (perhaps an hour or two to review the museum's first-rate contemporary experimental works) before you'll want to grab some lunch at the museum's café, operated by chef Wolfgang Puck of Spago fame.

The Windy City is proudly known for its stunning architecture, homegrown jazz music scene and fine dining. What locals might not be eager to brag about, however, is the city's extreme weather: bone-chilling temperatures in the elongated winter season and uncomfortably sticky summers. In order to be prepared, pack a lot of layers, a down coat and snow boots if your trip falls anytime between late autumn and early spring. In the summer, be sure to bring sunscreen and light, airy clothing.

A weekend's worth of time will let you take in some of Chicago's best sights. Begin your first day in Chicago at the Willis (Sears) Tower, arriving before it opens at 10 a.m. to get a jump on the lines to zip up to the observatory. At 1,353 feet, the observatory offers a view of Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana when the clouds are at bay. After seeing Chicago by land, look at it by sea-or rather, river. Hop on a riverboat tour along the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture. Grab lunch at River North pizzeria La Madia, which often has great specials.

After lunch take a walk through the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the country's only free zoos. There you can see the usual bears and lions and the not-so-usual snow leopards and sloths. You'll have time to kill before seeing a nighttime improv show at the legendary Second City (be sure to purchase tickets in advance because shows consistently sell out). Spend that waiting time wandering through the great nearby neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Old Town. Armitage Avenue is an excellent strip for independent boutiques in Lincoln Park. While you're in Lincoln Park, stop by 1154 Lill Studio to customize your own purse. For a Chi-town souvenir, forget tacky tchotchkes and instead head to Art Effect, an eclectic shop that carries everything from clothing to ibride trays to a parking meter alarm. Stop at Adobo Grill, a Mexican eatery next door to the Second City theater that has delicious guacamole and margaritas. You'll want to arrive at Second City to wait in line for a table or even just a chair; seating is first-come, first-served, so early fans of comedy will get the best tables. But don't jet out once the show is over, the jokesters put on a free improv set after the last performance every night but Friday.

For your second day, plan ahead and get tickets for bleacher seats at Wrigley Field. As you cheer on the Cubs, resist the urge to order a ballpark dog and save your appetite instead for authentic Chicago hot dogs with the works at the Weiner Circle. Be sure to ask nicely; the sassy staff is known to dish out insults with the cheese fries (no doubt their patience was strained long ago by drunken Cubs fans and the area's weekend revelers).

To see a less-touristy side of the city, travel southwest to Bucktown and Wicker Park. Fashionistas will want to point their Choos in the direction of p.45 to browse racks of clothing from 3.1 Phillip im and local designer Lara Miller. For dinner, try Coast Sushi Bar for some of the city's best sushi (bring your own booze); or Restaurant Takashi for immaculately prepared contemporary American/Japanese fare. Then, head to HotChocolate for delicious hot chocolate with housemade marshmallows. The Black and Tan (one part hot fudge, two parts medium hot chocolate) is so rich, it'll count as dessert.

Try to reserve tickets for a show at the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre or a production from the city's many storefront troupes (ones to check out: in-your-face Profiles Theatre or the rockin' House of Theatre Chicago).

Chicago has come a long way from the days when it was known as the "Hog Butcher for the World." Nowadays, the city's dining scene is known much more for its role in the molecular-gastronomy movement - hot spots like chef Grant Achatz' Five-Star Alinea and chef Homaro Cantu's Moto give Ferran Adrià a run for his money. Generating buzz lately is Achatz' newest restaurant, Next, which forgoes a traditional reservation system for prepaid tickets. If you can't get into Next, try the adjacent Aviary bar.

Meanwhile, stalwarts like Charlie Trotter's confidently remain at the very top of the country's contemporary American list. And Chicago chef Rick Bayless popularity has continued to climb since he won the first season of Top Chef Masters in 2009. His newest full-service restaurant, XOCO - which serves delicious tortas - has a continuous line out the door (if you don't have time to stop by and you're lucky enough to be traveling through O'Hare airport's Terminal 1, hit up Tortas Frontera by gate B11).

Of course, if you've come for the gooey goodness of deep-dish pizza, you won't be disappointed. Just pack your patience when you visit the legendary Pizzeria Uno; the waits are usually long (Uno claims to have invented deep-dish pizza in the '40s), but the pie is worth the wait. If you simply cannot stick it out, then try other deep-dish spots like Gino's East and Giordano's. Or try one of the many places that have been popping up which serve wood-fired pizzas, such as Great Lake or La Madia.

Though the city has plenty of outstanding vegetarian options - from chef Shawn McClain's upscale Green Zebra to Indian food counters on the Far North Side's Devon Avenue - Chicago is still largely a carnivore's paradise. Witness the city's famous steakhouses, which are always packed. You can't go wrong, whether you chow down at classics like Gibsons, where you can expect a lively atmosphere and full-flavored steaks, or at newer places such as David Burke's Primehouse or Mastro's Steakhouse.

On the other end of the spectrum - but no less delicious - are Chicago's renowned Italian beef sandwiches. These messy sandwiches (thinly sliced roast beef served on an Italian-style roll with giardiniera or sweet peppers on top) are said to have originated in the 1930s. You can try this drippy, delicious throwback at Al's #1 Italian Beef and Portillo's. Another still-popular Depression-era classic is the hot dog. But not just any frank will do - locals line up for the gourmet dogs at Hot Doug's, which offers a Chicago-style hot dog with all the trimmings, with a side of addicting duck fat frites.

Ending the week with heaping plates of huevos rancheros or stuffed French toast is a ritual in Chicago, a town that loves to brunch. From upscale hotel buffets with free-flowing mimosas to charming neighborhood boites with organic eggs benedict, here are five of the best restaurants for brunch in Chicago:

1. The tastemakers behind the established restaurants Blackbird and Avec have turned their focus to pork, oysters and beer in a German beer hall setting called The Publican. For Sunday brunch, Executive Chef Paul Kahan and Chef de Cuisine Brian Huston whip up dishes such as red wine poached egg and ricotta and zucchini bread with wildflower honey, pecans and strawberries. Those who dine at The Publican for brunch will appreciate the same dedication to cooking pristine, simple dishes that goes into preparing the dinner menu.

2. It's hard to discount hotel brunches, seeing as Chicago boasts so many outstanding hotels with equally as spectacular accompanying restaurants. In particular, Balsan, at Chicago's newest luxury hotel The Elysian, is frequently packed. There's simply nothing not to love about the restaurant, which has an antique European feel and is appropriately named after Etienne Balsan, who financed Coco Chanel's first hat shop. Chef Danny Grant (who also runs the Elysian hotel's fine-dining Ria just right across the hall) is passionate about discovering products from local farms and artisan purveyors, such as that perfect cheese from a small farm in Wisconsin, and turning out homemade dishes. It's the more accessible of the two Elysian eateries yet you will find dishes like grilled quail with tomato gastrique and panzanella on the brunch menu.

3. Another beloved brunch spot maintains a serious commitment to buying natural, seasonal and local ingredients but doesn't break the bank. Located in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the quaint m. Henry is exceptionally affordable for the quality of the fare. Try anything from black bean cakes and eggs to smoked salmon and onion tarte benedict at the unassuming restaurant that specializes in breakfast food-which we think is a plus.

4. If you're looking for an imaginative breakfast in a playful environment, you'd better head to the Bongo Room early. As early as 30 minutes before the doors open, the sidewalk outside this Wicker Park standby is packed with hungover urbanites anxiously awaiting a table. The breakfast burrito filled with guacamole and fluffy scrambled eggs is a favorite, but most come for the outrageously sweet concoctions that mix breakfast with dessert, such as Oreo cookie pancakes or chocolate tower French toast. The spot is a little less crowded when lunchtime rolls around, when the kitchen offers inventive fare like a tasty maple-and-mustard-roasted pork loin sandwich and a delectable baby spinach, golden beet and duck confit salad. If you can't stomach the interminable brunch wait, try the South Loop location, where it's slightly-note, we said slightly-less crowded.

5. Look no further than Sweet Maple Café if what you're craving is a no-frills brunch that tastes as fresh and simple as something your mother might have cooked. This authentic spot in University Village offers homemade Sweet Milk biscuits and pure Vermont maple syrup. Quite simply, it's completely affordable, and there's a lot to choose from (every classic brunch dish you can think of is listed on the menu) and it's dripping in true Southern hospitality.

Chicago has many fun, casual eateries where you won't be embarrassed to bring young kids. Sure, the city is home to many celebrity chefs and world-class restaurants; The Windy City can still make a mean deep-dish pizza and Chicago style hot dog. When it comes to family-style restaurants, both playful atmosphere and simple yet delicious food make them appealing. From Ed Debevic's and the Rainforest Café to Portillo's, Gino's East and Wishbone, no kid of yours will leave unsatisfied.

1. The faux '50s eatery, Ed Debevic's, has been known for its inordinate amount of kitsch since it opened in 1984. After your purposefully sassy host seats you, everyone at your table is forced to wear a deli hat. Your kids will also get a kick out of waiters and waitresses dancing on the countertops. Most importantly, though, no-frills burgers and shakes are inexpensive and family-friendly.

2. Equally as lively in aesthetic is Portillo's, a massive hot dog and burger joint that opened in 1963. Because it's not a formal dining experience, your kids can munch on some of Chicago's tastiest fast food unbothered.

3. Gino's East serves butter crust deep-dish pizza of Chicago fame, and children get their very own Kids Corner menu. The wonderful pizza is something adults will also and the unassuming atmosphere, well, that's something everyone appreciates once in a while.

4. Don't forget about Rainforest Café. Though it's not particularly cheap for being so gimmicky and family-friendly, this recreated jungle is sure to stimulate the senses. Sometimes thunderstorms occur-trees shake and the lights flicker-while lions roar and frogs ribbit as you eat your American style fare.

5. Wishbone, though it does not serve burgers like the others, is just as accessible for kids. They call their cuisine Southern reconstruction cooking-North Carolina style food with a dash of Creole spices, to be exact. Located one block from Harpo Studios, this restaurant prides itself on catering to kids who continue to frequent Wishbone as they get older and remember it fondly.

Chicago is at its heart a sports town, so finding a place to watch live sports in Chicago is simple. Start with a day at legendary Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball's "e;lovable losers"e;. The team hasn't won a World Series since 1908, the longest dry spell in the league. Still, going to watch the "e;Cubbies"e; is a summertime rite of passage, one in which at least fans come out winning - just being inside the ivy-festooned, historic Wrigley Field is a stirring experience. Wrigley was built in 1914, and it still boasts a manual scoreboard; it installed lights to play night games only in 1988. Try to get tickets in the bleachers, where drinking, sunning and socializing is just as important to some Cubs fans as the team finally winning a pennant would be. Can't get into the stadium? Celebrate in any of the dozens of watering holes around the Friendly Confines - thousands of fans tend to make game days all-day benders at popular bars like Cubby Bear and Murphy's Bleachers.

The pride of the South Side, the Chicago White Sox are often considered the Second City's second team, at least outside the confines of the city limits. Though the Sox's 2005 World Series victory seems to be turning the tides of popularity outside of Chicago, for fervent, lifelong fans here at home, it's business as usual. The corporate-sounding name of the Sox's home, U.S. Cellular Field, is a good indication of what the stadium looks like - modern (it was completed in 1991), massive, in the middle of a sea of concrete.

The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, is also massive. And it's hard to miss the amount of Chicago Bulls pennants hanging from the ceiling, as they have one of the greatest dynasties in the NBA-winning six championships in eight years and two three-peats. Now, of course, it's all about Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP. Though he led his team to the playoffs in the same year, they were defeated in the first round. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, won the Stanley Cup in 2010, which incited a citywide Hawks frenzy.

But perhaps no other sports team is so loved across the city as "e;da Bears,"e; which call Soldier Field home. The stadium is located on the Museum Campus in the South Loop, near the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Nobody will soon forget the glory days of the '80s, when the Super Bowl shuffle, William "e;Refrigerator"e; Perry and Mike Ditka made it all the way to the top. After a dry spell in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Bears made a comeback in 2007 (getting all the way to the Super Bowl before losing to the Indiana Colts) with formidable defense and a promising team of young players like Brian Urlacher, Matt Forte and Devin Hester.

Everyone knows that some of the country's best, most innovative restaurants call Chicago home — including Charlie Trotter's, Alinea and Everest. You'll never go hungry for award-winning and fine dining options here in the Windy City.

1. Not only did Alinea's internationally respected chef Grant Achatz win the 2008 James Beard Outstanding Chef Award, he's also got a hell of a story to tell. In 2007, Achatz was diagnosed with tongue cancer, and doctors said he might lose his sense of taste forever. An aggressive treatment looks to have beaten the cancer, and Achatz's sense of taste was saved. He's now back in the kitchen, creating some of the most wildly creative dishes in the country. Alinea, the Latin word for that funny little symbol indicating the need for a new paragraph-or a new train of thought-is at the forefront of the molecular gastronomy movement, which re-imagines familiar foods in stunningly innovative ways. Behind the restaurant's purposefully hidden entrance and up a floating glass-and-metal staircase, you'll be treated to breathtaking creations such as the black truffle explosion, featuring truffle-topped ravioli filled with truffle broth, which "explodes" in your mouth.

2. Charlie Trotter's, though less exploratory than Alinea, is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in the country. There's not much about internationally renowned chef Charlie Trotter that hasn't already been said. Awards? He has them in spades. Books? He's written them. TV shows? He stars in a cooking series. Which brings us back to Trotter's food, and for that he uses only naturally raised meats, line-caught fish and organic produce to craft his world-famous fare.

3. It takes a certain bravado to name a restaurant after the tallest mountain in the world-the damning reviews practically write themselves. Thankfully, chef Jean Joho's Everest has scaled the culinary heights and remains perched at the top of Chicago's fine-dining realm. Located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Everest offers a 7-course degustation menu, unless you opt for the vegetarian or three or four-course pre-fixed menus.

4. Any talk of Chicago's high-end Italian restaurants begins (and arguably ends) with the gorgeous Spiagga. How many restaurants have their own cheese cave? Exactly. The elegant setting matches the caliber of the food: The multi-tiered restaurant, appropriately perched at the outset of the city's famed Magnificent Mile, offers a view of Lake Michigan and the city's most famous street. James Beard award-winning chef and partner Tony Mantuano offers an a la carte menu that includes hand rolled potato gnocchi with ricotta sauce and black truffles.

5. Last but not least is Tru, a truly stellar dining experience in a large, beautifully understated room with perfectly attuned service. The gorgeous surroundings include an original Andy Warhol, and the food is equally inspiring. Tru offers different ways to take advantage of executive chef Anthony Martin's work, including a three-course prix fixe and a six- or nine-course "collections" tasting menu. Practically anything at Tru will delight, but we especially recommend the caviar staircase appetizer, which serves several different types of roe on an elegant glass spiral stairway. Even the bathrooms here, with their sinks made up solely of large slanted glass panels, are a sight. Recently, the restaurant carved out room for a burger joint called M Burger, where locals and Mag Mile tourists line up for burgers, fries and shakes.

With so many fine dining options in Chicago, it might seem daunting to choose just one for a romantic evening out. The options are truly endless in this dynamic dining city, but here are five of the best:

1. Cafe Absinthe's dimly lit atmosphere is the perfect backdrop to the seasonal, American-oriented menu. Be sure to share the dark chocolate lava cake infused with Grand Mariner liqueur and served with prickly-pear sauce with your special someone at this Wicker Park gem.

2. North Pond goes one step further, being that it's situated in the middle of a pastoral setting in Lincoln Park. Its gorgeous Prairie-style building overlooks a small pond and provides a stunning view of the Chicago skyline. Almost as impeccable is chef Bruce Sherman's sustainable-minded fare.

3. When you think of a romantic restaurant in one of the biggest cities in the country you're probably envisioning something like Signature Room, which is located atop the John Hancock Center. Though it has a more corporate feel than, say, North Pond, the dazzling views make up for it. Start off with some craft cocktails in the Signature Lounge and then head to the dining room for dishes like shellfish risotto and grilled New York strip steak.

4. Appropriately located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Everest's magnificent city views (framed by floor-to-ceiling drapes) are a perfect companion for chef Joho's highbrow Alsatian cuisine. Served by an exceedingly polite waitstaff clad in suits, the menu includes a filet of wild sturgeon wrapped and roasted in cured ham, and venison served with wild huckleberries and braised pear. It's safe to say that a night at Everest will leave you and your date feeling, well, on top of the world.

5. Sixteen is similar in that the views are fantastic, as it's located on the 16th floor of Donald Trump's hotel and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows. The hosts dress like they're about to walk down a Paris runway, and the food is unforgettable. Chef Frank brunacci meticulously crafts entrees like duck breasts in a date-and-kumquat chutney with black cumin, and pork with creamed corn, warm potato salad, collard greens and grilled peaches. But the menu changes daily.

The best places to see live music in Chicago depend on the season, because come summer, much of the city's artistic displays head outside. Grant Park hosts many popular outdoor festivals during the summer, and most feature live music. (Most notable is Lollapalooza Music Festival, which brings big-name acts like Lady Gaga and Kings of Leon to Chicago). If you prefer a smaller (but not too much smaller) festival, Pitchfork Music Festival is held annually in Union Park during July. Some bands are only appreciated in certain crowds (i.e. Boris, Os Mutantes, Yo La Tengo, etc.), but more mainstream acts like Girl Talk, Big Boi and The Flaming Lips have all appeared on the bill.

But you won't have to shell out $200 to go to various clubs and venues in the city that gave birth to jazz, and trust us: there is an abundance to choose from. It all depends on what acts you're looking to see. The Metro, just down the street from Wrigley Field on Clark St., is one of Chicago's smaller venues but most bands that take the stage have big names. Even cozier is The Hideout, which is located in the unassuming Noble Square neighborhood and is adorned with soft Christmas lights. Not unlike The Hideout, the beloved, intimate Empty Bottle books up-and-coming rock groups. Both venues attract a PBR-loving crowd. While venues like The House of Blues, Aragon and Schubas are larger, they still retain a truly Chicago style commitment to great sounding acoustics and friendly staffs.

The Windy City is proudly known for its stunning architecture, homegrown jazz music scene and fine dining. What locals might not be eager to brag about, however, is the city's extreme weather: bone-chilling temperatures in the elongated winter season and uncomfortably sticky summers. In order to be prepared, pack a lot of layers, a down coat and snow boots if your trip falls anytime between late autumn and early spring. In the summer, be sure to bring sunscreen and light, airy clothing.

Chicago's best nightlife might appear to suffer from an identity crisis. On one hand, you have the Midwest's famous no-nonsense, pragmatic attitude, which manifests itself in dive bars and come-as-you-are live-music hubs. On the other hand, you have an irrepressible appetite for drinking and dancing the night away. (It's not for nothing that house music was born here.) You could go from lounging with the hip-and-hot at J Bar to dancing at Le Passage to sipping the city's best-mixed cocktails at The Violet Hour, all in one night.

If you're looking for that beloved local institution known as the dive bar, you won't have to look far. These holes-in-the-wall are usually tucked into any residential neighborhood, and many sport generic Old Style beer signs out front and the words "Zimne Piwo" or "Cerveza Fria" (cold beer in Polish and Spanish, respectively). Here, beer is cheap and plentiful, and the crowd varies from blue-collar regulars to hipsters, all seeking a low-key spot to drink and congregate with friends. Some, such as Empty Bottle and The Hideout have turned into destinations for music aficionados. By and large, many remain no-frills: perfect for when all you need is a cold one and no pretense.

If it's summer, you don't want to be holed up — and for that, Chicago teems with beer gardens and bars with patios from which you can tipple and people-watch under the sun to your heart's content. Popular spots include Sheffield's and Nick's Beergarden. If you simply walk around neighborhoods like Lakeview or Wicker Park, you'll practically trip over an alfresco patio down any street.

Lurking in the grand Stanley Field Hall that greets visitors at the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History is Sue - at 42 feet long and 13 feet high at the hips, it is the most complete, best-preserved and largest Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever discovered. Unearthed in South Dakota in 1990, Sue (named after the woman who found her) is no plastic replica (though the T-Rex skull is so heavy the real thing is housed upstairs while a stand-in graces the actual body), and the skeleton's placement near the entry is a reminder of the museum's commitment to displaying authentic remnants from nature's past. Spread out more than 480,000 square feet, the museum holds popular exhibits on ancient Egypt as well as artifacts and wilderness scenes from all parts of the globe. The museum's recently renovated Grainger Hall of Gems features rare jewels, gold objects and designer creations, including a collection from Tiffany & Co.

If your tastes lean to art over history, check out the Art Institute of Chicago, best known for its vast stock of Impressionist works. Though with the 2009 opening of The Modern Wing, it now also houses collections of modern art, photography, and architecture and design. With this 264,000-square-foot addition, the Art Institute is now the second-largest U.S. art museum (after New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art). Among the museum's permanent collection of more than a quarter million pieces are iconic works such as American Gothic, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and Nighthawks.

Looking for the work of today's artists? Housed in a rather uninspired building between Lake Michigan and the Water Tower, the Museum of Contemporary Art is home to about 2,500 pieces in its permanent collection, including work by Dan Flavin and Lee Bontecou. The interior space can be daunting, with wide hallways and an unusual eyelid-shaped staircase with a fishpond at the bottom that is worth viewing on its own. But despite its size, the MCA won't take long to see (perhaps an hour or two to review the museum's first-rate contemporary experimental works) before you'll want to grab some lunch at the museum's café, operated by chef Wolfgang Puck of Spago fame.

Don't be surprised if the Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Chicago has a file on you. The staff meets every morning to go over who's arriving that day and what they might need, whether it's something you requested prior to your visit or something they know by scrolling through their huge database of guests. It's this flawless service that makes a stay here feel exquisitely relaxing. It also doesn't hurt that the hotel recently underwent a thorough revamp, and is just steps from the city's best shopping.

Steps away is the Five-Star Peninsula Chicago, which mixes Old World opulence with Asian-influenced style. The hotel's graceful service befits the dignified atmosphere of this gem. But the Peninsula's crown jewels are also its most delicious. While the trendy Shanghai Terrace serves inhalable Asian-inspired fare and cocktails, the reputable Avenues is still a force to be reckoned with in the city's fine-dining scene.

You might be confused when you walk into Four-Star Trump International Hotel & Tower. Is it a hotel? Is it a condo building? It's both, and the understated but upscale lobby is a precursor to everything this well-done hotel has to offer: A sophisticated but relaxed lounge; a gorgeous, fine dining restaurant; lavish rooms where every detail has been taken into consideration (down to Sub-zero refrigerators); and amazing views from everywhere.

Located high atop Water Tower Place along Michigan Avenue, the Ritz-Carlton Chicago underwent a major renovation in 2010, giving rooms a sophisticated and modern makeover. The new Deca restaurant on the 12th floor is a chic place for cocktails and bistro fare.

The city's newest hotel, The Elysian, is adorned with chandeliers inspired by Coco Chanel's jewelry and features only 10 rooms per floor, which include fireplaces, terraces, and white Carrera marble bathrooms. The elegant Parisian-style building has a cobblestone motor court, a Greek-columned spa, handsome bar and two fantastic restaurants.

A weekend's worth of time will let you take in some of Chicago's best sights. Begin your first day in Chicago at the Willis (Sears) Tower, arriving before it opens at 10 a.m. to get a jump on the lines to zip up to the observatory. At 1,353 feet, the observatory offers a view of Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana when the clouds are at bay. After seeing Chicago by land, look at it by sea-or rather, river. Hop on a riverboat tour along the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture. Grab lunch at River North pizzeria La Madia, which often has great specials.

After lunch take a walk through the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the country's only free zoos. There you can see the usual bears and lions and the not-so-usual snow leopards and sloths. You'll have time to kill before seeing a nighttime improv show at the legendary Second City (be sure to purchase tickets in advance because shows consistently sell out). Spend that waiting time wandering through the great nearby neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Old Town. Armitage Avenue is an excellent strip for independent boutiques in Lincoln Park. While you're in Lincoln Park, stop by 1154 Lill Studio to customize your own purse. For a Chi-town souvenir, forget tacky tchotchkes and instead head to Art Effect, an eclectic shop that carries everything from clothing to ibride trays to a parking meter alarm. Stop at Adobo Grill, a Mexican eatery next door to the Second City theater that has delicious guacamole and margaritas. You'll want to arrive at Second City to wait in line for a table or even just a chair; seating is first-come, first-served, so early fans of comedy will get the best tables. But don't jet out once the show is over, the jokesters put on a free improv set after the last performance every night but Friday.

For your second day, plan ahead and get tickets for bleacher seats at Wrigley Field. As you cheer on the Cubs, resist the urge to order a ballpark dog and save your appetite instead for authentic Chicago hot dogs with the works at the Weiner Circle. Be sure to ask nicely; the sassy staff is known to dish out insults with the cheese fries (no doubt their patience was strained long ago by drunken Cubs fans and the area's weekend revelers).

To see a less-touristy side of the city, travel southwest to Bucktown and Wicker Park. Fashionistas will want to point their Choos in the direction of p.45 to browse racks of clothing from 3.1 Phillip im and local designer Lara Miller. For dinner, try Coast Sushi Bar for some of the city's best sushi (bring your own booze); or Restaurant Takashi for immaculately prepared contemporary American/Japanese fare. Then, head to HotChocolate for delicious hot chocolate with housemade marshmallows. The Black and Tan (one part hot fudge, two parts medium hot chocolate) is so rich, it'll count as dessert.

Try to reserve tickets for a show at the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre or a production from the city's many storefront troupes (ones to check out: in-your-face Profiles Theatre or the rockin' House of Theatre Chicago).

Chicago's many ethnic enclaves retain their distinct character in a way that doesn't happen in other metropolises. Pilsen and Little Village, for example, are home to a vibrant Mexican-American community. Located on the Southwest Side, these conjoined neighborhoods are peppered with taquerías and bakeries - try a slice of classic Mexican tres leches cake at Bombon Bakery. The National Museum of Mexican Art, as well as the numerous galleries that dot the area - especially around the Chicago Arts District (18th and Halsted streets in East Pilsen) - make the area an artists' hub.

A few blocks east of Pilsen is Chicago's Chinatown (Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road). All along Wentworth and Archer avenues, you can find shops literally brimming with tchotchkes and wares, such as paper umbrellas, lanterns, jade statuettes and woks. Dining options are just as diverse - head for Lao Szechuan for tongue-singeing Szechuan fare, or Phoenix Restaurant for Sunday dim sum.

For a taste of Swedish heritage, head to the North Side's Andersonville. Locals wait in long lines at the Swedish Bakery to snatch up goodies like streusel and flourless chocolate cake. Crowds also pack Ann Sather restaurant for a traditional breakfast of Swedish pancakes with tart lingonberries.

Start your a one-day sightseeing trip to Chicago with a cup of Chicago's own Intelligentsia coffee at the Monadnock Building, and then head to Millennium Park to see your reflection in the public artwork "The Beach" and check out the "spitting" faces at Crown Fountain (water appears to spout from projected images of faces on an oversized light installation). Next-door neighbor the Art Institute of Chicago will give you a chance to look at more works. See the man behind the sunflowers in Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait, and you'll notice the artist's seemingly mismatched dirty-blond hair and red beard. Also take a peak at Monet's Stacks of Wheat series, which depicts the eponymous wheat through different seasons. Be sure to leave time to explore the spectacular Modern Wing, which was completed in May 2009. If you are more interested in dinosaurs or diamonds than art, the Field Museum is also nearby, as is the Shedd Aquarium.

When you're ready for lunch, The Modern Wing has three eateries, including Terzo Piano, headed by Spiagga chef Tony Mantuano. Or grab some upscale pub grub at The Gage, located across from Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue. Head back north and stroll along the Magnificent Mile. Stop in the Hancock Center's Signature Room for a drink and some of the best views in the city before catching dinner in any of the Gold Coast restaurants.

Anyone who lives in the city will undoubtedly say the summer months are the best time to visit Chicago, as locals often suffer through bitter, bone-chilling winters. The coldest months in Chicago are January and February, where the wind-chill factor can plunge into double-digits-below-zero degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are on the other extreme - hot and humid. Despite the humidity, though, the city is a summer playground for city dwellers who flock to the beach and the many street fests. Spring and fall are also very pleasant, if a bit short sometimes: Spring realistically falls somewhere between March and June (though it can be in the 50 to 60 Fahrenheit range through May), while autumn usually sweeps in from September to November.