What are some must eat places in Chicago?

I'm taking a trip to Chicago for a few days next month. Would anyone like to suggest some restaurants I should definitely try? I like to try new things and will eat anything and everything. I'll be staying near the Magnificent Mile so I'd prefer places somewhat nearby. Thanks!

Anything and everything near the Mag Mile is a pretty broad order. However, I'll bite with some of my favorites in that area. It would have helped if you'd given some price range.


Streeterville-area favorites

Tru
312/202-0001
www.trurestaurant.com
676 N. St. Clair St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Reservations required
Jacket required

Contemporary French/American fine-dining restaurant in Streeterville with both high-impact food and a sense of fun. The menu is prix-fixe, but you can have as few as three (regular-sized) courses (about $75), as well as elaborate tasting menus of smaller dishes for around $125, or order a la carte.

The signature caviar appetizer features a variety of fish roes, from sevruga to wasabi-flavored tobiko; its serving dish, a custom-designed glass staircase, is just a forerunner of the restaurateurs' fascination with funky dinnerware.

Chef Rick Tramonto is fond of witty creations like cappuccino of carrot with orange, a soup served in a coffee cup and topped with foamed milk; "Mirror Image of Tartars," made with tuna, salmon and yellowtail; or a "Surf and Turf" of ahi tuna and sauteed foie gras in a pinot noir reduction.

Pastry chef Gale Gand's desserts run to things like a duo of blood-orange and chocolate souffles; rhubarb poached in strawberry juice with strawberry mousse and candied rose petals; fudge tart with caramelized banana, peanut-butter ice cream and cabernet-infused caramel.


Eli's the Place for Steak
312/642-1393
www.elistheplaceforsteak.com
215 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Reservations required

It doesn't get any more Chicago than this: To my mind, the quintessential Chicago steakhouse.

Its Jewish-deli soul is reflected in the free -- if tiny -- chopped liver appetizer delivered to each table. The hushed dining room sports huge bright pictures of local scenes. Good steaks; somewhat soupy shrimp de Jonghe; highly recommended calf's liver (by those who like liver); fine potato pancakes -- but save room for dessert. This Streeterville institution is the birthplace of the most famous Chicago-style cheesecake, created by founder Eli Schulman in 1980.

An endangered species -- it's closing, perhaps for good, July 30.


Bistro 110
312/266-3110
www.bistro110restaurant.com
110 E. Pearson St.
Chicago, IL 60611

One of the city's top French bistros, casual and easy to like. Before emigrating from France, Chef Dominique Tougne was a protege of Joel Robüchon's. Tougne's food is much less stuffy, though.

Perfectly roasted chicken is the don't-miss specialty here. Other items to try included the brie-stuffed artichoke; steak frites; cassoulet; and wood-roasted scallops. They serve heavenly roasted garlic with crusty French bread as a complimentary starter.

On Sundays, an a la carte jazz brunch offers items like waffles with pecan maple syrup and fruit compote and eggs with andouille sausage plus selections from the regular lunch menu.


Wow Bao
312/648-5888
www.lettuceentertainyou.com
Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
Limited seating (one flight up)

Bao, or Chinese-style steamed buns, are the focus at this walk-up stand in Water Tower Place. Rather than the traditional Chinese fillings, here they offer Kung pao chicken, Thai curry chicken, green vegetable, chicken teriyaki, spicy Mongolian beef, BBQ beef, plus a changing special flavor.

Also available: Thai curry chicken and chicken teriyaki rice bowls; pad Thai chicken and eight-vegetable salads; and soups. Beverages include a zesty house-made ginger ale made with fresh ginger.


Vosges Haut Chocolat
312/644-9450
www.vosgeschocolate.com
The Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago IL 60611

Elegant chocolatiers producing luscious, exotic truffles -- with names like Absinthe, Mint Julep, Black Pearl, Wink of the Rabbit, Woolloomooloo, Budapest, Viola and Ambrosia -- that feature infusions of spices and flowers, combined with premium chocolate. There's also a cocoa bar.


Finally, I'll mention that you're right near one of Chicago's top theaters, Lookingglass Theatre, and the brand-new Drury Lane Water Tower Place, as well as the half-price Hot Tix ticket booth (in the Water Tower Pumping Station). Do see a play while you're here. Chicago is as good a theater town as it is a food town. Maybe better.