Embassy Suites on Columbus -- must try suggestions?

Two friends are coming in from Arizona for a conference and staying at Embassy Suites on Columbus. Can anyone suggest any must-eat places they should try? Or if anyone can suggest a search term that would call up a robust discussion thread about downtown eating, I would appreciate any guidance.

I fear my friends may also be looking for the quintessential chgo hot dog or pizza, but those kinds of rec's I can search out myself for them on this fabulous forum.

I am particularly interested in restaurants that say "chicago". To me, Chicago is particularly strong in Thai, Polish and authentic Mexican food but I would not limit the suggestions that way. I am against them going to any chain restaurant.

My understanding is that they'd like recommendations in any price or meal categories (breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night) that are either walking distance or short cab ride, although they would be willing to travel farther for something really unique.

Finally, there is a restaurant that I have heard about that is maybe on the second or third floor of a building that overlooks the Water Tower. Can you help me think of the name of this place and is it worth recommending?

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP! --Joy

Embassy Suites
511 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60611

Joy wrote:Finally, there is a restaurant that I have heard about that is maybe on the second or third floor of a building that overlooks the Water Tower. Can you help me think of the name of this place and is it worth recommending?

This could be Spiaggia, Avenues or NaHa (I think - or is it Nomi?) - all three of these look over the Water Tower. I've only been to Avenues out of those three. It was very good, but certainly in the high-end price range.

There's also Bistro 110, which looks over the Water Tower, however it's on the ground level. It's still an excellent option, though.

This is wonderful, unique and just a block or two from their hotel:

http://www.emiliostapas.com/solynieve.htm

If the weather cooperates, they can sit outside, enjoy great tapas, sip wine and watch Chicago go by.

Thanks for the great suggestions!
Lionrock, the place I was thinking of was NoMI, but NaHa is a really intriguing suggestion too. Both places have nice websites.

NoMI
Park Hyatt Chicago, 7th Floor
800 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
phone (312) 239-4030
http://www.nomirestaurant.com/gallery/nomi/home.html

Website says: "Gleaming high above the renowned "Magnificent Mile," NoMI restaurant epitomizes sophistication in dining. The stunning appointments, distinguished art collection and awe-inspiring views of the Chicago skyline seduce diners upon first glance." Yep, this is the place. You are sort of hanging over Michigan Ave.

NaHa
500 North Clark St.
Chicago, Illinois 60610
phone (312) 321-6242
http://www.naha-chicago.com/

Steve, Bistro 110 is always a favorite. You know, I think that the first time I went to Bistro 110 was 13 years ago. Could that be possible? They have been going strong for a long time.

Bistro 110
110 East Pearson Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Just west of Michigan Avenue, across from the historic Water Tower.
phone (312) 266-3110

Paul thanks for the tip about Emilio's. Tapas would be fun for my friends to take a group.

Emilio's Tapas
215 E. Ohio St.
Chicago, IL 60611
phone (312) 467-7177