Gourmet magazine anointed Alinea the No. 1 restaurant in the country. What’s all the fuss? Chef/mastermind Grant Achatz serves food the likes of which you’ve never seen. Sit back and enjoy the show, a well-orchestrated ride that plays with textures, temperatures and notions of “normal” cuisine, while somehow remaining grounded in season, flavor and flawless execution. Past menu stunners have included the black truffle explosion with romaine and parmesan, and the hot potato, cold potato served with black truffle and butter. But you never know what dish will steal the show when you’re in the audience.
Charlie Trotter's iconic restaurant closed in 2012, but the chef's legacy extends all across Chicago, with new restaurants opened by alums of his kitchen. Grant Achatz, Matthias Merges, Bill Kim and others all opened restaurants that make a huge impact on Chicago's dining scene, while carrying on Trotter's legacy.