117948 Thu Jun 09 03:51:40 -0700 2005 5 7 Chicago Area 0 644022 I have one free meal in Chicago on July 4th, before I head back to LA on a 10 PM flight. I'll be eating this meal alone, but I don't mind going to a fancy restaurant. All my other meals are already set up at hotel restaurants. Is there a world-class pastry chef in Chicago? I would love to have a nice dinner, and treat myself to a memorable last course. Dessert is my thing. Price isn't an issue. Thanks for the help. Thu Jun 09 03:51:40 -0700 2005 0 Frank 1 644024 There are some wonderful pastry chefs in Chicago, the most well known odf which is Gail gand of Tru. Tru has a dessert flight available on its menu. You can check it out at the link below. Tru 676 N. St Clair St Chicago 312-202-0001 http://www.trurestaurant.com/cuisine/dessert.html I've not eaten there, but Hot Chocolate in Bucktown appears to be getting good reviews for its desserts though not its entrees and service. See the post below for pictures. Thu Jun 09 08:37:26 -0700 2005 644022 0 YourPalWill 1 644025 I would second the Tru recommendation - best desserts around and the miniature dessert treats at the end are a great finish. Hot Chocolate is a close second for desserts, but very limited dinner options. Thu Jun 09 09:05:19 -0700 2005 644022 0 BR 2 644030 I've actually already been to Tru a few years ago, and forgot to mention that. I might check out Hot Chocolate just for dessert, though. Thank you. Thu Jun 09 10:41:36 -0700 2005 644025 0 Frank 3 644033 Another idea may be the Peninsula Hotel. At one time, they had a nightly chocolate buffet that ran about $20 per person. There was nothing awe inspiring there. i always found it a unique place to take out of towners. There is also Sugar, a dessert bar at 107 W. Kinzie. It opened to much fan fare a year and a half ago. desserts are highly rated. According to may, the place is staffed by people who think a lot of themselves. Thu Jun 09 11:47:13 -0700 2005 644030 0 YourPalWill 1 644035 My most recent incredible meal was Sweets & Savories on Fullerton. Really excellent food AND fantastic desserts (we sampled 3) with terrific service to top it off. Scroll down to last week see other thoughts and my review. Vanille Patisserie on Clybourn has fabulous French desserts, however they keep bakery hours, so venture over for a mid-day treat! Link: http://www.vanillepatisserie.com/entremets.htm Thu Jun 09 12:00:21 -0700 2005 644022 0 shopgirl