119643 Thu May 11 22:56:42 -0700 2006 3 7 Chicago Area 0 652852 My boyfriend and I are both chefs from Seattle. We will only be in Chicago Monday, and Tuesday we fly out at 745pm. What are the must visit spots for dinner mon night(probably going all out for a tasting menu w/ great wine) Breakfast Tues, and a late lunch before we fly out of midway. we are staying at my aunts in Bollingbrook but will have a car to drive into the city. Thanks a lot I wish we had more time! Thu May 11 22:56:42 -0700 2006 0 Alisa 1 652854 All out/tasting menu - Depends on how much you want to spend and whether you want more traditional or more creative. Unfortunately, your options for Monday are limited -- my two top picks are Alinea and Avenues and both are closed. I would recommend either Tru (modern French) - www.trurestaurant.com - or Spiaggia (Northern Italian) - www.spiaggiarestaurant.com for high end dining. Both are very close to the north end of Michigan Avenue. Closer to Lincoln Park is Sweets & Savories, which is also excellent - www.sweetsandsavorieschicago.com. Their tasting menu is one of the best deals in town. Unless you must have a tasting menu, I'd tell you to head to Blackbird (www.blackbirdrestaurant.com) or Avec (Blackbird's sister restaurant, more small plates - www.avecrestaurant.com). These are two of my favorite spots in Chicago. Breakfast - There are a number of spots serving great, creative breakfasts: Orange (one near Wrigley, and one near Printer's Row), which offers a pancake flight (4 stacks of miniature pancakes, each stack with a different and creative topping), fruit sushi, french toast kabobs and a number of very good and more savory items; Bongo Room (in Bucktown and near Soldier Field, just south of downtown), which is similar to Orange. There's also M Henry and Over Easy on the north side. Late lunch - A couple of ideas for low key- for great smoked bbq, head to Honey 1 at 2241 N. Western Ave. or even better, Hot Doug's (www.hotdougs.com) for more exotic hot dogs (such as foie gras and sauternes duck sausage) or even simple hot dogs. If you want something more upscale, you might want to try Blackbird for lunch. And of course, there's always Chicago deep dish pizza (try Lou Malnati's or Pizano's). Thu May 11 23:42:06 -0700 2006 652852 0 BR 1 652861 Oh man, Monday fine dining could be challenging. SPRING is an absolute must. Shawn Mclain just won the James Beard award for best Midwestern Chef. He continues to win food's highest honors and was rated best new restaurant in the nation in 2002. Unfortunately it's closed on Monday's. SOLA: 3868 N. Lincoln Avenue in the Chicago/Lakeview neighborhood. It's open on Mondays. This place is only a few months old and it's packing them in. The atmosphere looks pretty cool as well, as I walk by with my pooch. I hear great things about this place. I had no luck getting in for Mother's Day. It's impossible to get in on weekends, oh but your in luck...I'm sure Monday will not be a problem. Fri May 12 13:14:54 -0700 2006 652852 0 amoncada 1 652901 if i were you i would just head to The Patio in bolingbrook never had a disappointing meal for anyone in my party there, often! of all the message boards that i have visited they all recommend Lou Malnati's for pizza Sun May 14 00:20:15 -0700 2006 652852 0 jane smith