By Patty Enrado, Editor
CHICAGO — If you’re a foodie, you’re in for a gastronomic adventure with so many high-end restaurants in Chicago. Chances are you may only have an evening or two available to satisfy your craving for fine dining. Should you check out Zagat or Google Chicago restaurants? We make it easy for you to hit the mark with our HIMSS staff recommendations. You can’t go wrong with the locals!
North Pond (2610 N. Cannon Dr., 773.477.5845, www.northpondrestaurant.com), located in Lincoln Park, has “fabulous service, beautiful setting and wonderful food,” said Joyce Sensmeier, vice president of Informatics. Chef Bruce Sherman was nominated as Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2008 and is well known for his use of organic and local ingredients. The 1912 building was refurbished in the Arts and Crafts style and boasts views of a pond and the city skyline. No wonder Sensmeier calls North Pond “my favorite place for a special occasion.”
If you go to Kaze Sushi (2032 W. Roscoe St., 773.327.4860, www.kazesushi.com), try the banana pepper hamachi and white truffle oil salmon by the piece. “It’s amazing,” said Christine Chung, associate of Market Research for HIMSS Analytics. Dubbed a creative sushi in Chicago, according to Chung, Kaze Sushi offers great service in a quieter neighborhood. The restaurant combines traditional Japanese cooking and an innovative blend of Western and Asian cooking styles.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (25 E. Ohio, 312.329.9463, www.flemingssteakhouse.com) may be one of the new kids on the block, but Nancy Vitucci, manager of Publications, said, “It’s as good, if not better, than some of the old standbys.” Fleming’s serves up “delicious” steaks, salads, and side dishes, and top-notch customer service, she said. It also offers 100 wines by the glass. “For people watching, the bar on the first floor is a great spot to relax and have a drink,” Vitucci said.
If you’re downtown, you might want to try Eve (840 N. Wabash Ave., 312.266.3383, www.evechicago.com). Eve features “fresh, seasonal flavors and serves modern American food with Asian, Indian and Continental influences,” said Tricia Spellman, director of Marketing. “The atmosphere and decor is great, as well!” she added. Walk-ins are accepted, and dress code is “smart casual.”
Anjie Desai, associate manager of Data Collection for HIMSS Analytics,
Topo Gigio Ristorante (1516 N. Wells St., 312.266.9355, http://www.topogigiochicago.com/index.html) in Old Town is Anjie Desai’s “fave” Italian restaurant in the city. Desai, associate manager of Data Collection for HIMSS Analytics, notes that Topo Gigio has a “great atmosphere and great wine selection, too.”
Cyrano’s Bistrot (546 N. Wells St., 312.467.0546, www.cyranosbistrot.com) is a white-tablecloth French restaurant located in the River North neighborhood. “Owner-Chef Didier Durand’s offerings are authentically French, and delicious,” said Barb Cousineau, senior associate of Market Research. ”Service is friendly, attentive (without being intrusive) and performed with attention to detail.”
We couldn’t finish off our list of recommendations without including Topolobampo (445 N. Clark St., 312.661.1434, http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo.html), described as “a Rick Bayless upscale Mexican restaurant,” according to Racquel Orenick, corporate counsel. The hip people call it “Topolo.” This award-winning restaurant, most recently selected in 2001 as one of America’s Top 5 Restaurants for Outstanding Service by the James Beard Foundation, often features organic and locally grown ingredients. A plus, said Orenick, is the “fun crowd next door” at the Frontera Grill, Bayless’ lower-priced sibling restaurant.