If there is a milestone to be celebrated and have a budget to spare, this is the place to go for dinner. Gentlemen don jackets and ties here, and the ladies have a place to show off their most beautiful jewelry in this cultured and sophisticated establishment, formally only open to private club members. Les Nomades is an oasis of sophisticated charm, with its inviting fireplaces, and it is located within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, the perfect place for a winter dining experience.

If your French is a little on the rusty side and your table etiquette is a bit lacking, all this opulence may seem a bit jarring to complete novices. Don't fret, as the wait staff are very helpful and courteous to all their guests. Reservations should ideally be set at least two weeks ahead of time for after seven. Ask to be seated upstairs, where it is much more quiet and relaxed. Go with the five course prixe fixe, being mindful the portions are smaller than what many Chicagoans are used to but nonetheless satisfying. Les Nomades has a wonderful wine selection, with half bottles being ideal for a couple.

Each menu selection Chef Nugent prepares displays his passion for food, from the appetizers to the desserts. Recommendations include the scallop risotto and the venison, though the rack of lamb comes in at a close second. If there are any complaints to be had, it is in the bread baskets, as those are rather paltry in comparison, though adequate.

Besides the menu, it is the ambiance itself as well as Les Nomades's location that patrons enjoy time and again. Its quiet, classic style and elegance is a haven for those wishing to feel transported out of the hustle and bustle of the city, yet its close proximity to the best shops and hotels make it ideal for those wanting to complete their evening about town. Early arrivals can even opt for the two or three courses, allowing guests to complete their dining experience among all of what the Mag Mile has to offer.

In short, Les Nomades is simply superb for people who want to feel special while celebrating a special occasion.

Why chop houses in Chicago carry an air of pretension is anyone's guess. After all, there isn't a thing wrong with dressing presentable and having a few table manners, but a good steak needs no formal introduction, and Kinzie's Chophouse knows that well. Located downtown by the Merchandise Mart and catering to the local businessmen and artisans by day, this chop house is moderately upscale in decor and demeanor but down to earth when it comes to its food.

Since steaks and chops are the highlights on the menu, focus is placed upon searing them to perfection and using only the choicest cuts. The wait staff are extremely knowledgeable about the different varieties and will patiently explain the differences in each. The Kinzie Cut is the most popular, a sixteen ounce flat iron steak cooked just the way you like it! Of course, those who really love their meat can shoot straight for the top and test the depths of their stomachs with the forty eight ounce whopper of a porterhouse, Chicagoans favorite cut. On the chop side of things are the well received one pounder Apple Wood Smoked Pork Chop as well as the New Zealand Lamb Chops and the Veal Chops.

Of course, those looking to cut back on the red meat will find a nice selection of seafood and pasta dishes available, their Peppercorn Halibut steak being especially noteworthy. Vegetarians will even be pleasantly surprised with some of the selections available, and since Kinzie's aims to please, many salads and entrees can be adjusted to suit their dietary needs.

Kinzie's isn't just for dinner of course, since they have a nice lunch menu that accommodates the locals well. Those who tend to eat there often may find a caricature of themselves gracing the walls! Regulars and newcomers alike will be pleasantly surprised by their award winning and extensive wine list, carrying a wide selection of domestic and imported varieties from all over and accommodating to all price ranges. Of course, no meal would be complete without at least a sampling of their fine desserts, especially the Key Lime Pie and the Chocolate Terrine.

What truly makes Kinzie's a place to check out is the overall service and vibe. The ambiance may not be the absolute classiest, but it has that true Chicago "feel" to it that no one can deny, which makes it a great place to enjoy an excellent meal without needing to take out a small loan. Yes guys, you can leave the tie at home!

Bicycle enthusiasts have a place to call home in Chicago, and it is located just a minute ride west of the Doubledoor. Handlebar's extends free plates of fries and drink specials to bike messengers on Monday nights and are hotspots for bike rider organizations like the monthly Critical Mass. While not entirely vegetarian, veggie folks also frequently patronize Handlebar's , due to their wide variety of vegan and vegetarian selections, as well as their "no farm, no fowl" menu policy. A few fish selections however are present.

For veggie novices, choosing items featuring seitan verses tofu is probably a safer bet, as that wheat meat tends to take on more of a familiar flavor than its soy based counterpart. The Barbecued Seitan sandwich is an easy choice, and the Apple Celery Slaw it’s paired with is especially unique and delicious. Add on a plate of home made Fries or their awesome Garlic Mashed Potatoes, along with a good pint for the perfect, guilt free and peddle powering meal.

While they are now serving breakfast, the menu is somewhat lacking. However, its location and the somewhat easy parking in the area allows those without bikes to make it over and possibly convert. The patio out back is a nice brunch spot in summer, too.

The overall "come as you are" vibe present really knocks the wind out of any first night jitters, making Handlebar's a great place to just hang when the bike's on the rack. The ambiance is anything short of whimsical, fusing old bike parts for the furniture. Take it all in and chill out with one of their interesting beer and wine selections or try one of the micro soda brews available. Intelligentsia coffee and a nice selection of teas are also available, which is a nice touch.

The only real issue at Handlebar's is the overall inconsistency. Sometimes the service can be outstanding, and at other times it can be a little too casual. Therefore, those who expect this place to have hired the wait staff from a pricey joint downtown are seriously out of luck. Roll with it and just chill!

Tucked away in a neighborhood just beginning to see revitalization is A Tavola, a small menu Italian bistro that people regularly travel to far and wide for its fresh ingredients and its romantic flair. Upscale for its area but casual in comparison, A Tavola is a restaurant where love and care are put into every dish, focusing on perfection with a few items over mediocrity on a large variety.

Things tend to come in lucky threes at A Tavola, and those in the know go make their reservations for a week day and head on out to this transformed row house. Their specialty is their buttery, chewy Gnocchi, wonderfully complemented with crunchy sage leaves. Of course, other rotating selections come in as close seconds, like the Short Ribs and whatever fresh fish swims in that evening. A fine assortment of Italian wines side well with any dish offered and, while quite varied in price, are all excellent selections in their own right. Desserts are included in their rotation, with patron emphasis placed upon the Flourless Chocolate Cake and the Panna Cotta! However, Chicagoans should especially be noted about their smaller portion sizes and are encouraged to order an appetizer as well as an entree for each guest.

Comfort and familiarity are key ingredients to this small locale, making each guest feel both welcome and right at home, many regulars of whom are greeted on a first name basis. Soft music soothes away the problems of the day while adding a subtle hint of elegance to the ambiance. The windows are nice and large, and the tables are spread apart just enough to allow intimacy without pompousness. A popular spot in summer, the bold and daring have the wait staff help them cut through the kitchen and are rewarded with a starlit sky while dining in their backyard patio.

One aspect that truly delights its patrons are the cooking classes held, usually twice a month. Couples wearing their kitchen best can get to know each other during a unique, enjoyable experience, learning how to create an authentic Italian dish of which they get to enjoy afterwards! Reservations for these Monday night classes are strongly recommended due to its popularity.

Back in the day, people once joked an Ethiopian restaurant was an oxymoron, but those poor souls who thought that were very sadly mistaken! The vibrant dishes served at Addis Abeba, Chicago's finest African communal dining establishment, can quite honestly stir the soul while sampling fare unlike any other in the world. For those folks who truly want to share a dining experience completely out of the ordinary, this is definitely the place to go.

Upon entering, guests will notice how casually classy the atmosphere is (another oxymoron perhaps?). The atmosphere is relaxed and somewhat funny, with gentle wait staff donning images of cartoonish "don't" signs over silverware. Those who have been enjoying their fare at their old Clark Street address will be pleasantly surprised how the menu has remained the same, yet the service and d?cor has changed for the better. Those who have never experienced this cuisine will be amazed how it seems to hearken a fusion of Indian and Middle Eastern flavors, especially the curry dishes.

Since "finger food" is naturally engaging, Addis Abeba serves as an ideal choice for new couples. The only rule of thumb is to remember to dig in a little at a time, not unlike chowing down on hefty nachos, so as not to lose a single bit! Novices are encouraged to try one of the patron's popular recommendations like the Combination Platters, which are served with spongy bread known as Injera, instead of silverware, to sop up the delicious meats and stews. This communal style of eating is not only fun and comforting, but it allows guests to try a little bit of everything and is a great way to figure out what they enjoy the most.

Popular "safe" selections are the lentils and the seasoned tibs (bite sized pieces of meat), as well as the various curry and kabob dishes, each one an adventurous safari in and of itself. Everything errs to the side of healthy, so those watching their diets can feast and relax! Honey wine and African brews are available and compliment the food well and also add to the fun of trying new things.

Mooo-ve over Gibson's and Morton's! If you are looking for a superb steak at a reasonable price, equaled with a sensual escape to Buenos Aires, then the sexy Tango Sur is the place to go!

Meat lovers will be in shock and awe over the rows of beef sizzling on table top grills, and those looking for a little romance can find it in several dimly candle lit nooks throughout this Argentinian-themed steakhouse. Vegetarians will even get a little shock at the creativity used with their empanadas and pasta dishes. Take a pass on "everything else" and go straight for the beef! The filet mignon always a winner and is actually two portions, topped with a delectable, garlicy sauce! Even so, most folks come for the grilled platters for two, which may appear to be cuts of questionable origin but are darn good eatin'!

While the theme truly is sexy and romantic, quiet time can only be found in its earliest hours, since this store front restaurant is a treasure to lots of other folks, too. While the seating can be rather cozy and reservations are not accepted for parties under six, patrons can leave their cell phone numbers with the hostess and have her call you back when a table opens up. Use that time to hit the neighborhood bars and shops, as well as to pick up a bottle of vino, since Tango's is BYOB. Of course, go for the seasonal outdoor dining when available; it adds a bit more privacy, which is good for couples who are still in the "getting to know you" phase.

While it is probably extremely difficult due to the enormous portions, be sure to leave room for their spectacular flan with dulce de leche! Enjoy the dessert slowly, to polish off that bottle as well as to adjust to just being able to walk again after all that deliciousness!

In short, Tango's is the place to go with that special someone for a fantastic meal with a great atmosphere and festive vibe.

Looking for truly authentic dim sum and Chinese food but don't know where to go? Then head on down to Chinatown, where the Phoenix blazes above and beyond any other place around! There are over fifty, (yes, fifty!), varieties of dim sum available, as well as exceedingly fresh seafood and vegetables, encased in a contemporary two floor setting.

The dim sum itself is served during the day, but smart locals know to avoid the lunch rush and use that time to tour about the neighborhood. Also, potential patrons should be aware the downstairs area can be a bit on the loud side. For those who only venture into the area on Chinese New Year, the Phoenix proves to be an exceptional place to dine, since they serve up traditional, symbolic dishes, adding onto the day's festivities. Be sure to ask to be seated upstairs for a glorious view of the strip!

It can be extremely difficult to pick a favorite, since just about every variety rolling by is incredibly fresh and delicious. The main menu, however, is much easier to point out. Their Peking duck is especially good and is also a top critics' choice, as is the steamed sea bass, both local favorites to boot.

The only particular problem rises when folks try to speak with the wait staff, since many of them speak English as a second language, in spite of their otherwise very kind and helpful demeanor. Even so, that language barrier can be easily broken, simply by plainly inquiring about what each delectable little dumpling has tucked in there. Ask away: it can be anything from beef to jellyfish! Vegetarians however would be wise to take a pass and stick with the menu, since just about every one of them contains meat or seafood or prepared in its broth.

Needless to say, it is little wonder why Chinese nationals and Chicagoans alike make this establishment a must when visiting Chinatown.

In a city renowned for very good pizza, it can be really difficult to pinpoint even a dozen extremely notable locations. Pequod's manages to do just that, due to its main feature, which can really throw people off on a first try. “They burnt my pizza!” people exclaim, but in actuality, the crust has been caramelized, inviting a whole new taste sensation even traditionalists enjoy.

This pizza joint is the real deal, residing in a converted two flat building with charming exposed brick, giant TV's and a juke box. There are a few appetizer, sandwich and pasta selections also available, which are excellent in their own right, but some would argue they exist merely to fill a menu, as the pizza itself needs no help - it's honestly just that good! In fact, the other surprising feature left out of the picture is Pequod's make their specialty in only two fashions, thin crust and pan, excluding what put Chicago on map in the first place, Chicago style deep dish, also known as stuffed.

Upon entering, the mouth will immediately begin to salivate, as the smell of baking cheese, crust and toppings fill the air. The décor is light and friendly, and since Pequod’s occupies both floors, those looking for a more intimate setting would enjoy the quieter area upstairs. Its location is right across the street from the popular Webster Place Cineplex and plenty of nearby shops, book stores and boutiques. It is therefore an ideal hot spot to do a little shopping, stop to eat and grab a pitcher, followed up with that blockbuster everyone is raving about!

While street parking can be difficult just about anywhere in Lincoln Park, the Webster Street lot offers plenty with store or movie validation, making the night a package deal all the more enticing. Of course, locals can get their burnt… no, carmelized, pizza delivered at home, should they decide to take the night indoors!

So remember: the next time you wander into the western section of Lincoln Park of that pizza place with the quirky name and their unusual crust for a casual night in the 'hood! It's worth a thousand trips more!

Got a taste for something a little different? Then fly on down to the Pegasus! From the front windows that completely open up, to the veranda rooftop deck and the wealth of delicious Greek cuisine, this contemporary dining establishment embedded in the heart of Greektown puts all of its counterparts to shame and makes all of Chicagoland shout "Oopa!" at the top of their lungs!

If kicking off the evening to a fun and festive start is on the menu, be sure to order up an appetizer of Saganaki, the flaming cheese, with drinks and mull over the menu while savoring it's ooey gooey goodness. In fact, since most folks can not just pick one favorite off the menu, so bypass it altogether and go family style - the Greek way! Have the spirited and helpful wait staff assist in picking out several items so both of you can get a taste of some of the best the Pegasus has to offer. Of course, if you had your heart set on getting some of that lamb or fresh seafood Greece is known for, be sure to order either the Paidakia (Lamb chops) or the Sinagrida (broiled Red Snapper). Either way you decide to go, just remember to order up some of the best Baklava in the city for dessert!

If the food and beautiful ambiance are not enough enticements to lure people to arrive in droves, then the wine list will surely do it. The Pegasus has taken a great deal of time in choosing its Greek wine selection, none of which will max out the card. A decent mid-grade, red recommendation is the Boutari Naossa, while the Boutari Kretikos is its white equal. Of course, those wishing to stick to what they know best will find familiar listings from California and abroad.

So, make a fun, romantic and truly memorable night of contemporary culture at the Pegasus! With so many reasons to go, it is little wonder this establishment makes its neighbors jealous.

What can be said about Jane's Restaurant that hasn’t been already? Is it the charming, country exterior? How about the beautiful White Room inside? Or, can it simply be the wide selection of fresh, healthy entrees? Answer: it’s all the above, and then some!

Even from Jane’s unassuming exterior, something nudges you to go on in and give it a try. More than anything else, it resonates a bygone era, more akin to Grandma’s house out in the country than a restaurant in the pulsating Buck town / Wicker Park neighborhood. As you walk in, you again are sent traveling back in time, this time to a Victorian-era bakery or ice cream parlor. The glue that binds the two together is the use of white and cream tones, covering just about every inch of the establishment. What would normally seem to be a bit institutional or even sanitary actually works in Jane’s favor, creating a gentle calm and peace, allowing you to just be.

The wait staff is prompt but not quick or hurried, intuitively knowing just when you’re ready to begin ordering. The selections they go over with you have that American contemporary theme, but seem to touch upon a nice hodge podge of everything perfectly, from the Pepper Encrusted New York Strip streak to the Creole Blackened Grouper and right on down to the Mustard Glazed Chicken breast. A nice selection of domestic and international wines are kept cool in their cellar, complimenting their wonderful, home style dishes. Also, vegetarians seem to have found a new haunt in town, as almost half of their choices cater to them.

What has truly made Jane’s stand out though is their wonderful breakfasts. The eggs Benedict are simply superb and the pancakes include apples or apricots sprinkled with powdered sugar and complimented with warm syrup. Even the coffee is a couple grades higher: Intelligentsia roasts replace the standard food service beans other restaurants push off on their patrons. Plenty of other choices are also available, each prepared tastefully yet just like you’d expect at Grandma’s. And yes, go for their Sunday brunch! While brunch has become the new standard for most restaurants these days, Jane’s has taken this notion to a whole new level, adding just a touch of Grandma’s love to every item.

So when you find yourselves in Bucktown, be sure to give Jane’s a try, morning, noon or night! She’s saving a table just for you.