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You should absolutely eat at Blackbird. The food is delicious and the desserts are out of this world. Dinner can be pricey (about $30 per entree) but they also have a really great lunch menu, where entrees start around $10 and the most expensive dish is $19. You'll need reservations for dinner, but you can drop by for lunch. Chicago is a wonderful restaurant town and you'll likely get many good suggestions here. Be sure to report back after you've visited!

For a super-fun and unbelievably delicious lunch (or dinner), go to Frontera Grill. Chef-owner Rick Bayless is a huge star (although not a diva) in the world of Mexican food, and he's often in the kitchen. I got to meet him the last time I was there. Usually a wait, so try to go either early or late. I promise you'll be a convert.

I'll second the vote for Frontera, with just a couple of things to add: eating at the bar is also fun (and you probably won't have to wait for long), and they also have a great Saturday brunch from 10:30-2:30. I don't think you can make reservations at Frontera, but you can make a reservation at Bayless' adjacent white-tablecloth restaurant, Topolobampo.

I third Frontera Grill. If there is a wait, have a margarita - they are awesome!

Hi there! Just got back from Chicago last week! Not sure what kind of food/cuisine/price you're looking for, but check out the many establishments offering early/mid-week Prix Fixe menus.

One the best meals and deals we had was at Francesca's Forno at 1576 N Milwaukee. For $20-something, you choose a starter, entree and dessert, all from the regular menu! They do not skimp on the portions for the prix fixe, nor do they limit you on selection. I had a fabulous Insalata con Uova: field greens, asparagus, parmesan, fried egg and white truffle oil with a light, lemony vinaigrette. Entrees are solid, and desserts are killer. Our service was impeccable. Mambo Grill on N Clark offers great latin food...get the Crispy Roast Pork and the Chipotle Chocolate Cake.

For more down-home, comfort food fare, go to George's in Oak Park for a terrific breakfast, served up by waitresses that "hon" and "sugar" you up. Andie's in Andersonville has great Mediterranean offerings, amazingly fresh. Spotty service, however. Cafe Bernard on N. Halsted also has a prix fixe menu, and the food is straightforward French, without a lot of fanfare. Fiddlehead Cafe on N Lincoln has a fabulous brunch menu (and great bloody marys) and good, unobstrusive service.

In Milennium Park, do go to the Park Grill for a terrific lunch. The quality and service were among the best I've ever had! The cafe in the Art Institute also serves delicious food, and if the weather permits, do eat on the patio, although the interior dining room is beautiful.

Other notes: Firefly, RL Cafe, Hancock Tower for cocktails. Rockwell Grill in Ravenswood Gardens. If you like jazz, you MUST see Patricia Barber at the Grill Mill, only on Mondays.

Whew. Guess you can tell I enjoyed our time in Chicago, if for nothing else, the food! Overall, I was very pleased and absolutely loved the city. I hope you and your BF have fun and find some great places to dine!!

The best Chinese I've ever had was at this place called Three Happiness right off the Red Line Chinatown stop. It's been several years, but the meal was truly memorable. A stroll through Chinatown is also fun...seeing all the bakeries, the shops, the architecture.