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Slick boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Chicago by the hip Thompson Hotels group.

Last Update: January 19, 2010 | Created: January 19, 2010

Hotel 71, Dowtown

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1 312 346 7100

The FT's "hipper" option for Chicago, "located at the nexus of Chicago's shopping and cultural centres. Film buff's note; It was from the penthouse [of Hotel 71] that Christian Bale's Batman scoured the city in The Dark Knight." [An FT Correspondent's Guide, July 2009] Lean more about the Chicago scene and its cultural history in the attached, June 2009 Financial Times' articles.

Last Update: July 10, 2009 | Created: June 27, 2009

Hotel Allegro, Financial District

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1 312 236 0123

Fun, funky hotel in Chicago featuring a vibrant décor that blends Art Deco design with a chorus of modern colors. Good value.

Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

James Hotel

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1 312 337 1000

Swanky boutique hotel in Chicago with 191 rooms and an emerging art gallery space. Located a block from the heart of the Michigan Avenue tony shopping district, the hotel boasts a mix of earthy tones, slate and warm timber. Primehouse, the James Hotel's acclaimed restaurant, serves dry-aged beef. Daily Candy boasts, the James Hotel "with its lounge, J Bar, and spa, is a vacation in itself."

Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 20, 2007

The Burnham, Theatre District

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1 312 782 1111

Stylish boutique hotel located in the landmark Burnham building, erected by one of Chicago's leading architects at the turn of the century.

Last Update: October 23, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

Old Town Chicago B&B, Old Town

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1 312 440 9268

A DailyCandy B & B pick.

Last Update: October 08, 2007 | Created: October 08, 2007

Park Hyatt Chicago

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1 312 335 1234

A DailyCandy pick. The hotel's bar on the 7th floor, Nomi Lounge, is a hip spot for drinks and food in Chicago. [Park Hyatt Chicago, review]

Last Update: October 08, 2007 | Created: October 08, 2007

Ray's Bucktown B & B, Bucktown

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1 773 384 3245

A DailyCandy B & B pick.

Last Update: October 08, 2007 | Created: October 08, 2007

Four Seasons Chicago, Gold Coast

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1 312 280 8800

Luxury hotel on Chicago's Gold Coast.

Last Update: September 09, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

Hotel Monaco, Loop

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1 312 960 8500

Boutique hotel in Chicago near the Magnificent Mile.

Last Update: September 09, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

Jam, Ukranian Village

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1 773 489 0302

W Magazine raved about brunch at this new, super-cute restaurant in Ukranian Village. "The eggs benedict came with the most perfect poached eggs I've ever seen, as well as the fuschia beet hollandaise and charred squares of pork belly. The malted French toast with Rhubarb compote, lime whipped cream and pink peppercorns elevated a weekend staple to deliciously exalted heights." [W Magazine, Jamie Rosen] Closed Tuesdays. Learn more about Chicago's hip scene in the attached, March 2010 W Magazine review.

Last Update: April 09, 2010 | Created: March 27, 2010

The Publican, West Loop

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1 312 733 9555

New upscale beer hall by the team from Avec -- "that captures so much that is trendy in food right now -- nose-to-tail meats, locavore veggies, and lardo galore," writes W Magazine about The Publican. "The quivering fresh oysters were a highlight, as was the suckling pig, broccoli with hazelnuts, and dark chocolate gelato with fleur de sel." [W Magazine] Get other cool tips on what's hot in Chicago from the attached March 2010 W article, Where to go in Chicago this minute.

Last Update: April 01, 2010 | Created: March 27, 2010

Lockwood Restaurant, Downtown, Theatre District, Millinneum Park

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1 312 917 3404

A Town & Country restaurant pick for foodies in Chicago. [Chef Philip Foss's] imagination results in such delights as Scotch Fig, the preserved fruit wrapped in foie gras and duck sausage and bound in crisp breading." Lockwood is located in the refurbished Palmer House.

Last Update: November 17, 2009 | Created: November 03, 2009

Mercat a la Planxa

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1 312 765 0524

New hip spot in Chicago, serving delicious Catalan-inspired food in a large, stylish, split-level space on Michigan Avenue. "Mercat's mile-long menu of tapas, grilled meats, shellfish and regional cheeses will please foodies, while its [lower level] bar is emerging as an equally desirable destination." [Wallpaper] In its November 2009 article on the emerging culinary scene in Chicago, Town & Country picked Mercat a la Panza as one of Chicago's top tables.

Last Update: November 10, 2009 | Created: October 01, 2008

Sixteen

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1 312 588 8030

Elle Decor writes, "Chicago heavy hitters are flocking to Sixteen, the new Trump International Hotel and Tower restaurant...with sumptuous interiors by Ivanka Trump." "Diners feast on chef Frank Brunacci's modern American cuisine while taking in views of the city skyline through 30 foot floor-to-ceiling windows." In its June 2009 Correspondent's guide to Chicago, the Financial Times writes, "Sixteen .... boasts wonderful views and has a newly opened terrace that is sure to be one of the hottest spots of the summers. Town & Country writes, "[Sixteen] chef Frank Brunnaci produces exquisite dishes that stop you in your tracks." Get other Chicago insider tips in the attached FT articles.

Last Update: November 03, 2009 | Created: July 07, 2008

Eve Chicago, Near North Side

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1 312 266 3383

Elle Decor featured Eve Chicago in its March 2009 What's Hot Column. "A glittering jewel box inspired the setting of Chicago's Eve, offering contemporary American cuisine. Mirror-detailed walls, sparkling chandeliers, and angled-glass mosaics enhance the dazzling decor." [Elle Decor]

Last Update: March 09, 2009 | Created: February 27, 2009

L2O, Lincoln Park

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1 773 868 0002

Chic, new seafood restaurant in Chicago, by acclaimed chef Laurent Gras. "The seasonal menu features every sea creature imaginable -- from Maine's peeky-toe crab to shimaaji (striped jackfish) caught in Japanese waters--as well as a sprinkly of lamb, wagyu beef, and pork. Each dish on the four-course prix fixe is artfully crafted." [Black Ink, AMEX Centurion Members, Fall 2008] Get the full scoop in the attached Financial Times review of L2O.

Last Update: November 19, 2008 | Created: November 19, 2008

C-House, Magnificent Mile

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1 312 523 0923

Stylish new seafood restaurant/chop house in Chicago, located in the just revamped Affinia Chicago Hotel. "Marcus Samuelsson makes his Windy City debut with C-House.... The open space marries sleek lines with rustic materials and a sprinkling of nautical photographs." [Elle Decor]

Last Update: October 17, 2008 | Created: October 17, 2008

Alinea, Lincoln Park

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1 312 867 0110

Lots of buzz about this stylish, new restaurant by 33 year-old chef Grant Achaz, previously of San Francisco's French Laundry. Edgy haute cuisine might be a good way to describe the food since unlikely ingredients (butterscotch and bacon, quince and foie gras, soy and chocolate) are combined to create delicious dishes, served in multiple courses. Reserve way in advance. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Last Update: March 11, 2008 | Created: March 11, 2008

Violet Hour, Bucktown/Wicker Park

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1 773 252 1500

If you're looking for a cool bar in Chicago, there is lots of buzz about Violet Hour, a new "speakeasy" serving "superb" traditional cocktails in a stylish setting.

Last Update: February 21, 2008 | Created: February 21, 2008

Fox & Obel

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1 312 410 7301

DailyCandy recommends picking up a picnic lunch at this gourmet market/café before heading to the Park for a free concert.

Last Update: October 31, 2007 | Created: October 08, 2007

Park Grill

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1 312 521 7275

A DailyCandy pick. Read the attached article for the scoop.

Last Update: October 26, 2007 | Created: October 08, 2007

Del Toro

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1 773 252 1500

Wallpaper says this Spanish eatery is "hot." Rave reviews for the cured pork loin with pistachios, Manchego cheese and chilis.

Last Update: September 20, 2007 | Created: September 20, 2007

Primehouse

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1 312 660 6000

Dry aged steaks and whimsical desserts by acclaimed chef David Burke.

Last Update: September 20, 2007 | Created: September 20, 2007

DeLaCosta Restaurant

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1 312 464 1700

Elle Decor's pick. Nuevo Latino cuisine served in a 12,000 sq foot restaurant on a slip overlooking the Chicago River.

Last Update: September 19, 2007 | Created: September 19, 2007

Avec Restaurant, West Loop

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1 312 377 2002

Trendy restaurant in a well designed setting. Innovative Mediterranean cuisine. Located in the hip West Loop area. No reservations taken.

Last Update: September 09, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

Japonais, River North

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1 312 822 9600

Cool restaurant/lounge serving excellent Japanese/French fusion cuisine. Hip bar downstairs overlooking the Chicago River. Warm ambiance.

Last Update: September 09, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

Le Bouchon

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1 773 862 6600

Charming French bistro in Chicago serving excellent food.

Last Update: September 09, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

Le Colonial, Gold Coast

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1 312 255 0088

Fashionable French-Vietnamese restaurant capturing the beauty and romance of South East Asia during the 1920s. Great atmosphere, music and food.

Last Update: September 09, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

Mia Francesca, Lakeview

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1 773 281 3310

One of Chicago's best Italian restaurants. Warm, convivial ambiance.

Last Update: September 09, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007

Tru

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1 312 202 0001

Hip restaurant serving progressive nouvelle cuisine. The well designed setting includes Warhols and Mapplethorpes.

Last Update: September 09, 2007 | Created: September 09, 2007