GREEN LAKE. TRAGOESS

Location: Green Lake on the foot of Hochschwab Mountins of the Austrian Alps in Tragoess, Styria.
Web: www.tragoess.at  (in German)

During the autumn and winter months, the county park is completely dry.  But as soon as the spring arrives, the ice begins to melt off the mountain caps and flows down to the basin. The water level rises up to 10 meters and forming a lake.  By the month of June, it becomes an unique diving attraction site extending to the month of July.

Photos: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

MANHATTAN PATIOS. NEW YORK CITY

At last, the summer is finally here. Just  another excuse to drink.....outside!


Lower East Side

The Delancey

A tri level bar with the outdoor patio upstairs. Gets over-crowded on the weekends.
Location: 168 Delancey St (between Clinton St & Attorney St)
Web: www.thedelancey.com

Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten
Location: 7 Rivington St (between Chrystie St & Freeman Aly)
Web: www.loreleynyc.com

1492 Food
Spanish cuisine and tapa with a beautiful back patio
Location: 60 Clinton St (between Stanton St & Rivington St)
Web: www.1492food.com/index2.htm

Grotto
A cozy intimate Italian eatery with a romantic backyard.
Location: 100 Forsyth St (between Grand St & Broome St)
Web:www.grotto-nyc.com

Gramercy
The Gramercy Terrace at Gramercy Hotel
Located at the rooftop on the 18th floor.
Location: 2 Lexington Ave (between N Gramercy Park & 22nd St)
Web: www.gramercyparkhotel.com

Pure Food and Wine
An upscale vegan bistro with a charming rooftop patio.
Location: 54 Irving Pl (between 17th St & 18th St)
Web: http://www.oneluckyduck.com/purefoodandwine

Revival

A low-key hangout bar with a fantastic garden
Location: 129 E 15th St(between 3rd Ave & Irving Pl)
Web: www.revivalbarnyc.com

Cibar
Sophisticated martini bar with a fancy bamboo garden
Location: 56 Irving Pl (between 17th St & 18th St)
Web: www.cibarlounge.com

Koreatown / Midtown West
Mé Bar
A casual bar with a great view of the Empire State Building in Koreatown; located on the 14th floor.
Location: 17 W 32nd St (between 5th Ave & Broadway)
Web: http://mebarnyc.com

Ava Penthouse Lounge
A swanky rooftop bar surrounded with tropical plants in Midtown West.
Location: 210 W 55th St (between 7th Ave & Broadway)
Web: www.avaloungenyc.com

Press Lounge at Ink 48 Hotel
A hip place to be seen and enjoy a cocktail. Dress to impress
Location: 653 11th Ave
Web: www.ink48.com

Bryant Park Grill
Upscale Americana cuisine. A great rooftop cafe
Location: 25 W 40th St(between 5th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas)in Midtown West
Web: www.arkrestaurants.com/bryant_park.html

Murray Hill, Midtown East
Rare Bar
A burger joint on the pricey side, but has a great rooftop patio with the view of Empire State and Chrysler Building
Location: 303 Lexington Ave. 16th Fl (between 37th St & 38th St)
Web: www.rarebarandgrill.com

Upstairs at The Kimberly
Pricey drinks with beautiful people in Midtown East.
Location: 145 E 50th St. 31st Fl (between Lexington Ave & 3rd Ave)
Web: www.upstairsnyc.com

Riverpark
Overlooks East River and in Kips Bay Neighborhood, serving modern American fair.
Location: 450 E 29th St
Web: www.riverparknyc.com

Tudor City/Midtown
Estiatorio Rafina Bar and Restaurant
An upscale dining.
Location: 630 1st Ave (Between 36th & 37th Street )
Web: www.rafinanyc.com/about.html

Flatiron
Raines Law Room
A speak easy lounge bar with an English patio.
Location: 48 W 17th St (between 5th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas)
Web: www.raineslawroom.com

230 Fifth
Ignore the interior part of the bar, head straight out to the rooftop joint with pricey drinks and a great view. Dressy attire recommended. No cover charge.
Location: 230 5th Ave (between 26th St & 27th St)
Web: www.230-fifth.com

Birreria at Eataly
Rooftop beer garten. Highly recommended.
Loca:  200 5th Ave
Web: http://www.eataly.com/birreria

Upper West Side

Boat Basin Cafe

A relaxing evening hangout bar facing the Hudson River.
Location: W 79th St at Riverside Dr
Web: www.boatbasincafe.com

Tolani Wine Restaurant
A cozy neighborhood wine bar with a patio
Location: 410 Amsterdam Ave (between 79th St & 80th St)
Web: http://tolaninyc.com

Wine and Roses
An upscale joint; an ideal place for a date night.
Location: 286 Columbus Ave (between 73rd St & 74th St)
Web: wineandrosesnyc.com and http://www.yelp.com/biz/wine-and-roses-new-york-2

Blue Caravan
Communal tables with eclectic ambiance. Serves great tapa and has an outdoor cafe.
Location: 467 Columbus Ave (between 82nd St & 83rd St)
Web: www.bluecaravan.com

Upper East Side
Genesis Bar and Restaurant
Affordable and casual American dining with a beer garden in the back
Location: 1708 2nd Ave (between 88th St & 89th St)
Web: www.genesisbar.com

Jones Wood Foundry
An English pub with a fantastic selection of food, wine cocktails, and an open air courtyard
Location: 401 E 76th St
Web:  www.joneswoodfoundry.com

Uva
A wine bar and Italian fair. Serves brunch. Pretty back patio.
Location: 1486 2nd Ave (between 77th St & 78th St)
Web: www.uvawinebar.com

East Village
d.b.a
A great selection of craft beers to enjoy out on the garden, but unfortunately, the space is relatively small
Location: 41 1st Ave (between 2nd St & 3rd St)
Web: http://www.drinkgoodstuff.com/ny/default.asp

Bowery Hotel Bar
A beautiful spacious outdoor terrace but pricey drinks.
Location: 335 Bowery (between 2nd St & 3rd St)
Web: www.theboweryhotel.com

Ziems Schneiger
An affordable German dining and beer establishment with a beer garden ambiance.
Location: 107 Ave C
Web:  www.zumschneider.com

Bar bo ne
Great Italian with an outdoor patio
Location: 186 Ave B
Web: www.barbonenyc.com

Boxcar Lounge
Chilled neighborhood hangout
Location: 168 Ave B
Web: www.boxcarlounge.com

Lunasa
Local Irish pub with a backyard beer garden. Drink specials and appetizers during happy hours.
Location: 126 1st Ave (between 7th St & St Marks Pl)
Web: www.lunasabar.com

Bua Bar
Cool friendly local neighborhood bar
Location: 122 St. Marks Pl (between 1st Ave & Avenue A)
Web: www.buabar.com

The Mermaid Inn
Seafood restaurant with street seatings and a quiet outdoor patio.
Location: 96 2nd Ave (between 5th St & 6th St)
Web: http://themermaidnyc.com/index.php

Ninth Ward
Burgers and southern cooking with a great back patio. Happy hour everyday til 8pm.
Location: 180 2nd Ave
(between 11th St & 12th St)
Web: http://ninthwardnyc.com/main.html

Royale
A 30 something crowd bar with badass burgers and nice patio.
Location: 157 Ave C
Web: http://royalenyc.com

Tree
A French bistro with a welcoming patio
Location: 190 1st Ave (between 11th St & 12th St)
Web: www.treebistro.com

Porch
An affordable Sports lounge bar with late night dancing; perfect for lazy Sunday drinking at one of the 2 rustic porches.
Location:115 Ave C
Web: www.porchnyc.com

Sunburnt Cow
It's all about drinking here at this casual Aussie themed bar with  a $20 two-hour free flow of drinks.  It has a small dance floor with a back patio.
Location: 137 Ave C
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sunburnt-Cow/58444774280

Meatpacking District, West Village
The Standard Biergarten
A great place to drink beer
Location: 848 Washington St (between Little W 12th St & 13th St)
Web: www.standardhotels.com

Paradou
A little French joint serving French wine and crepes
Location: 8 Little W 12th St (between 9th Ave & Washington St)
Web: www.paradounyc.com

5 Ninth

3 floors of rustic charming restaurant specializes in Asian fusion food.
Location: 5 9th Ave.(@ Gansevoort St.)
Web: www.5ninth.com

Brass Monkey
A laid back bar with good selection of drafts and a view of the Hudson River on the rooftop
Location: 55 Little W 12th St (between 10th Ave & Washington St)
Web: www.brassmonkeynyc.com

Crispo
A rustic old-Italy charm restaurant with an amazing food and outdoor garden in West Village
Location: 240 W 14th St (between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
Web: www.crisporestaurant.com

Revel
An effortless cool restaurant/bar with good food and a memorable backyard.
Location: 10 Little W 12th St (between 9th Ave & Washington St)
Web: www.revelnyc.com

Pastis
French Provincial and bistro fares in Meatpacking District. Has an outdoor cafe
Location: 9 9th Ave (between Little W 12th St & 13th St)
Web: www.pastisny.com

Greenwich Village
Vol de Nuit
A lounge bar specializing in Belgium craft beer.
Location: 148 W 4th St (between S Washington Sq & Mac Dougal St)
Web: www.voldenuitbar.com

Arte
Simple home cooked Italian food served. A garden in the back
Location: 21 E 9th St (between 5th Ave & University Pl)
Web: http://www.yelp.com/biz/arte-restaurant-corporation-new-york

Bar 13
Lounge and club with an awesome rooftop; attracts hipster types on the weekends.
Location: 35 E 13th St (between 5th Ave & Broadway)
Web: www.bar13.com

El Cantinero
Ignore the cheezy decor and mediocre Mexican food, focus on happy thoughts- dirt cheap drink specials on the rooftop. Make sure to order at the bar to get the discounts.
Location: 86 University Pl (between 11th St & 12th St)
Web:www.elcantineronyc.com

Financial District
Battery Gardens Restaurant
Nestled at the southern most corner of Battery Park with a panorama view of New York Harbor, including historic Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty.
Location: 1 Battery Park
Web: www.batterygardens.com

Stuyvesant Town, Kips Bay
The Crows Nest at The Water Club
A great rooftop patio facing the East River. Attracts older crowds.
Location: The E River at 30th St
Web: www.thewaterclub.com

Tribeca
Mr Chow
An upscale Chinese fusion restaurant.
Location: 121 Hudson St (between Moore St & Beach St)
Web: www.mrchow.com/main.html

Chelsea
The Park
Eatery with a lounge feel and a night club. A great rooftop patio.
Location: 118 10th Ave (between 17th St & 18th St)
Web: www.theparknyc.com

Frying Pan
Nothing pretentious about this place with a terrace on a boat looking out the perfect view of Hudson River.
Location: Pier 66 Maritime; located on Pier 66a in the Hudson River Park at West 26th Street and 12th Ave
Web: www.fryingpan.com

Bottino
Upscale Italian cuisine
Location: 248 10th Ave (between 24th St & 25th St)
Web: www.bottinonyc.com

Chelsea Brewing Company
It's all about the view of the Hudson River here at the outdoor cafe.
Location: 59 Chelsea Piers, Pier 59
Web: www.chelseabrewingco.com

East of the Eighth
Serves new-wave American fairs and brunch. But the best part of it all is drinking out in the garden.
Location: 254 W 23rd St (between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
Web:http://eastofeighthny.com/contact.html

Morning Side Heights
Heights Bar and Grill
A neighborhood dive with a great rooftop patio
Location: 2867 Broadway (between 111th St & 112th St)
Web: http://theheightsnyc.com

Terrace in the Sky
Ubber overpriced upscale French dining with a romantic terrace.
Location: 400 W 119th St
Web: www.terraceinthesky.com

NOHO
Aroma Kitchen and Wine Bar
Intimate Italian eatery with a small courtyard
Location:36 E 4th St (between Lafayette St & Bowery)
Web: www.aromanyc.com/index.html

B Bar and Grill
A spacious outdoor patio. You may not necessary get the best service.
Location: 40 E 4th St (between 8th St & 9th St)
Web: www.bbarandgrill.com

SOHO
Bar D'Eau at Trump Hotel
Rooftop bar with pricey drinks, cabanas, and bocci ball
Location: 246 Spring St.@ Varick. 7th Floor
Web: http://www.trumpsohohotel.com/Food-And-Wine/Bar-dEau.asp

Barolo Ristorante
An Italian dining with a big garden patio
Location: 398 W Broadway (between Broome St & Watts St)
Web: www.nybarolo.com

Hell's Kitchen
Bourbon Street Bar and Grille
Cajun eatery
Location: 346 W 46th St (between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
Web: www.bourbonny.com

Disiac Lounge
 A quiet lounge bar with an eclectic industrial vibe.
Location: 402 W 54th St(between 9th Ave & 10th Ave)
Web: disiacloungenyc.com

Fusion
Relaxed bar with regulars and friendly bartenders. No kitchen but has an awesome garden. May be a bit difficult to find at first.
Location: 818 10th Ave
Web: http://www.yelp.com/biz/fusion-new-york

Harlem
Hudson River Cafe
Serves soul Latino and Caribbean inspired food and drinks.
Location: 697 W 133rd St(between Broadway & 12th Ave)
Web: http://hudsonrivercafe.com

ICHIBANYA NOODLE RESTAURANT. JAKARTA

A strikingly designed open-air Japanese noodle restaurant constructed entirely out of bamboo trunks.

Location: Jl. Tanjung Duren Barat Raya No.6, Jakarta, Indonesia 11520
Hours:  Mon - Sun: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Price Range: $ (0-10)
Payment Options: Cash Only
Phone: 021 - 5687151
Facebook

BOTA BOTA SPA. MONTREAL

A floating spa on an old refurbished ferryboat docked at Montreal's old port on St. Lawrence River. (Note: perhaps inspired by the Japanese animation movie, Spirited Away?)

Web: www.botabota.ca
Location: old port of Montreal, Canada
Hours: 10am - 10pm; closed on Wednesdays except for reservations.

Photos:
http://picsportal.blogspot.com
www.thecoolist.com

MUSEUM HOTEL. CAPPADOCIA

A cave boutique hotel on the highest peak of Cappadocia in the village of Uchisar, central Turkey
Web: www.museum-hotel.com

photos:
www.museum-hotel.com

HEADLANDS PARK. MACKINAW CITY

Click on it for a better view

One of the few designated International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. for stargazing on a secluded 600-acre park along the Lake Michigan shore just west of Mackinaw City in Emmet County.

Web: http://www.emmetcounty.org/headlands/

Lodging
Rates: $225 per day for residents and $250 for non-residents. Reserve as soon as possible. Currently, they are accepting requests for the year 2012.

Beach House: 2 bedrooms - each with 2 queen beds and 2 trundle beds (total of 4 twin beds). Open from May 1 - October 31.

Guest House: Open all year round.  There are 3 floors:
1st floor: 1 bedroom with 2 queen beds
2nd floor: 1 bedroom with 1 queen bed and twin bed; the other room with 2 queen beds and a twin bed
3rd floor: 4 trundle beds - each sleeps 2 (twin size); a total of 8 twin beds



Photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/samthegirl/4009854909/
http://www.emmetcounty.org/the-guest-house-85/

INN OF THE SPANISH GARDEN. SANTA BARBARA

A luxury inn located in downtown of Santa Barbara and close to the major shopping districts, restaurants, and much more.
Address: 915 Garden St, Santa Barbara, California
Web: www.spanishgardeninn.com
City info: http://www.santabarbara.com/

Photos:
http://www.spanishgardeninn.com

GARDENS & NATURE. SANTA BARBARA AREA

Locations: Santa Barbara and its suburbs, Goleta and Montecito in southern California

Casa del Herrero

Address: 1387 East Valley Road, Montecito, CA
Web: http://www.casadelherrero.com
* An eleven acre, well preserved Spanish colonial estate with a magnificent botanical garden.
* An advanced notice required for all tours. 805-565-5653.

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate
Address: 1250 Orchid Dr, Santa Barbara
Web: http://sborchid.com/
* Five acres of one of the most impressive collections of orchid species and hybrids.

Fairviews Gardens
Address: 598 N. Fairview Ave, Goleta
Web: http://fairviewgardens.org
* A twelve and half acres of orchards and organic farm. The only place to freely wander along with the chickens and goats.

Goleta Beach
Web: http://countyofsb.org/parks/parks02.aspx?id=7682
* A perfect spot for a picnic

Lotusland

Web: http://lotusland.org/
Location: Cold Springs Rd and Sycamore Rd, Santa Barbara
* 17 gardens of unique displays of 120 varieties of aloe plants and a giant abalone-shell fountain.
* A two hour walking tour available by appointment only. Closed on Sundays.

Santa Barbara Botanical Garden
Web: www.sbbg.org
* 5.5 miles of public hiking trails

Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens

Location: Garden St at W. Arrellaga St, Santa Barbara
Map: http://www.yelp.com/map/alice-keck-park-memorial-gardens-santa-barbara
Web: http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/parks/alicekeck/
* Grassy knolls, a koi pond, gazebo, and low-water plants



photos
http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/~joel/g148_f09/lecture_notes/sb_architecture/sb_architecture.html
http://www.discover-santa-barbara.com/santa-barbara-vacation.html
http://www.wedinsb.com/locations/keck1.html

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY. SMART HOME EXHIBIT

The Museum of Science and Industry recently debuted its concept design, the Smart Home. A green friendly three story modular home designed for a family of three in mind. Instead of furnishing the home with new couches and sofas, vintage and gently used furnitures have been used.
It's hip to go green without compromising on style, comfort, practicality, and affordability exemplified by this beautiful home. It is open to the public for viewing.

WHEN
April 22, 2011 – Jan. 8, 2012

WHERE
Museum of Science and Industry
57th and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

COST
The exhibit requires a ticket with a specified entry time. The costs of the tickets, which include the general admission, are $23 for adults, $22 for seniors and $12 for kids aged 3-11. The city of Chicago residents receive a discount. Advance ticket purchase, via msichicago.org, is recommended. It's free of charge for general admission on the following dates, but do confirm with the museum to make sure this special exhibition is included.

June 1-2, 6-9
September 6-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30
October 31

TOUR TIMES
Thirty-minute tours run every 10 minutes, but the number of daily tours differ depending on the museum hours. The hours are as followed: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. every day, and extended summer hours until 5:30 p.m. from May 27 to Sept. 5, 2011. Check their site msichicago.org to determine daily Smart Home tour times and for other inquiries.

photo
http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/sustainable-design/the-2011-chicago-smart-home-145505

SERIOUS EATS. CHICAGO TOWN

Pink = Conveniently located in or near downtown area.


Andersonville Neighborhood (Uptown)

Hop Leaf Pub

An uptown neighborhood Belgium pub with an impressive selection of craft beer. But I go for just as impressive food which includes mussels and other Belgium dishes.
Info: 5148 N Clark St (between United States Highway 41 & Winona St), Andersonville in Chicago
Web: http://hopleaf.com

Sunshine Cafe

Down to earth authentic Japanese home-cooked meals.  BYOB
Info: 5449 N Clark St (between Catalpa Ave & Rascher Ave) in Andersonville, Chicago

Big Jones

Southern cooking made with organically grown ingredients. Serves brunch on Sat & Sun 9am-3pm
Info: 5347 N Clark St (between Balmoral Ave & Summerdale Ave), Andersonville in Chicago
Web: www.bigjoneschicago.com

Anteprima

A charming home cooked Italian food in Andersonville. A great outdoor patio in the Summer.
Info: 5316 N. Clark St. Chicago 
Web: http://anteprimachicago.net

Ravenswood
Opart Thai Restaurant
Info: 4658 N Western Ave at Leland Ave
Web: www.opartthai.com

Rogers Park ( North of Andersonville )
Taste of Peru
Authentic Peruvian
Info: 6545 N Clark St between Arthur Ave and Albion Ave
Web: www.tasteofperu.com

Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Alinea

Forget about the empty wallet way home, instead focus on the sensational, once in a life time meal you just had the privilege of experiencing. Yes, it's that good! Rated three michelin stars and ranked one of the best restaurants in America. Formal men jacket required.
Info: 1723 North Halsted (between Concord Pl & Willow St) in Lincoln Park. Chicago
Web: www.alinearestaurant.com

Floriole

A cafe and bakery where the staff is passionate about their food and pays attention to every little detail from starting out with the finest ingredients to how it's served to your plate.
Info: 1220 W. Webster, Chicago in Lincoln Park.
Web: www.floriole.com

L2O

The haute couture of fine dining specializing seafood. Closed on Tuesdays.
Info: 2300 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago. 
Web: http://www.l2orestaurant.com 

Riccardo Trattoria
An intimate neighborhood eatery serving authentic Italian cuisine.
Info: 2119 N Clark
Web: www.riccardotrattoria.com

Green City Market

A market place for local, sustainable food vendors, baked goods, etc.
Wednesdays - Saturdays: 7am - 1pm
Info: South end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton.
Web: www.greencitymarket.org 

Da Rae Jung
A quiet and humble establishment in a strip mall serving authentic Korean food.
Info: 5220 N. Lincoln Ave

Toro Sushi
Info: 2546 N Clark St ( between Deming Pl & Wrightwood Ave )
Web: www.torosushi.biz

Downtown area ( The Loop, River North ) 

Hannah's Bretzel

Freshest, organic meat served on bretzel rolls. Serves breakfast sandwiches as well.
Locations: All located in downtown
* 131 S Dearborn St/ W. Adams St.,Chicago in the Loop ( Open til 7pm on weekdays & til 3pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays)
* 180 W Washington/ S Wells St  ( closed on Sundays)
* 233 N Michigan Ave/ between E. Wacker Pl and E Lake St (closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Web: www.hannahsbretzel.com

The Purple Pig

Classic Mediterranean affairs with an extensive wine list. It's conveniently located in downtown's The Magnificent Mile.
Info: 500 North Michigan Ave, Chicago.
Web: http://thepurplepigchicago.com

Cafe Iberico

A traditional Spanish tapa and paella restaurant. No frills and gimmicks; just how tapa should be served. Plus, super affordable. 
Info: 737 N La Salle between Chicago St & Superior Ave in downtown area of Chicago.
Web: www.cafeiberico.com

Xoco

A renowned environmentalist chef, Rick Bayless runs this small authentic Mexican restaurant which specializes in street foods of tortas (sandwiches), churros, empanadas and caldos (soups), as well as breakfast foods.
Info: 449 North Clark Street, Chicago
Web:http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco.html

Fox & Obel
Market and cafe offers unusual gourmet finds, soups, salads, pastas and sandwiches.
Info: 401 E Illinois St (between New St & Park Dr), near Navy Pier.
Hours: 6am-Midnight
Web: www.fox-obel.com
* find them at twitter and/or facebook for promotional discounts/special deals

The Gage
A new wave American dining gastropub located near Millennium Park.
Info: 24 S Michigan Ave (between Madison St & Monroe St)
Web: www.thegagechicago.com

Sunda
California sushi and maki rolls and serves other Asian fusion food.
Info: 110 W Illinois St
Web: www.sundachicago.com

Little Italy / University Village
Davanti Enoteca
A rustic, old country charm ambiance serving Italian cuisine.
Info: 1359 W Taylor St ( between Ada St & Loomis St )
Web: www.davantichicago.com

El Ideas
A tiny restaurant which seats 12 people. A course set meal. A lottery drawing before guaranteed a reservation. Dinner starts at 7 sharp. BYOB
Info: 2419 W 14th St at Western Ave
Web: http://elideas.com


Logan Square

Irazu

Costa Rican restaurant on Milwaukee Ave in between Wicker Park and Logan Square. Closed on Sundays.
Info: 1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Web: www.irazuchicago.com

Longman & Eagle

A neighborhood pub in Logan's Square with a fantastic selection of food and cheap whiskey. Including brunch til 3pm. They also have 6 rooms available starting at $75 a night. What a bargain!
Info: 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago
Web: http://longmanandeagle.com

Lula Cafe

A traditional classics served here, but you will never go home disappointed. Located in Logan Square.
Info: 2537 North Kedzie Blvd, Chicago.
Web: www.lulacafe.com

Fat Rice
Chinese fusion
Info: 2957 W Diversey Ave (between Richmond St & Sacramento Ave) 
Web: www.eatfatrice.com

Avondale 

Kuma's

Not the easiest place to get to, but once you do, you will be rewarded with one of the best burgers and mac and cheese in town. It's extremely popular and especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, one can expect to wait a few hours for a table. They don't take reservations.
Web: www.kumascorner.com
Info: 2900 West Belmont Avenue, Avondale in Chicago 

Hot Doug's

Best in town. Enough said.
Info: 3324 North California, Avondale in Chicago.
Web: www.hotdougs.com

Lakeview
Bittersweet Pastry Shop and Cafe
Cakes, sandwiches and more
Info: 1114 W Belmont Ave (between Clifton Ave & Seminary Ave) in Lakeview, Chicago
Web: http://www.bittersweetpastry.com

Mia Francesca
A popular Italian eatery.
Web: www.miafrancesca.com

Mixteco Grill
Mexican. Make reservations on the weekends. Closed on Mondays.
Info: 1601 W Montrose Ave between Ashland Ave and Paulina St

West side ( West Loop, Fulton Market )

The Publican

A modern Belgium beer hall which also specializes in pork, fish, oysters, and including Sunday brunch.
Info: 837 W. Fulton Market, Chicago 
Web: http://thepublicanrestaurant.com

Moto

It's not food. It's science. It's art. It's downright hip. A restaurant that specializes in molecular cuisine which no words can ever properly describe and do justice. You got to go find out for yourself. Meals served in set courses. Reservation required.
Info: 945 W Fulton Market, Chicago.
Web: www.motorestaurant.com

Avec Wine Bar and Restaurant

Modern southern European cuisines.
Info: 615 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661
Web: www.avecrestaurant.com

Blackbird Restaurant

Innovative fine dining establishment. Closed on Sundays.
Same management as Avec Wine Bar.
Info: 619 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661
Web: www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

Girl & the Goat
Traditional ingredients mixed in unconventional ways to create bold flavors and exciting dishes.
Info: 809 W Randolph St / between Halsted and Green St
Web: www.girlandthegoat.com

Next
A new kid on the block opened in April 2011 is already paving the way in fine dining standards of excellence and creativity by providing impeccable service, ambiance, and most importantly, the food. Every three months, the menu changes to reflect the chosen theme.  Currently, the by-gone era of Paris 1906 cuisine can be seen on the menu.  Must purchase tickets at their website before you are guaranteed a reservation. Good luck!
Info: 953 W Fulton Market
Web: https://www.nextrestaurant.com/user/login

Piccolo Sogno
Upscale Italian eatery. It has a large romantic patio. Located in River West, near West Side.
Info: 464 N Halsted St. ( between Hubbard St & Milwaukee Ave )
Web: piccolosognorestaurant.com

Grace
Modern Americana
Info: 652 W Randolph St (at Desplaines St)
Web: www.grace-restaurant.com

Pilsen Neighborhood

Night Wood

Same owners as Lula Cafe.  A modern twist on classics with emphasis on locally grown foods. A great outdoor patio in the warm nights.
Info: 2119 N. Halsted, Pilsen in Chicago.
Web: www.nightwoodrestaurant.com

Albany Park

Noon-O-Kebab

Serves delicious Persian food in north side of the city, Albany Park.
Info: 4661 Kedzie Ave, Chicago.
Web: http://noonokabab.com

Lawrence Fish Market
Sushi done right without the frills and gimmicks. Take out and cash only. Closes at 8pm
Info: 3914 W Lawrence Ave ( between Harding Ave & Springfield Ave )

Irving Park

Smoque

The best barbeque establishment in town, possibly the world. BYOB
Info: 3800 N Pulaski (between Avondale Ave & Grace St), Chicago. 
Web: www.smoquebbq.com

North Side

Table Fifty-Two

The best Southern comfort food in one of the most attractive sites in town. Sunday brunch from 10:30 - 3pm.
Info: 52 W. Elm St, between Dearborn St & Clark St; Just North of where Michigan Ave begins on North side.
Web: www.tablefifty-two.com

Chicago Q
Barbecue
Info: 1160 N Dearborn St ( between Elm St & Division St ); near start of Michigan Ave on North end
Web: http://chicagoqrestaurant.com

GT Fish and Oyster
An upscale fresh seafood joint.
Info: 531 N Wells St
Web: www.gtoyster.com

Buck Town

Le Bouchon
1958 North Damen Ave, Chicago.

A French bistro in Bucktown. A fixed price menu on Tuesday nights for $25
Web: www.lebouchonofchicago.com

The Bristol

Locally sourced and seasonal menu with Mediterranean influence.
Info: 2152 Damen Ave (between Shakespeare Ave & Charleston St), Chicago.
Web: www.thebristolchicago.com 

Austin Neighborhood

The Depot Diner

American favorites like pot roast sandwiches and meatloaf. Located in Austin neighborhood.
Info: 5840 W Roosevelt Rd. Chicago
Web: www.depotamericandiner.com

Ukrainian Village & Wicker Park
Hoosier Mama: Pies and coffee
Info: 1618 Chicago Ave, Chicago
Web: www.hoosiermamapie.com

Ruxbin Kitchen

An intimate modern fusion restaurant where French culinary  meets Asian ingredients.  It's located at the junction of Wicker Park and West Town. BYOB (Bring your own beer or wine)
Info: 851 N Ashland Ave, Chicago.
Web: www.ruxbinchicago.com

Hot Chocolate
Desserts, pastries, and restaurant
Info: 1747 N Damen Ave(between Willow St & St Paul Ave) Chicago in Wicker Park
Web: www.hotchocolatechicago.com

Schwa

Upscale new-wave American dining. Good luck getting a reservation.
Info: 1466 N Ashland Ave (between Julian St & Le Moyne St) in Wicker Park, Chicago
Phone: Reservation required. 773 252 1466 
Web: www.schwarestaurant.com

Arami
A fresh sushi joint but a little on the pretentious side with the prices to go with it.
Info: 1829 W Chicago Ave ( between Wood St & Wolcott Ave )
Web: http://aramichicago.com

Las Palmas
Mexican
Info: 1835 W North Ave between Honore St and Elk Grove Ave in Wicker Park
Web: http://laspalmaschicago.com/

South Side

Calumet Fisheries

A South side joint in South Deering neighborhood on Calumet River. Specializes in smoked fish. Take-out and cash only.
Info: 3259 East 95th St., Chicago, 60617
Web: www.calumetfisheries.com
* check out their website for coupons

Opart Thai Restaurant
Info: 1906 State St
Web: www.opartthai.com

Marquette Park

Fat Johnnies Famous Red Hots

Killer hot dogs with unusual combinations of toppings. 
Info: 7242 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60636

Bridgeport
Ramova Grill
A classic diner serving great affordable breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, chili in Bridgeport neighborhood.
Info: 3510 S Halsted Street at 35th St
Hours: Mon-Fri 5 am - 7 pm; Sat 6 am - 5 pm; Sun 6 am - 12 pm

Nana
American favorites breakfast, lunch and dinner
Info: 3276 Halsted St between 33rd and 32nd St
Web: www.nanaorganic.com


Outside of Chicago

Marion Street Cheese Market

A part market and a part cafe serving some wonderful creations.
Info: 100 S Marion St, Oak Park
Web: http://marionstreetcheesemarket.com

New Rebozo
Authentic Mexican diner
1116 Madison St, Oak Park
Web: www.newrebozo.com

Oak Park Farmers Market
Best donuts every Saturday. Get there early, they go quick! and bake sales, and fresh produce
460 Lake St., just one block of Ridgland Ave., in the Pilgrim Church parking lot
Web: http://www.oak-park.us

Campagnola

Neighborhood Italian eatery in Evanston.
Info: 815 Chicago Ave, Evanston. 
Web: www.campagnolarestaurant.com

Edzo's Burger Shop
Info: 1571 Sherman Ave, Evanston
Web: www.edzos.com

Burt's Place
Serves chicago style deep dish pizza in Morton Grove. call ahead a day or two.

Photo
http://www.condosearchers.com/