A very well known foodie hotspot is Tru restaurant, on North St. Clair between Erie and Huron St. It's on the expensive side of things, but the food is well-worth the price tag and the place continues to get smashing reviews. It's a formal setting, so it's a nice place to take people for a special evening and get all dressed up. Tru has been featured numerous times on the Food Network (Iron Chef Cat Cora is a big fan of their deconstruction candy bar dessert).

If you like Mexican fare, Frontera Grill is always a sure bet. It can be found at 445 N. Clark Street. The executive chef of Frontera is Rick Bayless (he's won many awards and been seen on Top Chef Masters), and his food has been wowing Chicagoland for years now.

For the best cocktails in Chicago, go to The Violet Hour. Hands down. (1520 N. Damen Ave. The door is a little hidden, so look for a guy standing outside checking IDs, and try to go early because the place fills up.) Incredible drinks, knowledgeable bartenders, it's the perfect hangout for anyone who really cares about the art of mixology.

If you feel like getting out of the city, I highly recommend the Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park. It's only a twenty minute drive out of the city, and the Cheese Market has already won various awards for its commitment to fresh local food. It's on 100 South Marion street, right off the Green Line at between the Oak Park and Harlem stops. They have local bands playing often, and the atmosphere is lovely. Great for foodies who care about quality.

There are many high end, outstanding restaurants in Chicago and several that would be a great place to take a foodie. Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the world and also has some great local favorites that can be enjoyed as well.

Alinea – One of the best restaurants in the world (according to Restaurant Magazine, Gourmet Magazine and others), Grant Achatz creates masterpieces in his location in Lincoln Park. Alinea was awarded five stars by Mobil Travel Guide.

XOCO (and other Rick Bayless restaurants) – XOCO is the newest spot from Bayless and offers his take on traditional Mexican street foods. It offers a great way to see Bayless’ style in a more relaxed and less expensive fashion.

There are all sorts of other fancy spots (Charlie Trotters, Gene & Georgetti’s, etc.), but you should also be sure to try out some of the Chicago “classics”. Enjoy some deep dish pizza at Gino’s East or Giordano’s. Enjoy an Italian Beef at Al’s Beef and enjoy a Chicago style dog at Superdawg or Hot Doug’s.