You can take a foodie out of Kolkata but you can never take "Kolkata" out of a foodie. A Kolkatan is unmistakably associated with his love for gastronomic delights – no matter in which part of the world he is. Food is integral to the essence of the city itself. Known for its diverse palates, Kolkata has a food connoisseur in every nook. Here, no discourse is quite complete without food and no celebration quite as joyous without sweets! Welcome to Kolkata – the wondrous amalgam of culinary diversities- a place where spices rest blithely with sweets and desserts are as savored as starters and main courses are. Today we're going to do what we do best – and that's talking food – specifically one of favorites of Kolkatans – chicken biryani !!

Biryani: Its Popularity in Kolkata

The mixed rice dish prepared with spices, chicken, vegetable, lentils and of course rice, enjoys unassailable popularity in the city. Iran can proudly claim its place as the origin of biryani but that doesn't stop the Kolkatans from counting it (ie biryani) as one of their own. No wonder, there is hardly a corner of the city where you won't find this food– from roadside eateries to reasonable food joints to the plushest of the restaurants and hotels- biryani (especially chicken biryani) is a near-permanent fixture in the menu cards. Some of the best places to eat chicken biryani include Arsalan and Nizam's.

For Kolkatans it's the chicken biryani which scores above the rest

The quintessential Kolkata biryani is more in the lines of Lucknow biryani (the Kolkatan version is lighter on spices) since it was Awadh's last Nawab – Wajid Ali Shah who brought biryani to the city when he was exiled to Metibruz (suburb of Kolkata) in 1856 It is primarily made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, mace, cardamom and yoghurt based marinate. The inclusion of potatoes is "signature Kolkata" since during the Nawab's times, the poorer households prepared the dish with potato instead of the more expensive chicken or mutton.

Needless to say, the unprecedented popularity of the food led the cooks to experiment with different versions. And, these variations are not only limited to the ingredients (you have beef biryani, egg biryani, vegetable biryani and the inclusion of tomato, dhania and jeera along with other spices) but apply to the cooking process as well. For instance, though birayni is not commonly prepared with coriander in Kolkata, you can experiment with the inclusion of Coriander Powder in India to find out whether it suits your taste or not.

Kolkata is synonymous with chicken biryani. In spite of all the variations we have talked about so far, Kolkatans crave for chicken biryani and the reason is not hard to find.

Why do Kolkatans love chicken biryani?

It's tasty- so much so that it can effortlessly satisfy the fussiest of foodies or the most fastidious of food aficionados hailing from any part of the world. Its unbeatable taste is primarily attributed to the inclusion of rich seasonings (including Red Chilli Powder in India and garam masala powder ). Nothing pleases Kolkatans as effortlessly as chicken does – not even mutton, its richer cousin. We have already mentioned that Kolkatans in general prefer the lighter version of the quintessential Lucknow version. Chicken is more suitable for the less rich palate than mutton or beef is.

Why do Kolkatans crave for chicken biryani? Let us tell you that its aroma is not the only reason which keeps one hooked to it. As difficult as it is to believe, even the ghee-tossed biryani has a slew of health benefits. Chicken alone has several benefits to offer you. Vitamin B6 is responsible for stronger bones and the selenium present in it can improve your immune system. The compulsive health-conscious eaters can switch to brown rice and add minimum oil and spices to prepare biryani without compromising on its taste.

You can enjoy different versions of chicken biryani as per your tastes, culinary skills, health needs and budget. This adds a lot of convenience to your eating experience. Not every other form of biryani promises to be equally tasty in so many different versions. Chicken biryani scores there too. Additionally chicken is more affordable than mutton.

As with most things that are cool and worth checking out, you usually find that you have to dig a little deeper to find tremendous restaurants in a state as large as Texas. Then again, if you are talking about Dripping Springs restaurants, you might find that digging a little deeper isn't completely necessary.

For the last few years, this small city in the Texas Hill Country has been at the forefront of the Texas foodie movement, making it a destination for those who love good food that is local and fresh. Moreover, Dripping Springs has been featured in some of the more prominent publications that celebrate all things farm-to-market, foodie, and not-to-be-missed. High praise for such a little place in Texas.

Just how little? Well, according to some figures, the entire city only covers about four square miles, with population numbers coming to maybe 4,000 residents. They are served by DPISD, and the town is located in northern Hayes County, one of the 20+ counties that make up the Texas Hill Country. In fact, Dripping Springs has two particular claims to fame: 1) they are often called "The Wedding Capital of the World"; and 2) they also claim the motto of "Gateway to the Hill Country", though truth be told, most cities that border this area of ​​Texas have the same motto.

Now, it's important to keep in mind the size of the city only because there can really only be so many places to grab a bite to eat within the city limits. At some point, getting a great meal may mean taking to a restaurant that while it is recognized as a Dripping Springs destination, it's actually just slightly outside of the city.

Here are a few Dripping Springs restaurants that may not be where you'd expect:

New Canaan Farms – This place is a purveyor of fine, artisan foods & has a strong online presence. They take their place in more of a specialty shop, though their storefront is worth visiting.

Argus Cidery – Restaurants can come in many forms with certain specialties, and for Argus Cidery, it's all about apples. Moreover, their tasting room not only serves as a great social destination, your take on their products is R&D.

Celtic Seafare – If you do one thing well, make it your thing. Celtic Seafare is famous for salmon. They also have a connection with the restaurant Lox, Box and Barrel, and both entities are a "must-do" for all food lovers.

Dripping Wine Trail – A different take on the restaurant, this collective of three wineries in the area (Bell Springs, Westcave Cellars, Hawk's Shadow) appeal to the alternative approach to grabbing a bite. While some offer delectable treats for visitors, all welcome picnics.

No matter which you cut it, there is always something special about Dripping Springs restaurants. Not only is there an appreciation for good food, quality ingredients, and local business, there is an appreciation for the things that make life good.

Best restaurants in Ontario

One thing we all share on Earth is the love for food. Every home has a foodie whose dream is to try each and everything. Here when we are in Ontario province you can dream of any food you want to have around the globe.

No matter if you seek Indian, Italian, Chinese, Continental or its native signature dishes such as Pasta, Beavertails etc. But if you like to tease your taste-buds more often, then Indian food must have been on the top of your list.

Entire Indian cuisine is full of spicy and delightful dishes, ever ready to make you crave for more. But we tend to believe no matter how many restaurants are there around the corner, the particular taste belongs to its origin only.

What if I say That’s not the case here! Being a foodie, I always keep looking for something new and I have been at a place called “The Rajdhani Sweets and Restaurant” which would tame your tongue with their entire range of marvelous Indian dishes.

The menu ranges from Sweets viz. Kaju roll, Kalakand, Pinni, Cham Cham etc (P.S. I am mouthwatering at the moment) and traditional dishes such as Kachori Chana, Aloo Tikki, Samosa, Biryani etc. The most loved items are Dal Makhani, Paneer Masala, Chaat Papri, Saag, and Roti. The ambiance of the place and heart-welcoming treatment makes you fall more in the place.

Veggies are die hard fans of cheese or paneer! If you ask them their favorite fritter then I bet paneer pakora will top the list. Dipped in the batter of gram flour and served with tamarind chutney or coriander mint as per your taste! The way it dissolves in the mouth makes you crave for more!

Either sliced or filled in bitter gourds are one of most beloved dishes in the world. They can tame every taste bud with their spices and onion garnishing. The unique taste makes it stand out of the main course and make people try it once and follow it for the rest of life.

You just can’t leave the place until your tummy is full up to its top and you need two men to drop you at home. LOL! I bet you won’t be able to skip this place anymore.

This place entirely makes a person feel happy and satisfied. If you are a foodie and need a place to relax and try something new then this is the one.

Did you think Menorca was all about lying on the beach and soaking up the sun? Although that is certainly one of the most popular holiday activities here, the island has so much more to offer visitors. It is an especially good destination for foodies, and there is plenty to discover here to give your taste buds a real treat. Here are some of the highlights for anyone booking private villas in Menorca.

Visit a Vineyard

The island produces some wonderful wines. In fact, wine production used to be very important for the economy until the 19th century. After a fall in production the wine trade is growing once again; this means you have a number of options when it comes to visiting vineyards.

Bodegas Binifadet is located near to Sant Lluis, within easy access of many private villas in Menorca. Others that you could visit include Bodega Vi de S’Illa, which is in Alaior, and Ferrer de Muntpalau, which is in Es Mercadal. You will find red and white wines made from a variety of grapes, with traditional techniques still remaining hugely popular. Arrange a guided tour of a vineyard and try some of the local wines while you’re there.

Taste Some Local Cheese

Cheese has long been popular here, and anyone booking private villas in Menorca will have the time and freedom to visit a cheese factory and sample some of the local variety for themselves.

Mahón cheese is one of the biggest local exports and, although it is called Mahón cheese, it is produced all over the island in a number of different varieties. It is very distinctive and perhaps the best place to try it is Alaior, the main cheese-making city. There are some large cheese companies here, which you can visit to take a guided tour.

Sample the Gin

You can also visit a gin factory on the island. Gin distilling is a traditional practice here, having been popular for centuries, and the best place to see where it is made is Gin Xoriguer, the distillery in Mahón. You will learn how gin makers use a range of traditional techniques to produce the drink and, of course, you will be able to sample it for yourself following your guided tour.

Visit a Food Market

As well as visiting the vineyards, cheese factories and the gin distillery, you can also explore a number of food markets held all over the island. Mercat del Claustre del Carme in Mahón is one of the best, and in Ciutadella you can visit the Rural Market on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. Ferreries also has some good markets and you will usually be able to find a food market in most of the other towns on the island, although some of these are only held at certain times of the year.

Give Your Tastebuds a Treat

This tiny Balearic island is the perfect holiday destination for food lovers. As you can see, there is plenty to see and do and the private villas in Menorca are some of the best in the Mediterranean. Whether you want to sample the local cheese or take a tour of a vineyard, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your holiday – and that’s without even mentioning the wonderful restaurants you’ll find in the towns all over the island.

So much food to sample; so little time. Ahh, the foodie’s quandary. What’s a foodie, you ask?

I first heard the term “foodie” from a European friend who used it to describe himself about 20 years ago. Grocery shopping with this man was a delight. He’d lift a plump cantaloupe in the market, squeeze it gently, sniff it and joyfully proclaim it ripe, while gazing at it reverently. In the meat section of the market, he’d paw through the beef until he found the most perfectly marbled steak of the bunch. (“Not too lean, you need a little fat to give it flavor,” he’d say.) He’d hold the package as if cradling a newborn baby and declare it “gorgeous.” To this suburban middle class American girl who grew up in the 1960s and ’70s on Rice-a-Roni, white bread, casseroles made with cream of mushroom soup, and Velveeta, all this hoo-ha about food was initially, well… bizarre, to me.

Tell me, when was the last time you gazed at a brightly colored carrot with its green leafy top attached; a perfectly grilled steak that you cooked outdoors; or the ultimate slice of apple pie (not too mushy and runny, not too crunchy with golden flaky crust made from scratch, and vanilla ice cream just beginning to melt over the sides) and marveled at its texture, color, and the way it feeeeeels in your mouth as you slowly revel in that first bite?

Are you over the moon because you’re sharing an amazing meal with your partner or a group of friends or family? Are you mixing in a dash of laughter and a sprinkle of conversation with your meals? Are you focused on only the meal and the company rather than multitasking? Do you see food as not just necessary fuel for your body, but one of life’s great joys?

If you can relate to the above; congratulations, you’re a foodie in this writer’s opinion. If you haven’t yet indulged this experience, I invite you to slowly and purposefully give it a try. Sit down at a table (not at your desk). Arrange your meal so it looks attractive on the plate (maybe add a garnish for a splash of color?). Notice the food’s size and shape. Breathe in its aroma and joyfully anticipate each bite while giving thanks for the abundance before you. Share a bite with a friend or lover. Savor each mouthful slowly, mindfully, and gratefully. By the way, you can do this with a peanut butter sandwich or you can do it with filet mignon. That’s the beauty of being a foodie.

The way I see it, becoming a foodie doesn’t have so much to do with your ability to cook, or your penchant for fancy gourmet food, but rather your openness to all food experiences and your willingness to partake in the great banquet of life by surrounding yourself with people and sharing food you love. It’s about balance, too. This foodie enjoys her once-a-year Big Mac or the occasional Ring Ding just as much as she enjoyed the osso bucco, foie gras, and tuna tartare she ate last weekend at a trendy eatery. And yes, this foodie will always love the comfort food she grew up on (Campbell’s Tomato Soup with Ritz Crackers, anyone?) because it evokes beautiful memories of cold winter days spent playing in the snow, breaking only for a warm lunch before playing some more.

Balance. Variety. Moderation. Beauty. Gratitude. To heck with the carb police, I say! My European friend was my model as I grew into a foodie. He never obsessed about calories, fat, or content, he never over ate – he simply enjoyed everything, without judgment or agenda. We Americans aren’t always so good at that.

Fellow foodies and foodie wannabes, there is so much out there to try. And today, it’s easier than ever to find your favorite ethnic food at your local grocery store or quickly order your favorite gourmet treat online. My challenge to you this month is to try one new slightly outrageous food item and buy one old comfort food item. Share them with people you like. Savor it. Indulge. Feel the luxury of enjoying a simple meal or a lovingly prepared dessert. Approach each bite with childlike wonder as you chew slowly. Talk. Laugh.

Congratulations, you’re now a foodie. It’s easy.

Copyright 2006, Ann Zuccardy.

At the time of the American Revolution (around 1775) colonists were still eating a primarily British diet, consisting of meats, stews, puddings, breads and sweets, with limited vegetables. Beer, ale and cider were frequent beverages. For the more affluent, there was port wine and some liqueurs. After the death of Martha Jefferson in 1782, widower Thomas was given the appointment of "minister plenipotentiary" (your basic diplomat) by the newly formed US Congress and dispatched to France. Thus began the life of a major foodie, wine connoisseur and kitchen gadget aficionado (we're talking France, here, the country known for haute cuisine ). There he discovered fine dining, olive oils, tasty mustards, succulent cheeses and pastries, all unique foods that were virtually unknown back in the Colonies. And he was hooked.

On his second trip to France, Jefferson took a young male slave with him for culinary training and returned home in 1789, bringing some of his favorite delicacies with him, along with 680 bottles of wine (wine connoisseur extraordinaire). He also brought home his newest gadget acquisitions, which included the first ice cream freezer, a cheese grater and a pasta maker. Although unsuccessful in starting a sizeable vineyard for domestic wine production on his Monticello property, he was an enthusiastic gardener and horticulturist. Along with numerous vegetables familiar to the area, he introduced and successfully cultivated eggplant, okra, tomatoes, garlic, lima beans, peanuts, and hot and sweet peppers, all of which had previously been considered Mediterranean warm climate vegetables, virtually unknown to the British diet. Over his lifetime, he experimented with organic gardening, developing new species and grafting fruit trees to produce flavorful fruits. He literally changed the landscape of gardens from colonial times forward. Historians estimate that he was responsible for growing 330 varieties of vegetables and herbs, and 170 varieties of fruits.

Dinners at TJ's included copious meats and fowl for his guests, but he preferred the majority of his own meal to consist of many fresh vegetables from his garden, with plenty of imported wines to wash down everything. You definitely wanted to be on his invite list. After a typical dinner at the White House or Monticello, one can only surmise that the gentlemen retreated to the library to imbibe in tobacco, cognac and perhaps a few loud belches, then nodded off. The ladies retired to the parlor, where some of them would have let out a few notches on their corsets. Little wonder, with the description one guest recorded in her diary as a "casual" dinner: a light rice and bean soup, roast beef, turkey, lamb, ham, veal cutlets, fried eggs, macaroni, a variety of fresh vegetables, and a final course of pudding, fruit, cheeses and ice cream with sauce. Accompanied by plenty of imported wines, of course. As a recognized gourmand, Jefferson frequently advised other luminaries and American presidents on menus for state dinners, and helped enlighten chefs with proper preparation of his unique recipes.

Clearly we have Jefferson to thank for introducing America to a potpourri of new dishes, with many ingredients fresh from his gardens: french fries, peanuts, Johnny-cakes, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pudding, sesame seed oil, fried eggplant, and those great American staples, tomato ketchup, pumpkin pie and mac and cheese. He also introduced ice cream to astonished dinner guests. Combining Western European gardening with his unique Monticello cooking, he enjoyed merging different cuisines and experimenting with new vegetables and fruits. Fortunately for future generations, TJ frequently wrote down recipes during his European travels, as well as recording menus and collaboration with his chefs. His daughters and grandchildren preserved some of those precious recipes for perpetuity.

Thomas Jefferson was a remarkable man. A visionary, a gourmand, author, wine connoisseur and Southern gentleman. One can only fantasize what his dinner guests experienced. Were he alive today, there is no question he would have his own show on TV's Food Network.

Are you a foodie? Do you love to eat? You travel to new places just so you can taste their exotic food and experience their taste? Well, if that is the case, you need to have some apps that help you find the best food anywhere you are. There are practically hundreds and thousands of apps for both android and iOS users. However, avid foodies need something more, something extra from their Food apps. So it becomes a matter of great battle to find the best translation and food app that will fulfill and nurture their inner foodie.

Here is a compilation of apps that must be with a foodie traveler where he or she goes. The benefits will be scrumptious, delicious and mouth-watering.

Fousquare!

Are you a health nut? Are you craving something special at random hours? Foursquare can help you with that. It detects your location and shows you the relevant results. The best part? It shows you remarks from other people and even suggestions on what to try. Plus, if you check into a specific restaurant, you can get discounts. You will get special codes that you can show to your wait staff and they will get you your discount.

Urbanspoon

Like to be surprised? Urbanspoon is an app that allows you to set your parameters, like your destination, distance and type of food you are craving. When you hit go, you will get suggestions with pictures of the food and the place. It is pretty much like picking out a restaurant with your eyes closed. The good thing: the result will end with you filled with delicious food.

Starbucks App

Not a morning person? Need your caffeine fix before you can hop on to the day’s activities? With this Starbucks app you can find the store anywhere you are and anywhere you want. Since Starbucks has stores in 71 countries and if you are in one of them, you can easily find it via this app and get your coffee fix.

Chefs Feed

Not a morning person? Need your caffeine fix before you can hop on to the day’s activities? With this Starbucks app you can find the store anywhere you are and anywhere you want. Since Starbucks has stores in 71 countries and if you are in one of them, you can easily find it via this app and get your coffee fix.

All of these are wonderful apps, however, there is one thing that you will desperately need if you are in a foreign country. Sure, you can see the food online and check what it is, but how can you decipher the menu if it is in the foreign language. For that you need the below mentioned app:

Translation Apps

These gifted little apps can translate anything you put in front of them. You just have to take a picture of the name of the dish from the menu and let the app translate it into your desired language. Most of these can translate 50+ language and you can even save the names of your favorite dishes for future reference.

If you are a foodie and is completely unabashed because of it then there is news for you at the north eastern part of Africa. The Egyptian capital is home to foodies from all over the world and thus if you have dreamt of diving on to a plate that is heaped with macaroni béchamel then you are at the right place. There are tones of dishes that can be found in the country because which are unexpectedly tasty. Right from local variation of many Italian classics that are baked and smothered with béchamel sauce to a lot more, can be expected. The place has had a long term influence from Arabs, French, British and the Ottomans. Here is why it is the ultimate destination.

Rich flavors

An Egypt Tour Guide shall take you to a gastronomic tour besides the usual land or river cruise. You shall come across that the cuisine in the country is dominated by unique carbs, fava beans and rich flavors. While many food trends that are specifically international may have made their way into the capital yet the cult street food which is Egyptian stays to be an all time favorite. There has been a tremendous resurgence of the food native to the capital with modern twists. Many homegrown outlets have been serving takes on the food that is traditional. The success can be owed to breaking away from the norm that “international food is better” along with consumer habits.

Restaurants galore

Since late 2011 there have been more seven thousand restaurants that have opened doors, across cities. If you are traveling with an Egypt Tour Guide then you shall know that variety have cuisines have also been introduced. This massive change can be credited to the fact that foodie websites and social media have opened new avenues. The standards and food knowledge of people have changed. Business of food has been booming because the consistent demand for interesting as well as new concepts. New breed restaurants have made their mark and there are few dishes in the eateries that have night availability. Some dishes are also made as and when the seasonal produce is procured.

Food that is lip smacking

Just like the country Egyptian cuisine is nothing short of a mystery. There are dishes that make tourists visit the country each year. These include Koshary that is one dish made of macaronilentils and rice and sautéed in a sauce that comprises vinegar as well as tomato. It is being termed as a new cultural phenomenon. You shall dig on to the Fitter baladi, Ful Madamas, Mahshi, falafel, molokhia, kofta and kababs. For the ones who have sweet tooth you can devour some amazing desserts that include Um ali, Knafa, basboosa and baklava.

A fabulous food stop

The capital city is so much more than just pyramids. There are numerous options when it comes to food and your lone stomach needs to have a bit of adjustment made for all the delicious items. When in the country you shall have no “rest days ” for your tummy.

Austin, and the surrounding area, is full of places to explore. From hiking at the many Green Belt trails to enjoying delicious food and drinks at various scenic spots, you can find plenty of ideas to keep you and your friends occupied. If you and your friend are foodies, the picture only gets rosier. Here is a list of fun things to do in Austin, Texas with your foodie friends.

1. Start and end the day with tacos.

• Austin is known for many things, breakfast tacos included. A wonderful way to begin your day is to check out some of the many delicious food trucks that are all over town. Vera Cruz taco truck has been rated some of the best breakfast tacos in the whole city!

• Even when you are not by a food truck, there are plenty of delicious restaurants serving up tacos to devour. Torchy’s is a taco-based restaurant that has expanded all through the city and beyond. Known for a more gourmet and creative taco on the typical street taco, these restaurants continue to gain in popularity and as a result, many customers are starting and ending their day with tacos.

2. Texas Wineries

• In the surrounding area there are plenty of Texas wineries creating delicious wines and providing tours, scenic tasting locations, and plenty of wine tasting events. You can spend all of your time simply hopping around from winery to winery. The Austin Winery and Austin Custom Winery are a few places to check out.
• If you want to stay centrally located within the city, there are numerous wine tasting spots happy to serve up the wines from the surrounding area as well. Texas Reds and Whites Tasting Room offers a centrally located spot to sample any wines you desire and The Austin Wine Merchant can be counted upon to import or locate those elusive wines you are seeking.

3. Local ingredients produced in Texas

There are plenty of companies producing high quality products that get utilized all across the country. The Texas Hill Country Olive Company creates delicious aged balsamic vinegar, olive oils, and even has a gift shop full of great gift ideas, including starter sets with samples of their fine products. Located in Hill Country on the outskirts of Austin, the trip is worth the scenic beauty and the products make perfect housewarming gifts.

Check out these locations the next time you and your friends, family, or visitors want to have a foodie adventure in and around Austin.

Whether your idea of ​​a perfect meal is a melt-in-your mouth steak, main-dish veggies, Chicago-style pizza, classic diner food, or exotic dishes from another culture, you will find a restaurant favorite in Chicago.

For steaks and red-meat lovers, The Capital Grille (633 N Saint Clair Street) features the finest in dry- aged steaks and award-winning wines. Everything from the signature Veal Chop with Roquefort Butter Sauce to Steak au Poivre with Courvoisier Cream is oh, so tantalizing. Viand (155 East Ontario) has more than just red – pastas and fish are also served – but why not enjoy a great red meat dish from a chef whose family owns the oldest meatpacking company in Chicago? If you like sports served with your red meat, check out NFL Hall-of-Famer Mike Ditka's Restaurant (100 E. Chestnut), with an upstairs cigar lounge.

If you are more the veggies as a main course type, you can't go wrong at the Green Zebra (1460 West Chicago Ave), where the emphasis is on unique vegetarian dishes, changed seasonally. Or try a different kind of diner experience, at The Chicago Diner (3411 N. Halsted Street), which claims it is "meat free since '83."

Locals swear by Gino's East of Chicago (633 N. Wells Street) and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (439 N. Wells Street) for irresistible Chicago-style pizza. Think deep-dish with oozing cheese, rich sauce and fresh toppings. Yum!

For breakfast and more, the Bongo Room (1152 S. Wabash Ave) in Wicker Park is a unique coffee house featuring dishes with a distinctive twist, like raspberry cheesecake hotcakes. Manny's Coffee Shop and Deli (1141 S. Jefferson St) offers classic diner food. Come hungry, leave full.

If your palate likes to venture to other lands, Roy's (720 N. State St) offers Hawaiian with a bit of aloha. For the best of two cultures, Dee's Mandarin (1114 Armitage Ave) offers Chinese cuisine and a great sushi bar. Wishing for a Thai kitchen? Dine at Vong's Thai Kitchen (6 W. Hubbard St), a spin-off of New York's Thai-French fusion Vong. Enjoy Chicago's renowned Greektown at Costa's (340 S. Halsted St). Try the Bistro Margot (1437 N. Wells St) for soul-satisfying coq au vin and other French delights. Coobah (3423 N. Southport Ave) serves Latin American until late, along with a good party. Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan Ave) is a top pick for upscale Italian with a generous helping of Lake Michigan views. At The India House (59 W. Grand Ave), you can taste foods from a variety of different Indian regions.

For fabulous desserts along with your meal, try A Taste of Heaven (5401 N. Clark St), Nine Steak House (440 W. Randolph St), or Maggiano's Little Italy (516 N. Clark St). If you are heading to a Chicago restaurant for a sumptuous meal, CRSHotels.com has the perfect hotel for you. Choose the Sutton Place, the Seneca Hotel, or the Whitehall Hotel. Enjoy the Amalfi Hotel, the Ambassador East Hotel, or the Raffaello Hotel. Stay at the Congress Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, the Best Western Grant Park, or the Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile.