MICHELIN Guide Chicago 2014

Book excerpt: Locals and travelers looking for great places to eat reach for the MICHELIN Guide Chicago 2014 where they’ll find meticulously researched, objective recommendations to approximately 400 restaurants, covering 40+ different cuisines. The MICHELIN Guide, updated annually, pleases all palates and pocketbooks. Recession-proof dining options can be found among the Under $25 restaurants and those with the Bib Gourmand designation—a distinction that highlights inspectors' favorites for good food at reasonable prices. Local, anonymous, professional inspectors use the renowned Michelin food star rating system to create the restaurant selection, with its famed Michelin stars indicating culinary excellence. Readers will find a wealth of helpful information on their restaurant choices: time-tested Michelin symbols describe such features as cash-only, wheelchair-accessible and valet parking establishments. Newer symbols include restaurants offering notable beer, wine, sake and cocktail lists. The guide's organization makes fast work of deciding where and what to eat: grouping by neighborhood facilitates spur-of-the-moment decision-making while multiple, user-friendly indexes inspire more specific dining choices. Readers can consult an alphabetical list of restaurants, as well as lists of starred, Bib Gourmand and Under $25 restaurants. Lists also include cuisine by category, cuisine by neighborhood, brunch and late-night dining. As a final step, 18 colorful city and neighborhood maps quickly locate restaurants so diners can find their way. Since only the best make the cut, and all establishments are recommended, readers can feel confident in their choices.