Chicago

My wife and I stop here whenever we're in Chicago. It's a fun neighborhood place. I like the vibe.

I am constantly amazed by the level of cookery.

The hot chocolate is killer.

Their spicy Mexican hot chocolate comes with a side of churros. Enough said.

Now this is what I call elevated street food. Some call it 5 star dining in a bun. At this place they hand cut the sausages every day and everything is made in house.

Do yourself a favor and order the rib tips.

The ham chop is one of the best, if not the best, pork dish in America.

How decadent does a foie gras sandwich sound? Alinea has long been on my bucket list. Their head chef has a captivating story -- he was diagnosed with tongue cancer, altering his sense of taste, but bounced back from it.

#7 on 'World's 50 Best Restaurants' by Restaurant magazine (2012)

need to get here!