Zagat: 19 James Beard Award Winning Restaurants

Best Chef: Great Lakes
Stephanie Izard
Girl & The Goat, Chicago

Food: 27
Decor: 24
Service: 25
Cost: $55

“Energetic” chef Stephanie Izard “balances flavors like Monet did with his color palette”, creating “top-notch nose-to-tail cuisine” (“duck tongues, lamb hearts” and “pig face, anyone”?), vegetables that “will blow your mind” and other “innovative” small plates that “grab the brass ring” at her “cozy”, surprisingly “reasonable” West Loop New American where the “passionate” staff’s suggestions will “never lead you astray”; “incredibly noisy” digs are easily overlooked by “foodies” who insist it’s the “future of dining”; P.S. “good luck getting a reservation.”

809 W. Randolph St., Chicago; 312-492-6262

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“If you’ve pigeonholed Chicago as a deep dish and hot dog town, think again. With 19 Michelin starred restaurants, 64 establishments with Bib Gourmand honors and kitchens full of James Beard Award winners and Top Chef finalists, this city’s become one of the greatest dining destinations in the world.” Click here to read more.

“The biggest night in food has come to a close, and everyone in attendanceshould be turning the corner of their hangovers right around now, so we think it’s safe to relive the fun. Last night’s James Beard Awards unfolded in the beautiful Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, and we were lucky enough to snag a spot on the red carpet as our favorite chefs doffed their jackets in favor of more glam gear (a sight to behold, we’re telling you).” Click here to read more.