Fodor's Expert Review Charlie Trotter's

Plan well in advance to dine at top toque Charlie Trotter's namesake (or call the day of and hope for a cancellation). One of the nation's most acclaimed chefs, Trotter prepares his menus daily from the best of what's available globally. The results are daring, multi-ingredient dishes that look like art on a dinner plate. Menus follow a multicourse, $165 degustation format ($135 for the vegetarian version). For a worthwhile splurge, order the wines-to-match option. This temple of haute cuisine occupies a stately Lincoln Park town house.