North Pond

Tucked away in Lincoln Park, just north of the zoo, North Pond truly is a hidden treasure. You can't drive up to the restaurant's front door: You must stroll along a path to reach the building, which was formerly a warming hut for ice skaters. The building's Arts and Crafts-inspired interior blends perfectly with the park outside, and a glass-enclosed addition lets you dine "outside" all year long.

In keeping with the natural setting, chef Bruce Sherman emphasizes organic, locally grown ingredients and favors simple preparations -- although the overall result is definitely upscale (at these prices, it better be). Examples of seasonal menu items include grass-fed beef with crispy polenta sticks and a garlic-parsley coulis; poached farm-fresh egg with wilted baby spinach and lemon-caviar butter sauce; and grilled sea scallops with orange-Parmesan grain salad, glazed organic baby carrots, and spiced lobster sauce. For dessert, try a plate of artisinal cheeses or dark chocolate mousse with roasted apricots and a hazelnut biscuit. To enjoy the restaurant's setting with a slightly lower price tag, try the fixed-price Sunday brunch ($32). The all-American wine list of 100 or so selections focuses on boutique vintners.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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