If you don’t need to stick around downtown, Arun’s is an incredible Thai place. The chef is a genius.

There’s a place in Oak Park I love called New Rebozo, with gourmet Mexican. It’s easy to get to off the Eisenhower. Either of Rick Bayless’ places are fantastic but can be hard to get a reservation.

Anthony Bourdain also did a local show recently, and so did Andrew Zimmern. If you’re up for something adventurous you might see if you like their reccos.

And if you’re feeling truly adventurous and don’t mind risking getting shot you can go to any of the Harold’s Chicken Shacks scattered around the South and West sides. You may or may not impress your man, but you’ll certainly give him the runs.