tacos, wine, flowers

(one of many mall entrances / tacos and quesadillas / hello tulips!)

(enology / eno experience / hyacinth loving cabbie)

rick bayless for under $10
Frontera Fresco | Macy's, 4909 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077
http://www.fronterafresco.com/
cost: approx. $15 for two for lunch
summary: rick bayless at fast food chain prices. steak tacos beat the mushroom quesadillas. taste-wise, one of the best mall foods i've had so far in the area.
highlights: cute chef, outdoor seating

wineology
Eno | Intercontinental Hotel, 505 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.321.8738
http://www.enowinerooms.com/locations/intercontinental_chicago.cfm
cost: $26 per person (including tax and tip)
summary: you can't go wrong with cheese, cured meats, wine, chocolate and olives. free-for-all seating with a choice of booths or at one of their elongated family style tables. the only downside was that the table was a bit sticky and the runner seemed overly eager to clear our plates.
highlights: truffle gouda, chocolate (aka almond roca on steroids)
*tip: for two, the "eno experience" seems to be the best bang for your buck, covering all of the above ($28 for 1 person, $12 each additional)

a breath of fresh air
??? Chicago, IL
cost: $13
summary: the only cab in chicago decked out with flowers. so many hyacinths that you'd think you were in a greenhouse. i asked the cabbie why? well, just because.
highlight: fresh floral fragrance instead of b.o.