Spicy plum glazed lamb ribs at Viand

It’s no surprise Chiappetti Lamb and Veal scion chef Steve Chiappetti knows his way around a sheep, however he must have done some time in Chinatown too, because his spicy Asian flavors are so good, you’ll tip the porcelain serving bowl holding the ribs into your mouth to sop up every last drip of remaining spicy plum sauce.

155 East Ontario
(312)255-8505
viandchicago.com

Best of Chicago 2009

Chicago Shakespeare Theater for $20

Finally, a deal for those of us who are out of school but aren’t retired yet. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater now offers $20 tickets for those 35 and under, and it doesn’t require a membership. Simply type in the code “Under35” in the promo box on their website and you’ll be instantly hooked up. There are no early birds required, but with this year’s repertoire of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Macbeth” and “Twelfth Night,” it’s probably a good idea to act fast.

600 E. Grand
(312)595-5600
chicagoshakes.com

Best of Chicago 2008

C-House

Featuring a runny, poached duck egg shrouded in curry-perfumed hollandaise nested on a bed of sweet, spiced braised greens with a side of sherry and mustard-cured pork belly, C-House’s single best dish is basically what you’d get if an Eggs Benedict had a head-on collision with a soul-food buffet.

166 E. Superior
(312)523-0923

Audience choice
Blackbird
619 W. Randolph
(312)715-0708

Best of Chicago 2008

Mies van der Rohe’s Lake Shore Drive apartments

Louis Sullivan’s cast-iron filigree adorning Carson’s was at the top of the list until it was boarded up again once Carson’s vacated. Mies, though, never fails to impress. Following on the heels of the successful Crown Hall restoration, Krueck & Sexton Architects and Gunny Harboe were asked to do it again. The Lake Shore Drive apartments have so far been treated with a shiny coat of black paint and windows have been returned to their perfection of shiny transparency. The master of minimalist severity rises again.

Best of Chicago 2007