For those of us who enjoy fine dining, we have ten days to check out all types of fare across Chicago from February 18 – 27, 2011. The good news is – we have options. Lots of them. There are over 200 restaurants participating with lunch specials starting at $22 and dinner ranging from $33 – $44. The bad news is – we have options. Lots of them. You can hit your favorite places or visit new ones. I personally think you should mix it up. And after you’ve had a chance to digest your entire experience, stop back here and tell us all about it. We’d love to hear form you.

There is only one restaurant on the South Side listed and it’s not South South, like beyond 35th Street South. I say 35th because the South Side is not tourism maps beyond 35th Street.  There are some city maps that acknowledge the South Side up to 55th Street (or is it 59th?).  Whichever it is, you never see our side of town on tourism maps.

Anyway, I contacted the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. I was told that members of the bureau  had the option to participate.  Membership is $950/yr. I had to wonder: if membership is being offered to all restaurants that open or do South Side restaurants decline to become members? I’ll be sure to ask as I make my rounds in the community.

One more thing.  I want to thank Northeast Cooling Commercial Refrigeration Service for the heads up.  Check out Choose Chicago for a listing of participating restaurants. Don’t forget to come back and tell us about your experience.

Image: Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau