Best eats in Chicago

Aria

The best restaurants to go to during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting in Chicago.

200 N. Columbus Dr. • 312/444-9494

Brasserie Jo

59 W. Hubbard St. • 312/595-9573

Authentic French brasserie, drawing on the talents of chef Jean Joho. Open Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight and Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight.

Catch 35

35 W. Wacker Dr. • 312/346-3500

Beautiful dining experience with a daily menu offering of more than 30 fresh seafood specialties. Live entertainment in the grand piano lounge. Open Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday to Thursday, 5 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m.

Frontera Grill

445 N. Clark St. • 312/661-1434

The Frontera Grill offers daily specials. Chef Rick Bayless has partnered with Copco, a leading housewares manufacturer, to create the Mexican Kitchen. The menu varies from simple tacos and pizza to regional flare from Mexico. Open Tuesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch; Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m., for dinner; and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for brunch.

Geja's Café

340 W. Armitage Ave. • 773/281-9101

Fondue is king. Try the classic cheese fondue or entrée fondues, including shrimp, scallops, lobster, chicken, and beef. The flaming chocolate fondue caps off the meal. Open Monday to Thursday, 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; and Sunday, 4:30 to 10 p.m.

Gene & Georgetti

500 N. Franklin St. • 312/527-3718

One of the city's oldest steakhouses features prime aged steaks, chops, chicken vesuvio, Italian dishes, and fresh seafood. Open Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

830 N. Michigan Ave. • 312/337-9330

If you love chocolate, stop in for some premium selections and ice cream concoctions. Try the fresh-daily hot fudge sundae or hand-rolled waffle cones. Corporate and specialty gifts are available. Open Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

1028 N. Rush St. • 312/266-8999

Locals, out-of-towners, and celebrities gather here for a wonderful dining experience on the Gold Coast. Large cocktails and massive steaks are typical, but the desserts are memorable. Dinner offered Monday to Sunday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.