Thanks. Sounds like Manny's is worth a try at least. You know I'll be eating like a hobbit on the trip anyway, so it's not like I'll be giving up a meal to go there. It'll be good for this summer's menu development as we move towards opening the full-time deli.
I really don't mind travellling for a good meal, even if it means spending a few hours at the Field Museum, going by public transit for a half hour to a meal, then back to the Art Institute for a couple more hours. Better that than settling for something typical or just merely good.
Here's a list of places I have explored or been before, though that certainly doesn't preclude me from them in the future; it's mostly complete:
High End European/New American
Spiaggia, Trotter's, Tru
Mexican/Latin
Topolobampo, Frontera, Ixcapuzalco, Chilpancingo, Taqueria Puebla (both of them), La Unica, Carnitas Uruapan, Taqueria Cardonas, Ostioneria Playa Azul, Bombon, Nuevo Leon, Papa's Cache Sabroso, Birreria Ocotlan, La Cremeria Santa Maria, Aguascalientes, La Guadalupana, Atotonilco's, Maxwell Street Market, La Oaxaqueña, Joe's Liquors, El Chorrito
Thai/Vietnamese
Arun's, TAC Quick, Spoon, Tank Noodle, Viet Hoa, Thai Grocery, Asian Grocery, Aroy Thai
Devon
Sizzle India, Sabri Sweets, Udupi Palace, Bhabi's Kitchen, Ambala, Patel Brothers, Kadmar Plaza, Sukhadia's
Other
Al's Italian Beef, Lou Malnati's, Giodorno's, Weiner Circle, Miami Flavors, Lao Sze Chuan, Garrett's, Army & Lou's, Lem's, Miko's Italian Ice, Mario's Italian Ice, City Noor, Noon o Kabab, Ideal Pastry, Three Sisters, A&T, Kurowski, Pasieka, Meyer's Deli, Wikstroms, Georgian, Andy's, San Soo Gab San, Arirang Super, Green Market, Joe's Sausage, Cheese Stands Alone
So here's what's set so far. Please help me fill it in and critique it as I go. I don't just want three meals a day. I'm not so much looking for upscale places. I'd be more interested in regional and ethnic foods as you can see from my previous adventures. I like to pack in as much as possible, especially on the days I'll be sans-wife:
SUNDAY
Get in latish to Midway, preferably find somewhere relatively nearby where we're staying, but still somewhere especially good and hopefully somewhat different from what I can get on a regular basis; currently staying in Lincoln Park that night. Wouldn't mind some really good Chicago thin crust pizza if there's any up that way.
* Dinner: TBD
MONDAY
My wife's never been to Chicago. We'll probably focus on some tourist things she'd like. Right now I'm thinking the Art Institute and Field Museum might be good choices. Not sure what else, but probably stuff around the loop and near north. Depends on how efficient we are.
* Lunch: TBD
* Dinner: Thai food with Erik
TUESDAY
Not sure yet what to do. Maybe a river tour and some time on the magnificent mile. I don't know if I see my wife getting too thrilled by shopping, though, there. This may result in a day where we get away from the tourist neighborhoods and get into some of the culturally interesting neighborhoods, like Pilsen, La Villita, Devon, Humboldt Park, or wherever. Maybe Oak Park for some FLW. I'd love to take my wife to Taqueria Puebla because she loved the food in Puebla so much.
* Lunch: TBD
* Dinner: TBD
WEDNESDAY
I'll be on my own during the day. I'd love to meet some people for lunch and/or exploring. I'm really looking for suggestions, given where I've been before, as to where I should go now. Same with Thursday. Note that I'll be on foot and won't be wanting to spend money on taxis. But I don't mind walking a long ways, taking buses, and the el. Probably will try Manny's while on my own.
* Dinner: Alinea
THURSDAY
Again on my own.
* Dinner: Moto
Friday
We fly out. Probably just enough time to get an early bite.
Unintentionally retired early by the pandemic, but without the golden parachute.
Formerly Mi Mero Mole
Formerly Zapapizza
Formerly Kenny & Zuke's Delicatessen
Artisan Jewish Deli at Home Cookbook