Located next to the Courtyard by Marriot, Viand seems like just another overpriced cocktail lounge and hotel restaurant. For many years, that's exactly what it was, until Steve Chiappetti, who made his bones at Mango, Grapes and Rhapsody in the late '90s, took over. One of Chicago's first celebrity chefs, Chiappetti closed all of his restaurants in 2000 and took some time off to raise his kids, pursue photography, work on a book and start a bakery with his wife.

He's come back with a vengeance, harnessing his mad skills into American bistro-style cooking that is unfussy and a perfect match for Viand's slightly jazz age interior. The restaurant doesn't import its bread from stalwarts like Red Hen like most restaurants, instead it whips up homemade rosemary scones, crumbly cheesy biscuits and hot soft pretzel bread served with a side of mustard butter. It's truly the best breadbasket in the city.

Four-cheese ravioli with white truffle sauce and red wine reduction will satisfy any truffle-loving palate with its sweet savory balance. Chiappetti's family owns Chicago's legendary Chiappetti Lamb and Veal, and so it should come as no surprise that the menu's Amish chicken and BBQ lamb shank hit the table moist and perfectly roasted. Appetizers range from $4-$10 and entrees from $15-$21.

Average cost: $31+

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant