On the menu in Chicago

Chicago-A visit to this third-largest U.S. city puts you at the heart of a gastronomic paradise. Award-winning restaurants grace the city with extraordinary culinary techniques and unexpected flavors from the hands of celebrity-status chefs, including Charlie Trotter and Rick Bayless. If you love people-watching, you'll have ample opportunities to do so at the venues featured in this dining guide, including one on President Obama's short list.

Urology Times thanks the following Chicagoland urologists for their contributions to the dining guide: William J. Catalona, MD; Leslie A. Deane, MD; Bob Flanigan, MD; Chris M. Gonzalez, MD; Paul Handel, MD; Larry Levine, MD; Robert B. Nadler, MD; Lawrence S. Ross, MD; Anthony Schaeffer, MD; Arieh L Shalhav MD; Gary Steinberg, MD; Elizabeth B. Yerkes, MD; and Kevin Zorn, MD.

Alhambra Palace
1240 W. Randolph Street
312-666-9555
http://www.alhambrapalacerestaurant.com/
This opulent salon, inspired by the 13th century Spanish fortress, produces "excellent Middle Eastern cuisine," notes Dr. Deane, along with live entertainment.

Bandera
535 N. Michigan Avenue
312-644-3524
http://www.hillstone.com/
The warm, inviting restaurant has a rustic western atmosphere. "Located in the heart of the busy north side Michigan Avenue shopping district, this restaurant, which features excellent grilled fare, is a frequent stop for Chicago business people and socialites," Dr. Gonzalez notes. Don't miss the live jazz band and views of Michigan Avenue, adds Dr. Catalona.

Ben Pao
52 W. Illinois Street
312-222-1888
http://www.benpao.com/
This venue serves up very consistent Chinese cuisine from the Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group, according to Dr. Yerkes. "Try the black pepper scallops and the banana chocolate egg roll," she recommends.

Bice Ristorante
158 E. Ontario Street
312-664-1474
http://www.bice.ws/
The regional Italian cooking at this upscale restaurant near the Magnificent Mile is "excellent, yet pricey," says Dr. Catalona. Dr. Handel adds that Bice delivers "consistently good Italian food at a reasonable price with a nice ambience."

Bistro 110
110 E. Pearson
312-266-3110
http://www.levyrestaurants.com/ Bistro 110 is an acclaimed Chicago hot spot boasting chic style and neighborhood charm. This French bistro, which serves favorites from its wood-fired oven, is "great for casual get-togethers or formal affairs," Dr. Schaeffer suggests.