More props for Alinea

Grant Achatz's Alinea continues to collect accolades. (Photo: Alinea)


S. Pellegrino's World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2008 list includes Alinea (1723 N. Halsted St., 312-867-0110) ranking in the 21st position—a 15 position jump from 2007’s list. The highest-seeded Chicago restaurant, Alinea debuted on the list last year as the Highest New Entry at 36. The entire list is here.

The S. Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, now in its seventh year, has established itself internationally as the most credible guide to the best places to eat on earth. A restaurant’s ranking is decided purely on the votes of a large panel of well-respected international judges collectively called The Nespresso World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. The Academy comprises of 700 chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and restaurant critics.

Get out . . .

. . . tonight and enjoy the amazing weather at:

Bistrot Margot (1437 N. Wells St., 312-587-3660) on the relaxing sidewalk cafe for half price on all bottles of wine. The unassuming French bistro is a favorite for chilled-out evenings with a sig other or friends.

Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Ave., 773-342-1840) for industry night. Grab seats in the outdoor cafe or on the rooftop for cabana action. It's $4 for most premium cocktails on the menu.

La Vita (1359 W. Taylor St., 312-491-1414) for half-price wine bottles. On Monday and Tuesday, any wine this family-style Italian eatery sells by the glass you'll also get by the bottle. Their rooftop deck, which seats about 30 guests, should be open tonight.

Sheffield's Wine & Beer (3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-281-4989), in Lakeview, for $3.50 pint specials and $2 cans of "bad beer" of the month. The sprawling beer garden attracts a healthy number of the area's young professionals.