"When all else fails, go to Avec. We’ve said this for years, and the writers at FX agree because that’s where they sent Syd for some light corporate espionage. OK, she was clearly invited, and swapping out the fish of the day isn’t exactly a trade secret. Either way, the food at this West Loop Mediterranean small-plates place is always great—particularly staple dishes like the bacon-stuffed, chorizo-wrapped dates, and the taleggio flatbread. The communal dining room feels like a wooden shoebox, so unless your mentor also happens to be owner Donnie Madia, you’ll probably be sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers. " - adrian kane, nick allen