Diamonds on the River

For further proof that Chicago has become ground zero for culinary innovation, AAA announced their 2007 Five Diamond-rated restaurants last week. Alinea and Avenues in the Peninsula Hotel joined Charlie Trotter's, Arun's, Tru, Everest, and the Four Seasons Hotel's Seasons Restaurant to bring our toddlin' town's number to an astounding seven. That's the highest number of Five Diamond-rated restaurants in the country for a single city. There was no mention of our favorite place to get a quick table for two without a reservation, but we're sure if AAA adds a "hatchet-wielding stereotype" award, it'll be at the top of the list.

The Five Diamond rating is an indicator of Chicago's status as not only a place to find groundbreaking cuisine, but as a premier tourist destination. So if you find yourself needing a restaurant recommendation and someone to fix a flat tire, call AAA next time.