PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

One of the most stylish contemporary restaurants in town, Zealous also has one of the most eclectic menus. Chef Michael Taus's cooking combines American ingredients with the subtle complexity of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Indian cuisines. Diners order from the a la carte menu or from one of four degustation menus; recent entrees have ranged from Asian-inspired (sesame-crusted Chilean sea bass with red coconut-curry sauce) to heartland hearty (roasted pork rack stuffed with dried peaches and served with carrot pierogi). Zealous is especially welcoming to non-meat eaters; there is always a five-course vegetarian menu available, and the kitchen will prepare vegan entrees on request. The dining room is bright and airy (thanks to a central skylight), and the purple chairs, green banquettes, and silver accents make the space feel trendy but not intimidating. The 6,000-bottle wine collection and glass-enclosed wine cellar show that Zealous takes its libations just as seriously as it takes its food (450 label selections appear on the wine list).

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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