The very best flour is made by King Arthur: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/ The 5# bags are available at Jewel, plus they have wholesale 25# bags. They also have the most varied selection of flours I've ever seen. Whenever I run out and use any other flour to bake, believe it or not, my husband can tell!

I have friends who live there and they have the same frustrations. They told me they are ordering their produce (and other stuff) from Timber Creek Farms, which they seem to like a lot.

www.tcforganics.net

Thanks so much to you both! I have a couple of weeks to study up, and I will. I'll check with the hotel regarding the wine tastings, that would be really fun. As far as cuisine unique to Chicago, not necessary. I'm really just trying to find out what's in the immediate area so I can figure out what my budget should be. Again, nix the sushi, otherwise, all is good.

I'm new to Chicago and staying at the Hotel Allegro over a weekend this summer. I'm looking for a decent lunch and dinner each night, and can't really afford to break the bank. I'm open to just about any cuisine, except others in my party are anti-sushi, so that's the only real boundary. Casual is just fine. Any suggestions?

After returning from Paris and Munich, I was on the hunt for the coffee I had everywhere in Germany. Lo, and behold, it's at TREASURE ISLAND! Dallmayr coffee is the most incredible coffee I've ever had. It comes only pre-ground (not my first choice!) but the flavor doesn't suffer one bit. It's not a coffee house, but it's GREAT coffee.