"Michelin is showing the world what Chicago residents already know – this is one of the finest cities in the world to eat," said Jean-Luc Naret, director of the Michelin Guides. "Chicago is the beneficiary of a truly innovative spirit among chefs, who are willing to push culinary limits at all levels. The chefs in Chicago are among the world's most creative."

Now the Michelin Red Guides series includes one for Chicago, the first Michelin Red Guide for the Midwest! This edition offers a selection of 342 restaurants, including 42 different types of cuisine and 39 hotels in various price and comfort categories.

Starred Restaurants: Michelin stars are the highest honor the guide can bestow. Having a star means that not only is a restaurant among the best in its city, but also in the world. It is a mark of consistent culinary excellence across all categories and it is based only on the quality of the food. Three stars reward "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey." One always eats extremely well here, often superbly. Distinctive dishes are precisely executed, using superlative ingredients. Three stars are a global emblem of exceptional dining; only 93 restaurants worldwide currently hold three Michelin stars.Two Chicago restaurants earned three stars the 2011 Michelin Guide Alinea and L2O. Two stars denote "excellent cooking, worth a detour," skillfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality. Three restaurants earned two stars: Avenues, Charlie Trotter's and Ria. One star indicates "a very good restaurant in its category," a place offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard. The eighteen restaurants earning one star are Blackbird, Boka, Bonsoiree, Crofton on Wells, Everest, graham elliot, Longman & Eagle, NAHA, NoMI, Schwa, Seasons, Sepia, Sixteen, Spiaggia, Takashi, Topolobampo, Tru, and Vie.

Bib Gourmand Restaurants: Bib Gourmands are defined as "Inspector's Favorites for Good Value," and denote high-quality restaurants that serve two courses and either dessert or wine (minus tax and gratuity) for less than $40. Forty-six Chicago restaurants earned the Bib Gourmand designation.

Starred restaurants and Bib Gourmands are only two of the multiple categories in the Chicago 2011 Michelin Guide. Among them: "Breakfast Specialists" highlight Chicago restaurants with standout breakfast preparations. Chicago is the only city where the inspectors considered breakfast as a meal type. And, they were so impressed by the offerings; they wanted to highlight some of their favorites in a list found at the back of the guide. Foodie-focused neighborhood introductions covering local specialty spots, food-related sights, and food and wine events reflect the city's passionate community of culinary enthusiasts.

Features:

• Reviews of restaurants throughout Chicago
• Anonymous, professional inspectors recommend each establishment
• New color map format makes finding the locations easier than ever
• Star-rated restaurants feature both menu highlights and color photos
• Neighborhood overviews illuminate local history and culinary traditions
• Each detailed listing covers everything from ambience to cuisine
• Bib Gourmand category shows great restaurants with good value