Chicagoans have always relished their food, as any fan of red hots, Italian beef sandwiches, or deep-dish pizza can tell you. But in the past 15 years or so, lo and behold-Chicago has blossomed into a world-class food town. Helping to lead this transformation is powerhouse couple Rick Tramonto and Gail Gand, whose imagination and verve have been evident in all three of their Chicago eateries: Trio (which they sold in 1995), Brasserie T, and the latest and grandest float in their parade, Tru.

"Tru is love at first bite," Pat Bruno wrote in her four-star Chicago Sun-Times review, "a dining experience most memorable, a splendid example-in every respect, from beginning to end-of what fine dining should be." Chicago Tribune critic Phil Vettel called Tru a "fine-dining shrine," writing that, "[the meal] begins simply...but rapidly develops into a progression of tastes, textures and aromas that may challenge your capacity to absorb them all....The list of highlights goes on and on." And in Chicago magazine, Dennis Ray Wheaton advised diners: "Crack open the Dom Pèrignon. The most awesome restaurant in years has just hit Chicago like an asteroid-sized black truffle." The more casual Brasserie T has received similar raves for its takes on osso buco, escargots, even hamburgers. In Bon Appètit, Barbara Fairchild called T "one of the top new restaurants across the country."

Husband-and-wife team Gand and Tramonto met where you might think, in a kitchen, specifically in the Strathallen Hotel in Rochester, New York. The newly married couple moved to New York City, where Tramonto landed at Tavern On The Green, and Gand at Jam's, before rejoining each other in the kitchens of Gotham Bar and Grill. Relocating to Gand's native Chicago, Tramonto worked the stoves at Charlie Trotter's, while Gand was dubbed "Dessert Diva" by William Rice for her divine creations at Cafe 21, Bice, and Bella Luna. The couple were then offered another opportunity to work ensemble at the five-star Stapleford Park hotel in Leicestershire, England. Their hard work earned a red "M" from Michelin, the first given to Americans in five years. Their return to Chicago brought with it a string of phenomenal successes.

You might think that you have to go to the Windy City to get an authentic slice or beef, double-dipped, but this night, all you have to do is head over to 12th Street for a taste of Chicago's finest.