FAR WEST. In the mood for authentic Thai food ­ perhaps savory dumplings, spicy stuffed wings, or basil chicken? Then you've found your dining spot at Amarind's. This North Avenue eatery welcomes guests with heaping plates of chicken Panang curry as well as value-oriented weekday lunch specials that include appetizer, soup, and entree. Servers are pleasant and unobtrusive.

DOWNTOWN. This hotel dining room has made quite a name for itself even outside of the property's confines. It draws rave reviews from business folks and other locals who can't get enough of the kitchen's Continental-Asian fusion fare. Flatbread pizzas and pan-roasted osaka black cod are notable, along with masaman-style braised veal shank and chestnut-crusted filet of striped bass. The dining room is nicely accented with mosaics and tapestries, and a sushi-and-sake lounge promotes relaxed nibbling.

IRVING PARK. This is visually stunning Thai cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds. The twelve-course tasting menu, though pricey, offers a consistently fantastic culinary tour with favorites like hot and sour soup, steamed rice dumplings stuffed with crab, and fried, bite-sized pastries filled with shrimp, chicken, and sweet corn. The upscale interior includes antiques and Thai paintings, many by the owner's brother. Reservations essential. Business to business casual attire. EL: Blue or Brown line to Irving Park and then No. 80 bus

RIVER NORTH. This upscale restaurant lives up to its name, which means "fireworks" in Chinese. Dishes showcase Mandarin, Szechwan, Hunan, and Cantonese culinary styles equally well, and seafood and beef dishes are favorites. Try a robust eggplant entree or perhaps wok-seared salmon with spinach. The sleek decor includes two dramatic waterfalls lined with gleaming black slate. EL: Red line to Grand

BUCKTOWN. It's all about sushi at Bluefin, and loyal patrons can't seem to get enough of the fresh seafood served. Perhaps it's tataki tuna (seared Big Eye tuna over spicy tuna) ­ or maybe it's nigiri or sashimi ­ that's got folks so in love with the place. It could also be entrees like grilled scallops, teryiyaki Scottish salmon, or grilled vegetables with soba noodles. Candlelight and drum and bass music set the tone. The limited bar menu serves wine and beer only. Valet parking available (for a fee).