The best Chicago restaurants ever? Really?

What would you add to the list? What would you leave off?

Eat this! Zaalouk, a cooked salad from Morocco

What it is: Zaalouk is a traditional Moroccan salad made of eggplant and tomatoes, cooked to a puree. “It’s an authentic Moroccan dish that can be served hot or cold, says Chef Khalid Kamal, owner of Shokran in Irving Park.
Where it comes from: “Salads” in Moroccan cuisine describe a whole range of cooked vegetable dishes [...]

Imminent openings

Early adopters will have lots to choose from in coming weeks. About-to-open Chicagoland restaurants include:

Avli Estiatorio, Greek, Winnetka: Louis Alexakis, former general manager of Greek Islands and owner of the erstwhile Ouzeri, has recruited culinary expert Diane Kochilas direct from Greece as consulting chef for this 112-seat eatery specializing in regional Greek cuisine. Look for [...]