Over the last few years, there's been a lot of buzz in the food press about Chicago. I've been keeping close tabs, because I'm opening my first restaurant there this summer. Called C-House, it will have a big raw bar in the center of the restaurant, where diners can watch as we open oysters and other shellfish and prepare small plates. The menu will focus on seasonal food with an American bent -- fish and seafood, of course, but also chops, and sides like mac and cheese and grits.

The restaurant is in the Affinia Hotel, a brand new hotel right off Michigan Avenue. Later in the year, we're opening C-View on the 29th floor, a rooftop lounge with drinks, light food, and a stunning view of Lake Michigan and Chicago's magnificent architecture.

I'm so excited to become part of the Chicago restaurant scene, because it's my kind of food town, offering everything from innovative modern restaurants to friendly brasseries and tiny ethnic joints. Every year, I go on one big food trip. In 1996, I picked Chicago and I've been hooked ever since. Charlie Trotter at his eponymous restaurant, Rick Bayless at Frontera Grill, and Gale Gand at Tru are a just a few Chicago chefs who have been turning out innovative meals for years.

Now, a new crop of restaurants and chefs are putting their mark on the city -- Bin 36, where my friend Brian Duncan offers one of the best wine programs in the country, Alinea, where Grant Achatz and his team are offering a glimpse into the future of food, and Avec, a casual fun spot. A lot of out-of-town chefs are joining me in opening up outposts in Chicago, including Govind Armstrong and Terrance Brennan. 

As the summer goes on, I'll report back with a behind-the-scenes report from Chicago's restaurant world. In the meantime, write in and let me know what are your favorite places to eat in the Windy City?