I highly recommend Tripp & Todd's place. It was super cozy and stylish, and I was taken wonderful care of. They have a wonderful book with terrific recommendations, including Francesca's Bryn Mawr where I ended up eating four times. Its a great location- right on the Red Line, downtown accessible easily- but there was a great deal to do in the neighborhood itself. One of the best beaches in Chicago a few blocks away, I enjoyed many spontaneous conversations with kind people in the park and on the beach. The lake is more beautiful than I anticipated. I have many beautiful pictures. I didn't get to meet Tripp and Tood which was my only regret, but sister Kathy was absolutely lovely, and baked me oatmeal raisin cookies, with maple glaze, even. We had many enjoyable conversations in the amazing back yard evenings, and I hope she finds herself living in Costa Rica sooner rather than later.