Lucia's

Rating:

Proprietor Lucia Watson makes this Uptown storefront (and the adjacent bakery and take-out counter) a happy place. Another major draw is the food, inspired by the restaurant's 25-year commitment to local farmers. The short menu (generally four appetizers and four entrees) changes weekly, designed to take advantage of what's available from local purveyors. The adjoining wine bar is Uptown's most romantic post-movie destination. Watson is a 2004, 2005 and 2006 nominee for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest.