re: Luxury Chicago Hotel for Couple

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1. Gene and Georgetti - we wanted to go somewhere that felt local. I am glad we went, but would likely not go back. The old fashioned was excellent. The food was good, but not great.

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River North and 'local' is an oxymoron. I'm being somewhat hyperbolic, but it very much is a neighborhood dominated with tourists and recent transplants that want a high-rise for a year or two.

That said, I have recommended several River North restaurants in my Chicago thread, including Indienne, Crying Tiger, Tzuco, Bavette's, and Gus' Sip & Dip.

Next time, take the Blue Line to Logan Square or Avondale - Two of the better restaurant neighborhoods outside West Loop.

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2. Gibsons Italia - this restaurant is incredible. Should be at the top of anyone's list.

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Completely agree - For Italian fine dining, Gibsons Italia and Tre Dita set the stage for an incredible ambiance.

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1. Sushi San - great sushi spot. wife didn't want to drop straight into a pizza place off the bat. it was good, but would likely try a different place since there are so many options.

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Sushi-san is fine, for sure. Like you said, plenty more out there, including Noriko, Sushi by Scratch, Kyoten / Kyoten Next Door, KAI ZAN, Jinsei Motto, and Omakase Box. Omakase Box, in particular, may be the best value in the city.

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2. Lou Malnati's - great pizza spot. Would recommend going for the nostalgia. I would try other spots out for same reason as others

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I'm partial to Lou and, admittedly, my wife and I order it once each year or so but a couple other pan / deep dish spots: Milly's, Pequod's, and Labriola are all worthwhile.

Thin crust reigns supreme for everyone that lives here, though - Michael's, Novel, Frank's, Phil's, Pat's, Zarella, Danny's, Palermo's of 63rd, Vito & Nick's, PIZZ'AMICI, etc., etc. The list goes on.