Chicago dining scout

Fried cod @ Parson's has its virtues, but eat quickly or the crust turns soggy. Parson's Chicken & Fish: 2952 W. Armitage Ave., 773-384-3333

I stood in line @ Parson's for the fried chicken, but what’s the harm in starting with hushpuppies? Parson's Chicken & Fish: 2952 W. Armitage Ave., 773-384-3333

Yes. The fried chicken @ Parson's lives up to the hype. Parson's Chicken & Fish: 2952 W. Armitage Ave., 773-384-3333

If you are too full for the hazelnut financier cake @ The Lobby at the Peninsula, order it anyway—just for the espresso sorbet. The Lobby at the Peninsula: 108 E....

The sweet curry foam underneath the halibut, shrimp, and razor clams @ The Lobby at the Peninsula could make foam the comeback trend of the decade. The Lobby at the...

I cut this salt cod fritter amuse @ The Lobby at the Peninsula into four pieces—and ate each one very slowly. The Lobby at the Peninsula: 108 E. Superior St.,...

It’s warm. It’s cozy. It’s laced with rum, caramel, and raisins. It’s bread pudding @ M Vie. M Vie: 1372 W. Grand Ave., 312-265-0159

The grill marks on the half-pound burger @ M Vie mean business. M Vie: 1372 W. Grand Ave., 312-265-0159

The chicken kebabs @ M Vie come up hot, juicy, and tender—and stay that way to the end. M Vie: 1372 W. Grand Ave., 312-265-0159

Ho-hum Japanese steak @ Kabocha owes any success to the crispy chips and the garlic confit. KABOCHA: 952 W. Lake, 312-666-6214