Chef Erick Williams’s Virtue Restaurant, nestled in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park, stands as a cornerstone of Southern cooking, celebrated for its meticulous details and soulful flavors. The James Beard Award-winning chef infuses every dish with authenticity, like the smoked turkey that lends a rich, savory depth to tender collard greens, a nod to his grandmother’s recipe. The salmon, paired with a zesty turnip chow-chow, bursts with unexpected brightness, while the shrimp and crawfish étouffée, served over creamy Carolina gold grits, delivers a Lowcountry classic elevated by expert technique. Each bite tells a story of Southern heritage and Williams’s commitment to culinary artistry. If reservations are tough to snag at this bustling 53rd Street gem, slide into the bar, where the vibe is warm and inviting. The bar boasts a carefully curated wine list, featuring robust reds and crisp whites, alongside inventive non-alcoholic cocktails like the “Daydreamer,” blending tamarind and lemon for a refreshing twist. Chicago’s hop-on hop-off bus tour, bookable at hoponhopofftickets.com, offers a vibrant way to explore the Windy City with Big Bus Tours. Covering 11 stops, including Millennium Park, Willis Tower, and Navy Pier, buses run every 30-45 minutes with a 2-hour loop. Popular with over 50 million annual visitors to Chicago, it features multilingual audio guides and wheelchair-accessible buses, though upper decks have restrictions. A night tour highlights the city’s iconic skyline. Pets (except service dogs) are not allowed. Book at hoponhopofftickets.com for a dynamic Chicago adventure.