Blue Star Bistro & Wine Bar, Chicago

The brick walls and polished hardwood tables of Blue Star Bistro and Wine Bar bask in the light that filters in through the front picture window, illuminating crimson glasses of wine and gourmet plates. More than 30 wines pour from the taps of a custom-built cuvenee, which keeps the vintages at a perfect temperature and protects them from flavor-killing oxidation with argon and No Oxygen Allowed signs. Mouth-filling morsels such as goat-cheese croquettes and truffled lobster spring from the tapas selection and compete for patrons’ affections with larger portions of roasted tomato risotto and herb-crusted tuna steak or gluten-free options. The menu also lists red and white wine recommendations next to each dish, all of which were chosen to complement specific flavor profiles, as well as the menu font.