It's time for the second installment of Scene Report, a new feature where we give you the lowdown on dining scenes in major cities around the world. At a glance, you'll find out about dining trends, up-and-coming restaurant neighborhoods, where you should drop $300 on a meal, and where you can save a few bucks. In our second installment: Chicago.

Chicago has been an up and coming foodie city for awhile now. Each year, more and more exciting restaurants open, garnering national media attention and accolades from the likes of the James Beard Foundation. Chicago has always had deep-rooted culinary traditions albeit on the lowbrow end of things (pizza, hot dogs, pierogi, etc.). These days it's the first place to look for cutting-edge cooking techniques, and it's up there with New York and Los Angeles on its crop of astronomically expensive eateries. And just like those cities, restaurants open and close and chefs move so often it's hard to keep track of what's going on. Chitown still has a ways to go before it will be called an all-around food city, but the rabidity of the gourmand populace coupled with the number of new, excellent restaurants make it a definite food destination.  read more »

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (MARKET WIRE) Just the thought of a family reunion can often evoke feelings of both pleasure and anxiety. So this Chicago area hotel, the Chicago Marriott Suites Downers Grove, has taken away the stress and anxiety for the planners in the family, and reunions are as effortless and enjoyable as possible-for everyone.

Chicago's architecture cruise season has begun. The 90-minute tour, organized by the nonprofit Chicago Architecture Foundation, highlights 53 historic and architecturally significant sites including the Trump Tower, Merchandise Mart, 333 W. Wacker, the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, the Sears Tower, River City, Marina City and the site of the Spire. The cruise also includes significant buildings, sites and developments along the North Branch of the Chicago River such as The Montgomery, formerly the world headquarters for Montgomery Ward; the Chicago Tribune printing press plant; Goose Island; Kinzie Park development; Riverbend and the clustered glass River Cottages. The season runs through Nov. 23. Tickets are available from 312-902-1500 or www.ticketmaster.com/rivercruise .  read more »

OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS (MARKET WIRE) From couples in search of a romantic getaway to girlfriends out for a whirlwind weekend of shopping, the Renaissance Oak Brook boasts the special touches that turn an ordinary trip into a decadent treat-with the amenities expected of the boutique hotels Chicago offers. The well-placed hotel near Oakbrook Center, which offers upscale shopping just yards away, is also a mere 25 minutes from downtown Chicago and its many attractions.

Lasalle Hotel Properties has teamed up with Oxford OG Hospitality Chicago LLC to buy a portion of the historic IBM building in downtown Chicago from Prime Group Realty Trust for $46 million.

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SAN ANTONIO, TX (MARKET WIRE) Advantage Rent A Car is pleased to announce its grand opening at Chicago O'Hare Airport supporting Chicago Car Rental.