Meet this year's crop of promising rookies. They run the gamut from high-voltage openings like Tramonto's Steak & Seafood in Wheeling to hidden treasures such as Albany Park's Japanese stunner Chiyo. Whether glitzy or unassuming, all 21 spots have one thing in common–night in and night out, they're the stars of the future. PLUS: 2007 openings we're looking forward to, new & notable, best wine bars, one-dish wonders, what's hot & what's not, and a Q&A with a great waiter.
Aigre Doux, Blu Coral, Chalkboard, Chiyo, DeLaCosta, Erba, Ginger Asian Bistro
Habana Libre, Koda, Marigold, Mulan, Niche, Osteria Di Tramonto, Sage Grille
Sam & Harry's, Sequel, Sol de Mexico, Tay Do, Tepatulco, Tramonto's Steak & Seafood, Xel-Há
Rest of the Best – Wine Bars, One-Dish Wonders, New & Notable, What's Hot & Not