A renovated Craftsman-style house - formerly part of a skating rink complex - makes a perfect match for the American cuisine with a modern edge at North Pond. Bruce Sherman's menu emphasizes organic ingredients, with entrées like sweetbreads paired with sweet onions, polenta and a red pepper coulis that are prepared in a simple but careful manner. And while he is prone to adding a modern component to almost every dish, the result is the type of "comfortable and reliable food" that won't offend those who are not the most discerning of diners. The setting in the middle of Lincoln Park "couldn't be more gorgeous," especially if you're able to snag a table on the patio, which offers a lovely view of the Chicago skyline.