I need some ideas. Let me explain the situation. For my birthday, my boyfriend said he wanted to take me out to dinner. And I could cross one state border. Basically, I can pick any place I want to go just as long as I don't go further than one state over. I live in Illinois by the way. So any restaurant in Illinois and the bordering states. But I have no idea where to go! I want this to be special because this is a really cool gift. We are both partial to Italian, but I will take any ideas! Does anyone know of any good places? P.S. Money is not an issue.

Do you have a "Cheesecake Factory" close by?
Or a 'Melting Pot'? I prefer the latter. But they are both EXCELLENT!

Hi, labyrinth88!

I too, am in Illinois! If you could give me an idea as to approximately what part you live in, I might know of some places. I'm in Rock Island.

Thanks!

I'm in Peoria, but distance is not a problem. I just need ideas because I have all of Illinois and the bordering states. He was serious when he said I could choose where ever I wanted to go.

What about picking up a copy of zagats and choosing one of their highest rated restaurants? That's what I would do. Zagats is practically the ratings bible of good restaurants in the US.

If you would like to come to the Quad Cities, here are some restaurants that I would highly recommend that aren't chains.

Bluecat Brewpub Main Page (http://www.bluecatbrewpub.com/)

The Machine Shed - A Restaurant Honoring the American Farmer® (http://www.machineshed.com/restaurants/index.asp)

The Lodge Hotel & Conference Center | Welcome! (http://www.lodgehotel.com/)

Bent River Brewing Company - History (http://www.bentriverbrewery.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=20)

For dessert, you could go to Whitey's Ice Cream. It's also locally owned and operated and is very famous here and abroad for the types of ice cream that they have.

Whitey's Ice Cream (http://www.whiteysicecream.com/)