Some strong recs. I loved Avec. Chicago has some great places... I also have had great meals at Monteverde, Girl & the Goat, Longman & Eagle, Publican, Fat Rice, Bavettes (I think they just closed), Au Cheval, Bavettes. Whenever next time is, Parachute, Band of Bohemia, Loyalist, Galit are at the top of my list.
John Besh got his name at August but stepped away a couple of years ago during his sexual harassment issues. A friend from college married Alon Shaya, who was his right hand man at both Domenica and Shaya. I used to love Shaya, but he left there and opened Saba, which I have heard is so so. There are too many great places in that city to list.
Denver was a weird food town. We liked El Five, Senor Bear was really good, and have never had a band meal at Rioja (their brunch is also fantastic). But I thought Acorn, Ultreia, and Tavernetta were all so-so. Whenever I look at menus for Denver, nothing really gets me super excited. Except a show at Red Rocks. That will always get me very, very happy.