Communal tables in Chicago are huge right now. Get it? Because the tables are ...

1. avec (West Loop) - The place is always busy, no matter what time you arrive, so don't feel bad for asking those at a semi-full table if you can sit there. Just feel bad if they say no.
2. The Bristol (Bucktown/Wicker Park) - The main room is as intimate as the communal seating. Pass the salt and share your grilled prawns, would you?
3. Room 21 (South Loop) - Long tables and the long bar at this former Al Capone speakeasy make you feel like royalty upon arrival. The vintage leopard oil painting on the wall should provide a perfectly good conversation starter.

Now that Barack's been elected to office, not only does he not have to pay for food anymore, but he can order whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, and deploy an armored motorcade to pick it up. Such is the gastronomical gift bestowed upon the most powerful man in the world. There are already rumors that President-Elect Obama will starve Oprah by stealing her preferred chef, Art Smith, and bringing him along to the White House. But a mere one man will not be able to satisfy Obama's presidential cravings, and since he can longer casually slip into his favorite spots for some pancakes, he'll be sending Secret Service agents to restaurants across the country to pick up his favorite grub. Here's a rundown of some of the spots that Obama might order takeout from on a late night of saving the planet.