Chicago – Travel
Why Chicago? Do you love deep dish pizza, hot dogs, Wrigley Field and the Blues Brothers? The city is immersed in huge skyscrapers, museums & genius architects displaying their art. Bonus- a city that actually stays up late. Add to the mix, amazing restaurants, a vibrant music scene and you have a world class destination.
Where2stay
Peninsula Hotel – City views, central location, luxurious rooms, afternoon tea & chocolate buffet accompanied by string quartet, four restaurants, full service spa, indoor pool and best location in town. Coolest bar in town!!! Across the street from Neiman Marcus and Saks!! Do you need any more?
Trump International Hotel & Tower -located in the River North area, this business/leisure five star hotel with 600 sq. ft rooms (that’s the smallest), 500 thread count Italian sheets with deep soaking tubs, has Trump’s stamp all over it
Public Chicago Luxury Boutique – from the master of hotel creations Ian Schrager comes PUBLIC, termed an anti boutique, anti design hotel. Not “anti” as for service, which is spot on. A new class of hotel, subtle in style. Their Pump Room Restaurant (a Chicago institution) has been taken over by the master of coolness and food obsessed chef Jean Georges. Over sized rooms in “no color” and black/white photos and postcards adorn the walls. Add to this, free internet, a ‘library” that is a coffee shop by day and sexy lounge by night.
Allerton Hotel – opened since the 1920’s, this Italian Renaissance Hotel, now completely remodeled is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009, this hotel was singled out for having the best designed guest rooms of any full service hotel in the world. Located on Michigan Avenue. True value with rates starting under $200.00!!! Now that’s historic.
Where2Eat
RL – As good as it gets! Ambiance plus comfort food – Exquisite interior – deep dark mahogany walls, dim lighting, roaring fireplace, and everyone looks chic – just like his store. RL is only located in Chicago and Paris. We need this restaurant in San Francisco.
Gibson’s – Want a buzzing night out? Sip martinis and eat hamburgers or steak while people watching. Packed inside. Worth the wait. Girls, businessmen are everywhere! Why can’t we have this restaurant in San Francisco, too?
National 27 – Latin Tapas Restaurant – small plates of creative Latin fare. Get there early. Tables are removed at 10:00 and the party begins. Salsa dancing & more – dance floor is packed and energy abounds.
Chicago Cut – 2 story riverfront restaurant, complete with butcher shop and outdoor seating right on the river. Located in River North where the largest collection of galleries are located. Perfect for day and transition into night. Stays open til 2 AM just like SF sadly does not!
Alinea – The #6 restaurant in the world from Mr. Grant Achatz, the culinary genius. Like Aviary (see below) food presented as art. Presentations are beyond words, think smoke and trapezes. At least 15 courses or more, all small bites of heaven. Book really early
Next – Another chance to taste Mr. Achatz’s creations. Another twist… You have to purchase a”ticket” on line. Just like a concert venue there are no cancellations, no refunds. (Does eliminate the no show factor) Varying price structure by time and day. Your “ticket is inclusive of food and drinks.” Be prepared for the elBulli menu, Kyoto, Sicily… you get the idea. Different food and country experience depending which menu is offered. Wow!!!
Where2Drink –
Aviary redefines the word cocktail and deserves a category all its own. From Grant Achatz (he must be really busy) comes this sexy, elegant lounge where bartenders are trained as chefs, and drinks are works of art. Choose from a tasting menu of cocktails with little bites. Book through their website only. It’s so worth a plane ticket.
Where2Shop–
Visit Ikram for high end fashion. Ignore the security guards, be prepared for sticker shock and drool over the Vogue look
Vintage Underground – The largest costume jewelry & accessory store in Chicago. Off the beaten track, you are literally going underground for huge value to compliment your Ikram look.
Lu Lu’s – Extraordinary vintage clothing – Need a wedding dress? This could be your find.
Visit Oak street for boutique shopping and strolling and don’t forget to stroll the magnificent Mile!
What2Do –
From interactive public art to a world class concert venue and designed by Frank Gehry, Millenium Park and its 24.5 acres is world renowned. Cloud Gate, known as “The Bean,” is not to be missed as well as The Art institute & Museum of Science & Technology. Chicago is synonymous with being a top music town with over 300 clubs including Legends, the new Checkerboard Lounge for Blues & Jazz, Velvet Lounge & the new Shrine & Lincoln Hall.
SM in RL – where is my BFF BW
So much more… Shop with the Wear Girls
