ChicagoMOD - Volume 1.2

2017, VOLUME 1.2

FASHION +HOME CHELSEA HANDLER ALSO SUMMER CHIC DOLCE & GABBANA x SMEG THE HOT SPOTS: FROM GOLD COAST TO LAKE SHORE

ANA IVANOVIC FROM INTERNATIONAL GRAND SLAM WINNER TO MICHIGAN AVENUE STYLE ICON

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THE LIFE 12 16 18 24 26 34 38 42 48 50 54 58 89 96 98 100 102 112

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS STATEMENTS COVET TASTE SHELTER VIRTUOSO EXPERIENCE THE CANVAS WHEELS WINGS WATER EVENTS MOD SELECTS THE SCENE THE QUOTE THE CONCIERGE ENCORE

FEATURES

60 66 72

Former tennis superstar Ana Ivanovic was once the no. 1 tennis player in the world. Now retired, the Serbian beauty is settling into life in Chicago with her husband, Chicago Fire player Bastian Schweinsteiger. We talk with Ivanovic about her love for Chicago, philanthropy and family.

IF YOU BUILD IT A host of luxury developments are set to hit Chicago’s skyline in the next few years, upping the luxury quotient in neighborhoods all around the city. ChicagoMOD takes a closer look at the developers reinvigorating these neighborhoods with innovative and exciting commercial and mixed-use buildings.

CIAO, PUGLIA! ChicagoMOD pays a visit to Puglia, exploring why it’s Italy’s best-kept secret. Hint: think picturesque landscapes and delicious cuisine.

78

BIENVENUE, SUMMER!

84

A CUT ABOVE

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: FRANK ISHMAN SHOT ON LOCATION AT VIRGIN HOTELS CHICAGO ON THE COVER: JACKET BY J. MENDEL, $9,900; SHIRT BY ADAM LIPPES, $95; JEANS BY MOTHER, $200; NECKLACE BY CHRISTIAN DIOR, $2,300; CUFF BY CHRISTIAN DIOR, $1,200; BAG BY MANSUR GAVRIEL, $1,095; ALL FROM NEAPOLITAN COLLECTION, 560 CHESTNUT STREET, WINNETKA

ANA IVANOVIC ACING LOVE & LIFE OFF COURT

The summer trends selected by ChicagoMOD Fashion Editor Eric Himel are hot, hot, hot! From the white beaches of Côte d’Azur to the streets of Paris, he has you covered with this season’s best looks. Wearing these styles will have you looking runway-ready in no time.

It’s no secret Chicago hosts some of the country’s best steakhouses. In this issue of ChicagoMOD, we dive into the world of premier steaks and let you in on the best cuts money can buy here in the Windy City.

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PUBLISHER

ChicagoMOD Launches in Style It was going to take more than a strong spring rain to put a damper on ChicagoMOD’s premiere at none other than Morgan Manufacturing. This was especially true given our red carpet lineup which included Chicago Fire and cover star Taylor Kinney, Chicago Fire’s Monica Raymund and Miranda Rae Mayo, Hamilton actors Miguel Cervantes and Christopher Lee, Step Up actress Drew Sidora, singer Lili K, Rockit Ranch Productions founder Billy Dec and more! With 300-plus VIP guests in attendance and over 28 million digital impressions, I couldn’t ask for a warmer reception from our great city of Chicago.

We also had the tremendous support of our sponsors: Bal Harbour, Jack Daniel’s, Fletcher Jones Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin of Chicago, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Caesarstone, Stolen Rum and Steadfast.

The event was a great success, and I am most thrilled that we were able to raise more than $20,000 for our partners at the 100 Club of Chicago. We are so honored to be able to support this cause and will continue to do so in addition to many other local charities.

In continuing to provide the Chicago metropolitan area with the most intriguing content, we are extremely proud to have another notable Chicagoan on our cover, Grand Slam winner Ana Ivanovic. After dominating the women’s tennis world for more than a decade and being ranked no. 1 in the world in 2008, Ivanovic has become an international icon for strong, aspiring women. She just recently started calling this great city home, and we couldn’t be happier to share how Chicago is contributing to her “Life Well Lived.”

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ALSO SUMMER CHIC DOLCE & GABBANA x SMEG THE HOT SPOTS: FROM GOLD COAST TO LAKE SHORE

CIAO, PUGLIA!

Uncovering Italy’s Best-Kept Secret

Filled with diverse landscapes, trullis, olive trees, delicious cuisine and magnificent masserie to ensure your Italian getaway is utterly relaxing, Puglia will make travelers fall head over heels for the heel of the Italian boot.

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ANA IVANOVIC FROM INTERNATIONAL GRAND SLAM WINNER TO MICHIGAN AVENUE STYLE ICON

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CONTRIBUTORS

Kerrie Kennedy

What is the staple piece of your wardrobe?

Eric Himel

“A pair of white denim frayededge shorts. During the day

“Shoes, shoes, shoes. They are

they look great with a T-shirt,

the second thing people look

and at night I dress them up

at after your face and they are

with a silk blouse, a belt and

the most fun to buy!”

espadrilles.”

Simon Murray

Dom Miliano

Frank Ishman

“I’m a big fan of chinos

“Comfortable shoes! I grew

“Well, I’m somewhat a crea-

because they go from busi-

up so poor, I couldn’t pay

ture of habit. I really only wear

ness-friendly to casual by

attention. My family bought

3/4 things with slight varia-

simply switching up what kind

our shoes at the Salvation

tion based on the weather. If

of shirt you’re wearing: from

Army. When I got my first

something major comes in,

button-ups to a simple T-shirt.

good pair of shoes (a gift from

something leaves. The only

I also find them to be more

a rich relative), I polished them

staple for me are my hats.

comfortable than jeans.”

every day. Today, a good pair

As much as I care about my

of well-made shoes, even if I’m

clothes, I don’t. There’s noth-

wearing blue jeans, makes me

ing I wouldn’t lay down on the

smile and keeps my feet hap-

dirty ground, well… everything

py, too. I’m especially partial

but my hats.”

Jill Brooke “A cozy soft cashmere cardigan made by White + Warren that is buttonless and sways in the wind. Have two in beige and pink. It’s so light I can carry it in my bag and wear it inside when air conditioners start their arctic blast after the warm outdoor sun.

I also always carry it for airplane travel.”

to Allen Edmonds.”

16

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

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The Life STATEMENTS

SIMPLE ELEGANCE “A top-tier athlete in her field with legs up to my neck—there’s nothing to complain about styling Ana Ivanovic. When you add in uber confidence in front of the camera, knowing all of her angles and a smile that would light up any room, styling Ana is how every day should be at the office for a stylist. Her energy and curiosity on set were infectious. Game, set, match.”

–Eric Himel

WHAT SHE’S WEARING Pants by Co, $795; top by Sally LaPointe, $550: Neapolitan Collection, 560 Chestnut Street, Winnetka. Shoes

by Christian Louboutin, $895, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, price upon request; earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, $11,100: Van Cleefs & Arpels Michigan Avenue.

THE TEAM Photography by Frank Ishman Styling by Eric Himel Makeup by Jenny Patinkin Hair by Renee Feldman

HIS

BY EMMA REYNOLDS

Entertain with Inspiration The Storied Table celebrates one of the greatest joys of entertaining through a carefully curated collection of globally sourced hand crafted dinnerware, tabletop and textile products.

The Storied Table | 312-829-2800 | www.thestoriedtable.com

The Life STATEMENTS

HIS

BY EMMA REYNOLDS

Yacht-approved and jet-setter ready, let your wardrobe reflect the transition to warmer weather.

Classically fitted sport coats, flashy embellishments and sport-inspired wearables are on the style menu this season.

BARTON PERREIRA ROUX ROUND-FRAME ACETATE AND SILVER-TONE SUNGLASSES Whether you’re cruising on a yacht or heading to work in a sharp suit, these sporty Barton Perreira sunglasses take you through it all. The frames, handcrafted in Japan in a limited quantity, feature a tonal-blue acetate spliced with engraved silver-tone inserts. The round frame and darkgrey lenses lend a low-key yet sophisticated touch to the true gentleman. Available at MrPorter.com, $595

LANVIN RHODIUM-PLATED ONYX CUFFLINKS As a man about town, your sophistication and savviness show in the details. These Lanvin rhodium-plated cufflinks set with black onyx speak volumes. They’re perfect for the non-flashy man with a discerning appetite for the finer things in life. Available at MrPorter.com, $290

ROBERT GRAHAM VARUN MIXED-WEAVE SPORT COAT Going beyond the mix of fabrics and trims, Robert Graham pulls from history, vintage motifs and awesome landmarks for each of his pieces. The Varun sport coat features mixed herringbone, dot and plaid weaves in a navy-blue hue. A two-button front with horn button gives way to a classically fitted sport coat. Available at Neiman Marcus Retailers and NeimanMarcus.com, $798

LOUIS VUITTON LOYALTY RICHELIEU Seeing is believing when it comes to the perfectly handcrafted quality of any Louis Vuitton product — and these Loyalty Richelieu calf leather brogues are no exception. This ultra-sleek shoe exudes sophistication for a truly modern look. Featuring decorative perforations, invisible stitching and fashion-forward lines, it’ll be hard to take these off your feet as you’re heading from meetings to the jet. Available at Louis Vuitton Retailers and LouisVuitton.com, $1,340

The Life STATEMENTS

HERS

Fringe. Carats. Cutouts. As your wardrobe flows from spring to summer, remember it’s all in the details. From the diamonds on your wrist to the shoes that adorn your feet, don’t be afraid to play with creative textures and designs.

TIFFANY & CO. BRACELET IN PLATINUM WITH BAGUETTE AND ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMONDS From the Art of the Wild in the Tiffany 2017 Blue Book Collection, this magnificent piece, Diamonds in Motion, is inspired by one of the earth’s most fascinating elements: water. The dazzling diamonds across a cobblestone pavé bracelet will stop onlookers in their tracks. Available at Tiffany & Co. Retailers, price available upon request

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO JACQUARD FRINGE ANKLE STRAP SANDALS Italy’s most stylish designer just so happens to have made the next “it” shoe for spring. This ankle strap sandal from Salvatore Ferragamo features jacquardstyle fringe in bright, bold colors. The rose gold heel and lining give the shoes a vibrant look that’s marvelous when paired next to a fringe texture. Make a statement with them during summer parties in the Hamptons or on Fifth Avenue. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue and SaksFifthAvenue.com, $625

ROGER VIVIER VIV’ CABAS GUIPURE No accessory reflects summertime freshness better than an intricately detailed handbag. Roger Vivier’s Viv’ Cabas Guipure in leather features waterjet cut Guipure detailing, a top handle, metal buckles and a leather removable strap. The bag comes in a trapezium shape and is so utterly Parisienne and elegant that you won’t want to be seen toting anything else. Available at Nieman Marcus Michigan Avenue and RogerVivier.com, $3,850

MARNI GEOMETRIC ACETATE SUNGLASSES Metallic touches and extraordinary shapes are elements you should seek in any accessory, and these Marni sunnies do it all. A sleek and sexy geometric shape flatters most faces, but it’s the gold embellishments on the lower half of the frame that make this pair stand out. Accessorize with pastels or an all-white ensemble to make these really pop. Available at Neiman Marcus Retailers and NeimanMarcus.com, $495

THIS IS A RETURN HOME...

PLACING THE HEALING ENERGIES OF THE EARTH RIGHT INTO YOUR HANDS.

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The Life COVET

The World’s Most Coveted Carryalls Even if you don’t take them out the door with you every day, each intricately stitched and sourced purse is a coveted carryall no matter how often you use it.

They know no season, they know no era, they know no fad. These designer bags, timeless and elegant, are the investments of a lifetime. u

LOUIS VUITTON x JEFF KOONS COLLECTION In 1965, Audrey Hepburn asked Louis Vuitton to create a smaller version of the iconic Keepall bag that was first released in the 1930s, which resulted in the creation of the Speedy. Since then, the Speedy has been recreated in different sizes and prints and remains one of the most iconic shapes in the brand’s history. Louis Vuitton’s recent collaboration with contemporary artist Jeff Koons saw the Speedy 30 come to life in a new way. Koons brought imagery from his Gazing Ball paintings — a series of large-scale hand-painted reproductions of works by the Old Masters — to a range of Louis Vuitton products, including the Speedy 30, the Keepall and the Neverfull. His collection features interpretations of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Titian’s Mars, Venus, and Cupid, Peter Paul Rubens’ The Tiger Hunt, Fragonard’s Girl With Dog and Vincent Van Gogh’s A Wheatfield With Cypresses. Available at Louis Vuitton retailers and LouisVuitton.com, from $2,800 to $4,000

24 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

BY EMMA REYNOLDS

HERMÈS VERROU CHAINE MINI

u

Since 1837, Hermès has been offering world-class leather goods for lifestyle and home, as well as perfume, jewelry, watches and ready-towear. This French high-fashion luxury goods manufacturer, best known for the Birkin bag, sets its sights high this season with the Verrou Chaine Mini. The evening bag features a long palladium-coated chain strap and is formed with clean lines and a bold clasp. It’s available in a variety of colors and skins: goatskin, Doblis calfskin and alligator. Available at Hermès Retailers, $8,000

u

CHANEL GABRIELLE BAG Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was an advocate for women and Chanel’s spring/summer 2017 ready-to-wear collection honors that with the latest Gabrielle bag. Drawing from a futuristic spirit with a touch of classic Coco, the bag is elegant while honoring the timeless tradition of Chanel. Both practical and eye-catching, it’s designed to be worn in three different ways and comes in a variety of colors, sizes and textures. Available at Chanel Retailers and Chanel.com, $3,100

GOYARD SAINT LOUIS TOTE

u

The colorful, eye-catching pieces from the French trunk and leather-goods maker Goyard have become a novelty to own.

What’s so timeless about Goyard is its ability to borrow from the past and make it an elegant statement of the modern era. The most iconic piece, the Saint Louis tote, is fabricated from Goyardine canvas with leather detail and an interior pouch.

Available at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, Chicago, $1,560

The Life TASTE

AN ENTERTAINING IDEA ChicagoMOD dishes with Wendy Pashman—founder of Entertaining Company and The Storied Table—about her passion for food, travel, philanthropy, and planning the perfect party.

BY ELAINE DOREMUS

B

esides being a wildly successful en-

for ethnic food. After working in the cor-

trepreneur and curator of luxuri-

porate world, I decided I wanted to be my

ous experiences, Wendy Pashman

own boss and follow my passion for food

cares deeply about creating beauty and

and working with a team that shared my

giving back. We sat down with her to talk

interest. My first large client came to me

about her journey, and the natural pro-

quite by accident. I met a friend who was

Wendy Pashman, How do you apfounder of proach something Entertaining Company and basic, like hamburgStoried Table. ers or barbecue, to make it a unique and memorable experience?

gression from creating luxury party expe-

complaining about having to make dessert

When given the choice, most people, it

riences to curating collections of artisanal

for her husband’s office party of 150, and

seems, love the most basic comfort food and

linens and tableware for the home.

I volunteered. That party became my first

so we are constantly coming up with ways to

paying corporate client.

elevate the experience. We do this through

What was your inspiration behind starting Entertaining Company (EC) 28 years ago?

selection of trays, food signage and condiments, not to mention using hand-baked

I was always in love with food and gather-

What is your creative process?

Can you describe how an event evolves?

ing around the table. Growing up outside

We recently were asked to cater a special sur-

a big Chicago-centric hit to end a party. By

of New York City, our family was food ob-

prise party for the wife of a VIP living out of

creating amazing EC gardiniera with bell

sessed and thought nothing of driving two

the country. We were given short notice for

and jalapeño peppers, carrots and celery, we

hours to an out-of-the-way neighborhood

this event of 300 guests and hadn’t met the

add a fresh texture to the Italian beef that is

guest of honor. We looked for a unique way

surprising when compared to the commer-

to design the menu since the guest list was

cial version most people are familiar with.

26 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

bread for the buns. We do so many latenight snacks at our weddings. Italian beef is

made up of sophisticated friends and family

Barbecue is really a fun starting point

who are not easily impressed. In the process

because in addition to the all-American

of planning, we learned where in the U.S. the

barbecue, we enjoy introducing our guests

honoree had grown up, as well as travelled

to worldly barbecue varieties like Japa-

and lived with her family. We developed the

nese, Thai and Indian. When a client calls

menu based on these places from high top

for barbecue, we often suggest familiar

cocktail table snacks to passed hors d’oeuvres

comfort preparations and a few out-of-

to dinner buffets. The client was very happy.

the-box surprises to tantalize guests.

To what do you attribute the success and longevity of your brand and the EC team?

Creating a cohesive talented team is probably the hardest thing to do in any creative business or any business for that matter!

There are so many layers to the catering business. There are a dizzying number of steps, and it takes amazing coordination, precision, teamwork and know-how. Every person on our team has skills that make them valuable to us. But more basic than that, they have an approach to the work we do that is more like a mission than a 9-to-5 job.

When evaluating and selecting people, we recognize that the people who are successful here want a job that is creative, high energy and always changing. They want to be passionate about satisfying clients and not resting until they do. That takes a person with a certain zeal and intensity, and we are constantly looking for people who fit that profile.

EC clearly stands out above other catering firms in Chicago.

Why is that?

Thank you! From the beginning, we always thought that catering was an approach to

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

27

The Life TASTE

guest satisfaction way beyond merely providing food. The goal is to continually work on improving and blending creative ideas, customer service and delicious food, and be able to produce the food excellently offsite in a field kitchen as if we were in a restaurant.

The dedication of our trained and tirelessly loyal staff is something we never take for granted and neither do our clients.

and observing the food and presentation

us in the office are constantly researching

Much of our business is repeat business

in an everyday setting. There’s quite a

online, in magazines, and pop culture to

from the same clients. Over time, we get

bit of food research I always do, whether

discover how we can add new and surpris-

to know these clients, what they like, what

going to a new Chicago neighborhood or

ing elements to our catered events.

they don’t like, how their homes and offices

overseas. For instance, my husband and

operate, and what vendors they work with

I recently travelled to Athens. Before

so we can all work together seamlessly.

going, I had done lots of research on

What was the inspiration for The Storied Table?

Athens neighborhoods, where authentic

The inspiration came from an idea about

You’ve been quoted as saying, “Coming up with new ideas is half the fun.” How do you keep your ideas fresh after all the parties you and your team have planned?

classical tavernas were located as well as

how great tabletop ideas made all of our food

hipster neighborhoods that took a more

sparkle! Even a humble slider looks amazing

pan-world approach. I searched out Greek

when passed from an interesting handmade

English-speaking food bloggers online to

tray. Our EC food has always been so artis-

see what they were mentioning, looked

anal and handcrafted and we thought our

Coming up with new ideas is a contin-

at Pinterest and Instagram, and followed

serving pieces should be nothing less. Our

ual process and is so much fun! Most of

people who were posting about Athens.

clients are design conscious and everyone

my ideas come from travel, where I am

After coming back, I had loads of new

eats with their eyes. I thought that people

relaxed and enjoying a different culture

ideas for Entertaining Company. All of

would enjoy being able to purchase inter-

esting, out-of-the-ordinary pieces for themselves and others for their own use.

How has The Storied Table evolved and where do you see it going from here?

Over time, we have added more artisanal products from American makers as well as our own designed textiles. We have experimented with selling solely on our website, on other sites like Top: Mikki wood board with beeswax finish.

Bottom: Sameera large silver metal round serving tray.

Houzz and Chairish, as well as at the Dose Markets. In

the future, I plan on discovering new emergent American

makers

and

Artisan Kajsa Cramer’s pieces are inspired by Nordic and Scandinavian designs.

giving them a place to sell their amazing creations as well as designing some of my own!

Tell us about the experiences you curate. How did they begin, what are the popular experiences, and where do you see that arm of the company headed?

My newly married daughter Anna has an attitude to “things” versus “experiences” that gave me the inspiration for the experiences on our Storied Table site. She did not want to register and accumulate more things. She thought she had what she needed as far as home elements and planned to live in an apartment. We added experiences to the Wedding Registry for this reason.

Going forward, I can see us expanding and

“Our EC food has always been so artisanal and handcrafted and we thought our serving pieces should be nothing less.”

moving the experiences into our regular EC

our line. Closer to home, my husband comes

duce from a Chicago local neighborhood

product offerings for anyone to enjoy, not

from an area near Pittsburgh where many

garden elevated in surprising ways to the

only marrying couples.

people are unemployed from the steel and

highest level of presentation and style. Our

coal industries. These people can build ev-

staff would be so honored to serve at this

erything. I’d like to find a way to work with

very important Chicago cultural event.

You are known for supporting needy people around the world.

Could you elaborate?

groups to employ people like these and create products for The Storied Table.

What is your personal definition of luxury?

Luxury, to me, is freedom. As a business

ried Table glassware and candles come from

What is the one event on your wish list you would absolutely love to plan?

a workshop where half the people are severe-

I would love Entertaining Company to

The person who can be free of limiting

ly disabled to the extent they are creating

cater the opening of the soon-to-be-built

thoughts and see beauty in the everyday

the glassware designs with their feet. When

Obama Library. I imagine the guest list

leads a luxurious life!

I saw this, I was immediately inspired by the

to be diverse with leaders from Chicago

artisans, and since I loved the glassware and

and all over the U.S. and world. The menu

For more information, visit Entertaining-

candles anyway, it was natural to add them to

would be farm to table, perhaps some pro-

Company.com and StoriedTable.com

When you travel, whether overseas or even in America, you discover the amazing things that people can do with their hands! Our Sto-

owner, luxury is when a client freely partners with us and we produce excellence.

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

29

The Life TASTE

CHICAGO WINS BIG AT

27TH ANNUAL JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARDS

BY EMMA REYNOLDS

D

ubbed the “Academy Awards of

sign categories were presented, as well as

the food world,” the James Beard

a number of special achievement awards,

Foundation hosted its 27th annu-

such as Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in

al Restaurant and Chef Awards and Gala

America, Lifetime Achievement, Design

Reception at the Lyric Opera of Chicago

Icon, America’s Classics and Humanitar-

on May 1. Enjoying the three-hour cere-

ian of the Year. Awards were presented in

mony and gala reception were two thou-

more than 25 categories.

sand guests, including celebrities, chefs,

Ferguson infused jovial and buzzy hu-

culinary aficionados, executives and food

mor well into the night, including a series

critics. The event was hosted by Emmy

of amusing outfit changes and a “mean

Award-nominated actor and food blog-

tweets” segment (à la Jimmy Kimmel’s

ger Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Awards in the

mean tweets) from chefs such as Rick

Restaurant and Chef and Restaurant De-

Bayless and Mario Batali. The theme of the evening was “Powered by Food” and focused on social media’s role in strength-

UPCOMING EVENTS

ening people’s relationships through food

Taste America: Chicago October 27 Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago, IL

all around the world. The awards, which began in 1990, were hosted in New York City for the first 24 years. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, they were set in Chicago and will

Chef Rick Bayless, 2017 winner of Outstanding Restaurant for Topolobampo, and his wife DeAnn.

Cooking Demo: Michael Voltaggio and Stephanie Izard October 28 Sur La Table: North Michigan Shops Chicago, IL

remain in the Windy City until 2021.

The JBF Gala: A Night of Award Winners November 10 Rainbow Room New York, NY

From Best New Restaurant Le Coucou in

“You may think it’s all steakhouses and

New York City to Outstanding Wine Pro-

encased meats here, but there’s a reason

gram Canlis in Seattle, winners from all

the James Beard Foundation moved its

over the nation got a chance to celebrate

awards show to Chicago in 2015: The city’s

30 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

one another’s accomplishments.

Culinary vets, newcomers and enthu-

Not forgotten was the city of Chicago,

siasts celebrated wins from coast to coast

which Condé Nast Traveler recently named

with no single region earning the most.

the best restaurant city in America.

Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark of Parachute.

chefs are some of the nation’s most creative and their restaurants are downright satisfying, whether you’re balling out on the riotous good time at Roister, having the best burger of your life alongside a chilled-to-perfection negroni at Au Che-

Mayor Rahm Emanuel takes the stage alongside president of the James Beard Foundation, Susan Ungaro.

val, or the greatest spicy tuna roll this side of Tsukiji at Katsu,” CNT editors wrote.

That lavish praise was borne out at this year’s ceremony.

First of this year’s Chicago winners was Rick Bayless, who won Outstanding Restaurant for his 28-year-old fine-dining Mexican restaurant, Topolobampo. This award recognizes restaurants that are 10 years or older that exemplify “a national standard bearer of consistent quality and excellence in food, atmosphere and service.” Bayless also won this award in 2007 for his famous Mexican restaurant, Frontera Grill.

First-time nominee Sarah Grueneberg, chef/owner of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, took home the award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. The Top Chef: Texas runner-up was personally mentored by Spiaggia chef/owner Tony Mantuano when she worked as a line cook there, eventually making her way up to executive chef. Gruen-

Best Chef: Great Lakes winner Sarah Grueneberg and friends.

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

31

The Life TASTE

eberg opened Monteverde in an effort to bring traditionally made Italian food to Chicago, and she doesn’t disappoint.

In total, 10 Chicagoans were nominated in such categories as Outstanding Restaurant Group, Outstanding Baker and Rising Star Chef of the Year. For the second year in a row, Chicago was nominated for all of the Best Chef: Great Lakes slots, which included Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde, Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark of Parachute, Abraham Conlon of

“You may think it’s all steakhouses and encased meats here, but there’s a reason the James Beard Foundation moved its awards show to Chicago in 2015...”

1

2

3

Fat Rice, Lee Wolen of Boka and Erling Wu-Bower of Nico Osteria.

In addition, Jenner Tomaska of Next was nominated for Rising Star Chef. In the

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

category of Outstanding Restaurateur, Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz of Boka Restaurant Group (Boka, Girl & the Goat, Momotaro and others) were nominated.

The gala reception featured food from former James Beard Foundation award recipients and nominees, who shared their dishes with the guests. Attendees had the chance to socialize and enjoy the evening with great cuisine and some of the industry’s most established chefs and restaurateurs.

See you in 2018!

1. Lee Wolen and wife 2. Erling Wu-Bower (left) and friends 3. Jenner Tomaska 4. Kevin Boehm, Susan Ungaro and Rob Katz 5. Marco Canora 6. Denise Cerreta 7. Steven Satterfield 8. Ronni Lundy 9. Rajat Parr

32

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

10. David 16. Meyer

ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION

5

3

10

17

4

11

6

12

18

13

19

James Beard was an American chef, cookbook author, teacher and television personality. A champion of American, French and Chinese cuisine, he mentored generations of professional chefs.

The James Beard Foundation was created in 1986 after his death and has awarded more than $5 million in financial aid to culinary students and professionals. Its mission is to celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders who make America’s food more delicious, diverse and sustainable.

The awards ceremony, which began in 1990, takes place annually near Beard’s birthday and celebrates fine cuisine around the world.

Each award is determined by a panel of industry professionals, and all JBF winners receive a certificate and a medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia.

10. David Burtka 11. Karen Brooks 12. America’s Classic Winner: Sahadi’s 13. Greg Vernick 14. Susan Grueneberg 15. Mark Furstenberg 16. Meyer Davis 17. AvroKO team 18. Evan Kleiman 19. Chris Hannah

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

33

The Life SHELTER

DEFINING STYLE

WE CAUGHT UP WITH THREE OF CHICAGO’S TOP FEMALE DESIGNERS TO GET THEIR TAKE ON WHAT MAKES A PERFECT ROOM — FROM COLOR AND TEXTURE TO ART AND ACCESSORIES. Ultimately, says Boyd, it’s all about sur-

BETH BOYD: THE COMPOSER

rounding clients with the things that are

It’s quite a stretch to go from lawyer to de-

meaningful to them to make them feel con-

signer, but that’s exactly what Beth Boyd

nected to their environment.

did. Since launching Wiley Designs in 1998,

One of Boyd’s most notable projects

Boyd has become known for well-com-

came in 2009, when she invested in a

posed, tailored spaces that maintain a bal-

100-plus-year-old house on Fullerton

ance of clean lines, textures and strategic

Avenue. “We gutted the house and com-

color. Her goal is to help clients find their

pletely redesigned the interior,” she says.

own aesthetic. “A lot of people are unsure

Months after selling the property, Boyd

how to articulate what they want,” she says.

was contacted by the new homeowners,

“So just talking to them and drawing them

who wanted her to do their interior design

out make a difference.”

and had no idea she was involved in the renovation. “It was a fun piece of synchronicity,” she says.

ARTFUL DESIGN: “Last year we moved and

opened an art gallery space in conjunction with our office. Our goal is to bring in work by artists and designers in a variety of media and to host events that encourage a conversation with the community around us and support art and design.”

RUG REVOLUTION: “There’s been a really in-

teresting evolution in rug design lately. Certainly, Persian and oriental rugs are classic and wonderful, but there’s been a great movement in artist-designed rugs.”

CEILING CHIC: “Don’t ignore the ceiling. It’s

an opportunity to make everything else in the space feel completely pulled together.

White can be fine, but why not do something more interesting?”

34 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

BY KERRIE KENNEDY

JESSICA LAGRANGE: THE CLASSICIST

ite spaces to design is the powder room. It’s

When Jessica Lagrange takes on new cli-

We once covered the walls of a powder room

ents, her first goal is to understand how

in gold leaf behind glass (Verre Églomisé).

they live. “What is their lifestyle?” she says.

It looked like the inside of a jewel box.”

“How do they entertain? The more I know

SCALE SAVVY: “Scale and proportion are re-

about my clients, the better I can tailor the

ally important. There’s so much oversized

project to their needs.”

furniture out there. You have to remember,

such a small space you can really take a risk.

Lagrange eliminates her own personal

things look different in showrooms from

aesthetic from the mix as much as possible.

how they do in your home. If a piece of fur-

“I purposely don’t have a signature style,”

niture is out of proportion, it just won’t look

she says. “I pride myself on the fact that ev-

right. And before you get it in the living

erything we do is geared to the individual.”

room, it has to fit in the freight elevator first.”

That said, Lagrange steers her clients away from the trendy whenever possible, guiding them instead toward classic design.

“Interior design is a huge investment, so it needs to age well,” she says. “I help my clients choose thoughtful, classic pieces that they’re never going to grow tired of.”

A graduate of the interior architecture program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a veteran of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Lagrange opened her own design firm in 1998, focusing on custom residential design for a wide variety of clients. The projects themselves are equally diverse, from the 30,000-square-foot new construction home in Lincoln Park she’s currently working on to a sumptuous fullfloor apartment in the old Playboy Mansion that Lagrange recently brought back to its former glory.

LIGHTEN UP: “I’m getting tired of dark

woods, dark floors and dark furniture.

Lighter bleached woods are softer and work so well with neutrals, which are always in.”

POWDER ROOM POWER: “One of my favor-

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

35

The Life SHELTER

ILENE CHASE: THE ARTIST

cookie cut. I love to take a room and texturize it, twist it and give it something unique.”

Ilene Chase grew up with artist parents,

Whether engaged in a historic remodel

studied art history and textiles at Indiana

of a landmark home in Old Town built after

University, and then became an artist her-

the Chicago Fire that involved numerous

self, creating rugs and oversized murals

trips to Paris, or her most current project — a

for clients throughout the 1990s. She also

new construction 23,000-square-foot home

worked at a kitchen and bath showroom,

in Northfield with a 55-foot pool and cabana

gaining hands-on experience in what she

in the backyard (not to mention a basement

calls “behind-the-scenes functional design.”

housing both a beauty shop and bar from the

“In design, every inch counts,” she says.

owner’s former hotel in Colorado) — Chase

“Perfect placement and spacing are require-

focuses her artist’s eye on creating unique,

ments for all my projects.”

personalized spaces that meet her clients’

When her art clients started asking her

needs and never go out of style.

to transform more than just the walls of

MODERN MIX: “Right now, industrial mid-cen-

GOODBYE GRAY: “Gray and white color

their homes, Chase launched her own inte-

tury modern is taking over mid-century mod-

schemes, plastered over every single shel-

rior design firm 20 years ago. In a sense, she

ern. We are leaning towards more natural

ter magazine, no longer look fresh to me.

never stopped being an artist. “Almost ev-

materials and reclaimed woods, which adds

There’s no individuality, no uniqueness, and

erything I do for my clients, I make myself,”

an earthy warmth to cold modern glass and

no personality to them anymore.”

she says. “I only buy what I have to — I don’t

metals. I love pairing medias together!”

SCULPTURAL STYLE: “I can make a home look

Ilene Chase:

so much higher end with applied moldings.

Picture molding gives dimension to flat walls, and great paint can make a piece of furniture look like it’s from Italy. Textures do the same thing. The wrong material can make a sofa look cheap and dated, but cover it in black velvet and suddenly it’s rich and dramatic.”

36 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

The Life

VIRTUOSO

BY EMMA REYNOLDS

SHOWBIZ SHELLY

A

s the Entertainment Reporter for

dio every day and getting to talk about the

Chicago’s B96 Radio, Michelle

main things everyone’s talking about, even

Menaker, better known as Show-

just a little bit, when they go to work or to

biz Shelly, has built her career around the

school. I love getting to share it with peo-

pop-culture beat. The seasoned veteran,

ple and engaging in conversation about it.

who attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, has a deep

What advice do you have for other

passion for Chicago and its ever-expand-

people trying to break into the

ing A-list entertainment. ChicagoMOD

entertainment/radio industry?

sat down with Showbiz Shelly, who hosted

I always say to try to start with an intern-

the red carpet for our launch event, to talk

ship in whatever area you’re looking to be

about how she got her start in the world of

in, especially if you’re in college figuring

reporting.

out your path. You can see what it’s like behind the scenes, meet people and make Michelle Menaker

You’re the Entertainment Reporter for

a lot of contacts. It’s a good way to get your

B96 Radio. How did you get your start?

foot in the door and see what you like and

I started at Northwestern University at the

don’t like as well as get to know manage-

ers or callers. You also have to have a thick

Medill School of Journalism, and I’ve al-

ment and other people at the company.

skin because you’ll be turned down a lot and

ways leaned towards entertainment. I’ve

I would say, too, be patient and work really,

told no a lot in this business, whether you’re

always been very bubbly, so it seemed like

really hard. Don’t be afraid to engage other

looking for a job somewhere or reaching out

a good fit with my personality. During my

people for ideas in the area you’re looking to

for an interview with someone. You can’t let

sophomore year, I asked the night show

get into. Talk to them and don’t be afraid to

that deter you or get you off track, especially

guys at B96 if they needed an intern, and

get advice. Be really authentic and genuine

if it’s something you really want.

they did, so I worked with them for a year

with what you decide to do. It will help with

and a half. Towards the end of my intern-

your success if you’re genuinely interested

What are some ways you got to where

ship, they gave me an entertainment sec-

in whatever you’re pursuing and not trying

you are now?

tion called Shelly’s Street Talk, which I did

to be someone you’re not.

I have a genuine passion for pop culture

every Monday night. The boss heard it, and he was looking for females at the time

What traits should someone have if

to be a part of what’s happening in the city.

for the morning show. I joined the morn-

they’re looking to get into the media

When people didn’t know who I was, I had

ing show, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

industry?

to reach out and ask them if they would

One of the main things is being curious. I

come on the show or be on my blog. People

What do you like about doing the

love to ask a lot of questions, which is why I

tell me that I’m everywhere all the time,

entertainment beat?

like doing interviews so much. I like to know

and I probably am. I try to go to as many

I love being a part of what’s happening in

people, and I have a genuine curiosity about

entertainment/celebrity events as I can. I

the city or even in the world by being on ra-

people whether they’re celebrities or listen-

also love hosting events.

38

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

SULEEN LEE

and entertainment, and I love just getting

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The Life

VIRTUOSO

NICOLE LAPIN

N

icole Lapin is a finance journalist,

How did your experience on CNN, CNBC

news anchor, author and money

and Bloomberg lead you to create Nothing

guru. Ten years ago, you could see

But Gold Productions and your own brand?

her talking finance with the boys on net-

I was on network news reaching an audience

work news channels such as CNN, CNBC

that already knew about business. Anyone

and Bloomberg. Today, Lapin — a North-

could tell you what the Dow and Nasdaq

western University grad who got her start

were doing overnight. My goal was to make

on the floor of Chicago’s Mercantile Mart

that content accessible to a mainstream

— is an entrepreneur who has taken her fi-

audience who wanted to know deep down

nance expertise mainstream with her media

about business and finance content, but

think being the boss of you is something that’s

company, Nothing But Gold Productions,

wasn’t given it in a way that was interesting,

portable no matter where you go. Women in

and her two books, Rich Bitch and Boss

jargon-free, accessible and entertaining. My

particular go through a lot of different stages

Bitch. ChicagoMOD caught up with the

goal was to reach that audience, who I think

in our careers. We can work for somebody

savvy businesswoman to discuss everything

was hungry, especially zeitgeisty. A lot of

else, we can start our own business, we can

from demystifying the finance talk to being

people want to be an entrepreneur, but we

be the CEO of our family or lots of other per-

your own boss.

don’t learn that stuff in school. I felt like there

meations in between. The career well had is

was a white space in the market for financial

more like a rope swing than a career ladder, so

What inspired you to go into finance?

content to reach that type of audience, and I

owning that confidence, being a boss and hav-

I totally fell into it by accident. I grew up

felt uniquely positioned to fill that.

ing your own brand can take you anywhere.

tion American, and we never talked about

Who is your audience and why?

What are some secrets to demystifying

business or money or anything like that. I

I wanted to speak to myself, the girl that was

finance?

wanted to be in journalism. I went to North-

totally clueless, and the girl who was smil-

You can’t bury your head in the sand just be-

western University. I stalked a station chief

ing and nodding instead of joining money

cause it sounds like gibberish. When I started

at a company in Chicago called Weigel

conversations. I wanted to democratize the

speaking the language of money, it sounded

Broadcasting. He asked me if I knew any-

information to an audience that actually

like I was in China and didn’t speak Chinese.

thing about business, and I knew nothing

needed it most. My audience is my former

Once you learn the language, you can join the

— I was super clueless, but I lied and I said

self, particularly a girl who is 18 to 35. Those

conversation. I think that’s the biggest deter-

yes. I figured it out the hard way. I learned

are the audiences for my books, Rich Bitch

rent and the thing that keeps us from actually

the language of business and money on the

and Boss Bitch, and my column for Redbook.

dealing with our own finances or our own ca-

floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange

I think that if you try to be all things to all

reer, because we’re a little bit too scared. This

and the Chicago Board Options Exchange

people, especially in media, you’re nothing

is something that’s easily figured out if you

and the Chicago Board of Trade. I realized

to no one.

put a little more effort into it.

just don’t have a Rosetta Stone to be able to

What are the inspirations behind your

For this generation of career-oriented

speak the language growing up. I not only

two books, Rich Bitch and Boss Bitch?

women, what are a few pieces of advice?

learned to speak the language, but I spoke it

They can teach a lot. My latest book is 400

It’s about treating yourself like a boss. If you

to the world.

pages of a lot of lessons about being the boss. I

don’t, no one else will.

Nicole Lapin

in an immigrant family as a first-genera-

it’s just a language like anything else. We

40 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

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The Life EXPERIENCE

THE ONE AND ONLY

PENINSULA With new locations on the horizon in London and Myanmar and recent upgrades to many of its 10 award-winning hotels, now is the ideal time to experience this elite hotel group’s brand of elusive Far Eastern graciousness spanning three continents.

T

he Peninsula’s elite hotel group, owned by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Ltd., has been synonymous with timeless luxury and world-class service for nearly eight

decades. As much as the brand has been committed to preserving its magnificent heritage, it is equally dedicated to defining the future of bespoke luxury. To this end, every one of the 10 Peninsula hotels on the three continents of Asia, Europe and North America is continually upgrading its amenities and exclusive programming and experiences.

Each hotel offers its own distinct and unique features and experiences while maintaining the defining elements of the Peninsula’s extraordinary brand: elegance, style, unsurpassed service and the finest attention to detail. The Peninsula Academy program, for instance, allows each location to offer its own selection of curated experiences for guests of all ages that reflect select cultural and city-specific experiences. The Peninsula Hotels also have been long celebrated for their eclectic collection of transportation choices — ranging from Rolls-Royces to Minis, BMWs, tuk tuks, helicopters, jeepneys, river-

boats and even a yacht — depending on the city. To add to the exclusivity, the only four 1934 vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom II vehicles left in the world are available to guests at the Peninsula Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Paris.

42 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

The Peninsula Suite living room.

BY ELAINE DOREMUS

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

43

The Life EXPERIENCE

Peninsula Hotels offer an extensive variety of meeting and event

advanced in-room technology and exclusive new guest experiences.

rooms, including ones ideal for elegant weddings and special occa-

The fresh new contemporary interiors convey a contemporary attitude

sions, as well as spas, fitness centers, pools, sun decks, multiple din-

that takes design cues from luxury yachts, such as fine-wood finishes,

ing options and other bespoke services. Here, we provide an in-depth

lush fabrics and rich leathers.

look at the recently renovated Peninsula Chicago along with a snap-

Each of the 74 redesigned suites showcases custom artwork and

shot of unique aspects of the nine other Peninsulas around the globe.

a hand-embroidered silk chrysanthemum (the official flower of Chicago) art wall, along with hand-painted artisan glass elements. The

SPOTLIGHT: CHICAGO

Chicago location introduced the brand’s signature tablet technology

Known for its special blend of Far Eastern graciousness and Midwest-

to the United States. Available in 11 languages, the bespoke tablets

ern hospitality, the Peninsula Chicago has been awarded numerous

make all room functions, including lighting, temperature and TV

accolades, including the prestigious Forbes Five Star and the AAA Five

channels, accessible with just one touch.

Diamond awards for the past 14 years. To mark its 15th anniversary

The Peninsula Chicago simultaneously debuted three new ser-

last June, the hotel completed a com-

vice initiatives: 24-hour check-in for web bookings, a mobile con-

prehensive guest-room redesign that

cierge service, and its signature Keys to the City program, which

features reimagined decor, the most

offers 15 curated special-access-only experiences to some of Chi-

View of Victoria Harbour at the Peninsula Hong Kong.

44 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

BY NICOLE FONZINO

cago’s most desirable restaurants, arts, culture and activities. One such experience is a private kitchen tour at the three Michelin star restaurant, Grace.

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE: In February, the signature Peninsula Spa Chi-

cago debuted a series of exclusive luxurious spa facial treatments with the premier French skincare company, Biologique Recherche.

The brand is known for its results-oriented comprehensive skincare products and clinical approach to beauty using only the most pure, concentrated and raw ingredients, as well as innovative and meticulous procedures. The Peninsula Chicago Spa is the first and only spa in Chicago to carry the French line, which is now available at all three Peninsula Spa locations in the U.S. UNIQUE TO CHICAGO: With tickets to the hit Broadway musical, Ham-

ilton, nearly impossible to get, the hotel is currently offering a Hamilton Nights room package, which includes two premier orchestra-seat tickets to the sold-out show.

DINING AND SPECIAL EVENTS: Honoring its long

heritage and roots in China, the AAA Four Diamond Awarded Shanghai Terrace, overseen by Executive Chef de Cuisine Elmo Han, features a

From top: the sky rink; spa relaxation room; executive suite entrance; and the spa sundeck, all at the Peninsula Chicago.

menu of traditional Shanghainese and Cantonese dishes with an authentic Asian ambiance. The private dining room can accommodate parties up to 30, and guests can enjoy outdoor dining at Shanghai Terrace during summer months.

The Peninsula Chicago also offers Afternoon Tea made famous at the Peninsula in Hong Kong, as well as a weekly Chocolate at the Pen — the signature chocolate bar described as a “veritable buffet feast of elegant bite-sized chocolate desserts and morsels”— on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Known for its special blend of Far Eastern graciousness and Midwestern hospitality, the Peninsula Chicago has been awarded numerous accolades.

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

45

The Life EXPERIENCE

Peninsula Hotels Around the Globe North America Beverly Hills The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, the Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 12 private rooftop pool cabanas available for spa treatments and exclusive private dining experiences.

Peninsula Academy Highlights: • An afternoon of shopping with a Hollywood stylist • Red-carpet glamour photo shoot New York The Peninsula New York is housed in a 1905 landmark building in the heart of the city’s most prestigious shopping, entertainment and cultural district. The newly unveiled Fifth Avenue Suite reflects a modern design reminiscent of a grand New York apartment overlooking Fifth Avenue.

Peninsula Academy Highlights: • Taste of Central Park: Foraging Tour and Picnic • Behind the Broadway Curtain: A Broadway Experience With a Post-show Meet and Greet Asia Highlights: The rooftop helipads of the Peninsula Hotels in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Manila offer guests Fold Your Way to Fun: Origami for Kids at the Peninsula Tokyo.

quick and easy access by helicopter to the airport and destinations around their respective cities.

Bangkok Peninsula luxury meets sophisticated Thai charm for the ultimate cultural experience. With breathtaking views of the river and the city, the serene three-tiered outdoor pool measures 288 feet and is flanked by Thai salas for relaxing in style.

Unique to Bangkok: Take advantage of the hotel’s iconic Peninsula Green Tuk Tuk. Cruise along the Chao Phraya River in a beautifully restored Peninsula rice barge and catch a glimpse of riverside life in Bangkok.

Beijing Following its recent landmark renovation, this iconic Peninsula Beijing location boasts the only allsuite hotel — with unique elements such as loft-style apartments and home theatres in rooms starting at 65 square meters in size.

Highlights: Take a rickshaw ride through a Hutong neighborhood to get an inside look at traditional Chinese life and architecture.

Hong Kong Known as the “Grande Dame of the Far East,” the Peninsula Hong Kong was the first Peninsula Hotel, opened in 1928.

Peninsula Academy Highlights: •A Gastronome’s Joy: The Dim Sum Making Journey •T ime-honoured Art: Let the Lanterns Light the Way Manila The Peninsula Manila is known affectionately as the “Jewel in the Capital’s Crown” for its legendary

46

presence in the heart of Makati City.

Unique to Manila: Offering 24hour dining and beverage service, the Lobby is the center of the Peninsula Manila and has been the meeting place of choice for the Philippines’ movers and shakers for 40 years.

Fun Fact: Nearly 140,000 pounds of chocolate are created each year in the hotel’s chocolate room Shanghai Opened on the historic riverfront Bund in 2009, the Peninsula Shanghai is the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels’ flagship hotel in mainland China.

Unique to Shanghai: The world’s first Peninsula Residences are considered the most luxurious and exclusive private residences in China. For shoppers, the Peninsula Arcade features a deluxe collection of luxury-brand boutiques.

Tokyo Superbly located in the prestigious business district of

The Peninsula Paris offers luxury accommodations for guests’ dogs.

Marunouchi, the Peninsula Tokyo sits opposite the Imperial Palace and Hibiya Park within a minute’s walk to Tokyo’s answer to Rodeo Drive, the shopping capital of Ginza.

Peninsula Academy Highlights: • A Taste to Savour: Sake Brewery Tour • Fold Your Way to Fun: Origami for Kids Europe Paris Housed in an exquisitely restored 19th-century French building, the Peninsula Paris is a veritable showcase of French heritage and savoir faire. The classic edifice that first opened in 1908 as one of Paris’ leading grand hotels in the heart of the 16th arrondissement is perfectly situated just steps from the Arc de Triomphe.

Historical Note: In 1928, George Gershwin wrote An American in Paris while staying at the hotel.

Eat. Drink.

Lose track of time.

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The Life CANVAS

Takashi Murakami Brings Masterpiece to Museum of Contemporary Art for Its 50th Birthday World-renowned artist Takashi Murakami unveiled his highly anticipated new exhibit, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats His Own Leg, and ChicagoMOD was on hand for the premiere.

T

akashi Murakami has dazzled the art and fashion worlds

brilliance to pop icons like Kanye West and fashion houses such

alike for decades, so it’s only fitting that his newest

as Louis Vuitton.

exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art also marks

A decade ago, West enlisted Murakami to create the cover

the Chicago institution’s 50th anniversary. Takashi Murakami:

artwork for his highly acclaimed third studio album Graduation.

The Octopus Eats His Own Leg, the artist’s new retrospective

The signature character on the album, aptly named the Kanye

that showcases three decades of his paintings, features some

Bear, was created by Murakami and personified the complex

of his earliest as well as most mature works, along with new

rapper’s adolescence. The cover, beloved by both West fans and

never-before-seen pieces. The exhibit is curated by MCA’s

music critics, inspired Murakami to create a sculpture of the bear.

Michael Darling and is on display from June 6 to September 24, presented in partnership with ComplexCon.

Murakami to redesign the fashion house’s iconic monogram logo,

The Museum of Contemporary Art, which has brought Chicagoans the coolest and most cutting-edge modern artwork for five decades, called on Murakami to celebrate the landmark anniversary. Murakami’s signature style, which he’s proudly named Superflat, is influenced and inspired by folklore and pop culture and immediately draws the viewer into his unique world.

His art fuses traditional Japanese painting techniques with a modern, flattened picture plane inspired by Japanese anime and manga.

“Takashi was interested in Chicago because of its hip-hop and urban culture,” says Darling. “We’ve worked together over the years and he has never shown an exhibit in Chicago, until now. He was excited by our city, particularly because of the culture and audience here.”

His immense popularity over the last few decades has earned him the nickname “the Warhol of Japan,” and he’s also received attention from some of the most sophisticated and influential artists and fashion designers of today. Murakami has lent his artistic touch and

48 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

Even earlier than that, in 2003, Louis Vuitton commissioned

727, 1996

BY WILL MENDELSON

creating a partnership that lasted for more than a decade, until 2015. The collection featured Murakami’s signature pop art–inspired colorful palette on a clean white background, which caught the eyes of celebrities such as

From top: Assignation of a Spirit, 2014; Kansei Gold, 2008; ZuZaZaZaZaZa, 1994; and Super Nova, 1999.

Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton.

In addition to the new group of paintings being revealed to the public for the first time, there’s the exhibit’s centerpiece: a 114-foot work consisting of more than 35 panels. And if you’re wondering about the inspiration behind the exhibit’s eccentric name, it stems from Japanese folklore regarding the process of rejuvenation. An octopus with a damaged leg can chew it off to make sure it survives, with a new one subsequently growing in its place. This metaphoric influence is evident in Murakami’s style of fusing prior works and Japanese history to create new ones.

Whether you’re a pop-culture fan or an art enthusiast, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg is sure to inspire and dazzle.

PHOTO BY CLAIRE DORN, COURTESY OF MCA CHICAGO “MURAKAMI”

For more information, visit MCAChicago.org.

The Life WHEELS

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

FOREVER COLLECTIBLE PORSCHE 918 SPYDER – PORSCHE 911 R

W

hile stocks, bonds, gold, art and real estate are considered by

ments, you have to buy wisely. Plunking down your money on an

financial advisors to be sound potential investments, if you

AMC Pacer, with apologies to Wayne’s World, isn’t going to net you

love driving cars, let me suggest another, more exciting option

much behind-the-wheel fun or upside potential profit. Experts say

for your investment dollars, yen, pounds and euros: modern sports cars.

investment-grade cars are ones made in limited numbers and have

Of course, as with the aforementioned more common invest-

thousands of loyal, passionate fans chasing after them. My personal

50 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

BY DOM MILIANO

favorite marque is Porsche. Here’s why…

A friend recently sold his over 65-year-old Porsche 356 for several hundred thousand dollars more than he paid 20 years ago. Another friend sold a rare 1952 Porsche roadster to the Porsche Museum for a reported seven-figure

The 2015 918 Porsche Spyder features a hightech interior including a full touch screen center console, Burmester® surround sound system and a multifunction sports steering wheel.

price tag. Even the 1950s Porsche Speedsters — introduced by importer Max Hoffman as tempting low-priced strippers — are commanding country-home bucks.

In fact, most Porsches with air-cooled engines (principally 911s and 356s) are experiencing solid market appreciation. However, unless you are well schooled in the minutiae of these classics, you risk buying a rust bucket in need of a complete restoration. That’s because early Porsches (pre-1976) were made of ungalvanized steel that quickly became food for the dreaded iron worms! So, if you’re considering buying an early Porsche, seek the advice of a well-respected authority (contact the Porsche Club of America for names of local experts). Although these early cars have their fans and can be fun to drive, modern Porsches are rust resistant, reliable and, quite

life I drive and I feel scared.”

frankly, thrilling to drive! Here are two I think are worth considering.

I have ridden with Röhrl on a twisting mountain road above

Unlike Ferrari, which brings a supercar to the market every de-

Monaco on the route of the Monte Carlo Rally. He is fearless and

cade or so (e.g., 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo and LaFerrari), Porsche

drove at the limit on a narrow road along the edge of a mountain a

is more conservative in its forays into the automotive stratosphere.

thousand meters high. If driving the Carrera GT got his attention,

The Porsche 959 — designed as a 1980s Group B Rally/Race en-

you know it’s a handful!

trant — was sold in the $300,000 range. Today, a well-maintained, low mileage 959 can garner seven-figure money at auction.

The latest Porsche supercar is the 918. It came to market with a nearly $1-million sticker and many smart, well-heeled buyers bought

The next supercar from Stuttgart was the Carrera GT. With a V10,

one and have stored it as an investment. I say, too bad for those folks!

605hp, mid-engine motor and carbon fiber chassis, these racecar-for-

These cars are gasoline/electric hybrids that have a combined nearly

the-street Porsches are holding their value with the best of the best

1,000hp. Top speed is estimated to be 200mph, 0-60 was measured

(concours d’elegance quality, super-low mileage), fetching nearly a

at 2.2 to 2.4 seconds (depending on the track and driver), and speeds

million dollars each at auction last year. That high price brought many

have reached sub-10-second quarter-mile times.

Carrera GTs to the forefront (the forces of supply and demand are at

Numbers alone can’t communicate what that kind of perfor-

work!) so the market has cooled, but $750,000 is currently the “ask”

mance is, though. A friend who was a passenger in a 918 that was

for the very best. Cars with high mileage still trade near $500,000.

accelerated to 100mph using the car’s launch control technology de-

However, if you’re looking for a fun car to drive, there are cave-

scribed the experience as dizzying and almost disorienting. Anoth-

ats. The Carrera GT’s handling characteristics were designed with

er friend, David Donohue, champion racecar driver and two-time

the input of World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, a man whose

winner of the Daytona 24 Hour race in a Porsche, has driven the 918

behind-the-wheel skills are second to none. Speaking to an Aus-

for magazine articles and, unlike the tricky handling of the Carrera

tralian auto magazine during the car’s development, Röhrl pointed

GT, describes it as the easiest car to drive fast he has ever tried. A

out that the Carrera GT is so powerful that it was “the first car in my

local owner in New Jersey who plans to possess the highest-mileage

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

51

The Life WHEELS

Porsche 918 in the world says it’s such a good a car that you can drive

class without having to build and sell the required 500 units required

it as if it were your ordinary commuter gas-and-go. It has no bad hab-

by the homologation dictates. The rules makers were too smart for

its and even gets decent fuel mileage.

this and, as a result, only twenty 911 Rs (and three prototypes) were

Although the car has recently gone out of production, a few have come to market, many with a very low number of odometer miles.

ever built, making them one of the most collectible and valuable 911s in the history of the marque.

Prices have varied with one currently being marketed for $2-million

The modern Porsche 911 R is not a “stripper” like its predecessor

that has been driven only 98 miles. As with all investments, market

but does have a few tricks up its sleeve that make it both a collec-

forces will affect resale prices, but these very modern and exciting,

tor’s and driver’s dream ride. First, it’s nearly 275 pounds lighter than

limited-production Porsches have the potential to be an appreci-

the racetrack-oriented GT3 RS. It achieves this by using a racecar-

ating asset with the added benefit of being an absolute joy to drive.

inspired carbon fiber hood and front fenders. The roof is made of a

One other interesting thing about the 918: if you were an original

super lightweight (but super strong) magnesium alloy. Tipping the

purchaser, Porsche offered you the opportunity to buy another limit-

scales at 3,021 lbs., it’s certainly heavier than the 1967 model, but an-

ed-production Porsche—the 911 R, the other model that has become

orexic when compared to other modern supercars.

an instant collectible.

Another surprise: the 500hp flat-six motor isn’t turbocharged.

The Porsche 911 R name harkens back to an earlier time when

This too is an homage to air-cooled Porsches that have gone before.

the original 1967 911 R was a lightweight racecar with a Carrera 6

In the old days, the Turbo label was reserved for a select group of

(906) 2.0 liter flat six tucked out back. Porsche got the weight down

cars, while normally aspirated Porsches were either fuel injected or

to an incredible 1,810 lbs. using fiberglass panels and other mea-

fueled by carburetors. The original 911 R had six carbs: no turbo. The

sures. The company hoped to use these cars for

new car comes to market with a wink and a nod to that heritage. Be-

production racing and tried to convince (read,

cause of current EPA rules and soon-to-arrive worldwide fuel-econ-

trick) the racing sanctioning bodies into allow-

omy standards, all performance-oriented cars are going with turbos.

ing these highly modified cars to run in stock

This is because of something engineers call volumetric efficiency. It’s

No rear seating and a manual transmission add to the lightweight nature of the 911 R.

52

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

geekspeak for lots of power on tap when you want it but good fuel

Car and Driver, “The R is an impressively neutral handler…you

mileage if you don’t drive with a heavy foot. Because the new 911 R is

would have to try hard to generate understeer. But predictably, this

a very limited production car, Porsche didn’t feel the need to worry

is no tail-happy hoon-mobile, either. The car just feels planted and

about MPG, just MPH!

forgiving.” Okay, I don’t know what a hoon-moble is either, but it

Of course, the new 911 R doesn’t have carburetors but does have

probably isn’t very good. More important, the magazine adds, “The

quite a few throwback touches that will make fans with knowledge

911 R is simply spectacular to drive. It is a joyous thing. And it’s proof

of the earlier cars smile. For example, the seats have houndstooth

positive that plenty of Germans know how to hang it all out there and

cloth inserts called “pepita,” a pattern popular in the 1960s cars. The

just have a good time.”

dashboard gauges even have the green markings of Porsches gone by!

That’s very cool to this ex-Porsche 356 owner.

But the biggest, and some would argue the best, 911 R feature is the slick-shifting 6-speed, genuine manual transmission. If you have never driven a sports car with a manual transmission, all I can say is that when you are in a good car on a great road with no traffic, expertly rowing up and down through the gears, matching revs to your speed, it’s a magical experience. The Porsche faithful all know this, and while the amazing 7-speed

The 911 R features luxe interiors including houndstooth bucket seats, 911 R stamped on the tachometer and two-tone leather.

PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) is faster on the racetrack and easier on the left foot in heavy traffic, lots of manual transmission fans exist and Porsche is only too pleased to give them what they crave.

Even casual fans know that the factory assigns a number to each model it builds. The early models were assigned the number 356.

While these cars came to our shores for a few bucks under

This tradition has continued with the current cars assigned the proj-

$190,000 without options, they are already finding their way to the

ect number 991. Since the 911 R falls under this umbrella, Porsche

secondary market and prices are climbing rapidly. First, there were

made the decision to build only 991 of the 911 R models worldwide.

only 300 Porsche 918 owners in the USA who could claim their 911

Initially, out of loyalty to its best customers, 918 buyers were offered

R birthright and not all of them grabbed the brass ring. That means,

the opportunity to buy a 911 R. Afterward, any not spoken for were

lucky buyers (maybe some were speculators) were able to get in at the

sold through the dealer network.

bargain-basement price. Of course, some have hit the auction circuit

I had the chance to meet the boss of Porsche’s GT division, An-

(a well-optioned one sold in February for $550,000) and sale prices

dreas Preuninger, last year at the NY Auto Show and he impressed

have been announced, so more may be sold and the market will speak.

me as a dedicated, passionate “car guy.” He readily admits that the

Perhaps shout? If you are looking for a rare, fun, exciting investment,

911 R isn’t as refined as the other 911 models. To get the weight down,

a Porsche 911 R may be exactly what your portfolio needs.

things like sound deadening and air conditioning are not part of the

Personal disclaimer: I’m a Porsche fan. I have owned one since

basic package. He calls it the automotive equivalent of a motorcycle.

1975 and simply love the marque. I don’t own them because of their

He told Car and Driver, “It’s a car just for a fun day. It’s about how

investment potential. I own them to drive fast. Giving investment

good you feel in the car and not how fast you can go.”

advice is not my stock in trade, but I know cars and I really know

Okay, so I’ve hinted about how Porsche tweaked the 911 R to give it a historic sensibility. But how does it drive? Quoting again from

Porsches. If you want a fun, fast car that has investment potential, the 918 and the 911 R are worth a look — and worth having.

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

53

The Life WINGS

BY SIMON MURRAY

Built for speed: The TTX can reach up to 235 knots.

HEART OF H A RACER

ollywood adores underdog stories. So don’t expect this tale of the Cessna® TTX™ to be made into a movie anytime soon. Still, when aviation giant Cessna bought Columbia

Aircraft — deep in the throes of bankruptcy at the time — and its line of certificated aircraft made by renowned kitbuilder Lan-

THE TT X MIGHT NOT POSSESS UNDERDOG APPEAL, BUT ITS PRECIPITOUS RISE IS A TESTAMENT TO ITS STRENGTH AS A SINGLE-ENGINE, FIXED-GEAR AIRCRAFT — THE FASTEST IN ITS CLASS.

54 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

cair for around $26 million (a steal), it was already years behind jumpstart newcomer Cirrus and its fleet of single-engine, fixedgear, piston-powered production airplanes. Traditionally, Cessna had been designing its airplanes in house. This was a big move, and a risky one. In poker parlance, it was as if Cessna had showed its hand before the flop.

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The Life WINGS

However, instantly they had a piston-single hot rod that could directly compete with the Cirrus SR22T, and, to a lesser extent, the Mooney Acclaim S. All of a sudden, the favorite had a dog in the fight.

I’ll save you the labyrinthine details of the name changes the Columbia 350 and 400 went through to become the jazzy TTX, with the “TT” standing for “twin turbocharged.” Suffice to say they were plenty and varied. (One of them was the Oregon-inspired moniker, “Corvalis”— the state where the aircraft was first produced.) That

The TTX is equipped with an ESP system, which helps the pilot maintain stability; the flight deck’s touch-screen is run by the Garmin™ G2000™ system.

adventure was short-lived, though. Following the economic downturn of 2008, Cessna was forced to close the Bend, Oregon plant and relocate manufacturing to Wichita, Kansas and then to Mexico. But Cessna would prevail, and its investment would pay off in the long run.

Which brings us to today, and the TTX. The fact that the SR22 has attracted a cult-like following over the years — and indeed deserves its acclaim — doesn’t diminish for one instant its sophistication and strength. This is a full-featured airplane: a very solid, all-composite construction reinforced with carbon-fiber strips that add strength to the entire wingspan. It’s an airplane that feels larger than it is — more Porsche Panamera than family sedan. But, really, if we’re comparing apples to oranges, the TTX is best described as the Porsche 918 Spyder of fixed-gear aircraft.

That’s for one reason above all: it has the heart of a racer. And that says nothing of the controls, which are a true sidestick, like the ones in an F-16 fighter that will have you feeling like a stand-in in Top Gun. A favorite of the racing circuit — and guys with nicknames like

from retractable to fixed-gear aircraft, TTX is among the planes taking

Goose and Maverick — the Continental TSIO-550-C six-cylinder,

technology and performance to the forefront. Roomy with seating for

fuel-injected, twin-turbocharged engine with dual intercoolers pow-

four, it’s also comfortable and technologically advanced with Garmin’s

ers the TTX to a max cruise speed of 235 knots (435 km/h) and a

G2000 system, the most up-to-date flight deck in its category. Fea-

range of 1,250 nautical miles (2,315 km) at economy cruise speeds.

tures include an available anti-ice system certified for Flight Into

Cessna says it’s the world’s fastest production fixed-gear aircraft on

Known Icing (FIKI) protection, L-3 all-in-one standby instrument,

the market today. And it is — by a solid clip.

traffic and terrain avoidance, ADS-B and sophisticated autoflight

“Time is valuable to our customers when it comes to meeting their business and lifestyle needs,” says Doug May, vice president of piston aircraft at Textron Aviation (Cessna’s parent com-

capability — namely the ESP (Electronic Stability and Protection) system, which automatically kicks in if the

PERFORMANCE Takeoff Ground Roll

1,280 ft

(390 m)

pilot becomes incapacitated, initiates a

Max Climb Rate

1,400 fpm

(427 mpm)

stall or otherwise loses control of the craft.

pany). “They are looking for an all-around

Service Ceiling

25,000 ft

(7,620 m)

So who cares if Hollywood might nev-

performer, and the TT is just that.”

Max Cruise Speed

235 ktas

(435 km/h)

er come calling. The TTX was born to play

Max Range

1,270 nm

(2,352 km)

the hero in the story of your own choosing.

X

If we’re indeed experiencing a shift

56 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

The Life WATER

CRUCIBLE OF FIRE OUTERLIMITS SUBJECTS THEIR HIGH-PERFORMANCE BOATS — INCLUDING THE SV 50 — TO SERIOUS HEAT, SPEED AND WEATHER.

The Outerlimits Offshore Powerboat SV50 can reach speeds beyond 156 mph.

N

ot that it mattered, but it was tornado season in North Caro-

lico River in North Carolina, which had suffered from a sudden and

lina when Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats broke the world

particularly deadly tornado outbreak. Just two and a half days earlier,

record for vee bottom boats. A vee bottom gives itself away

a tornado had touched down and crossed the river heading north. In its

in the name: the V-shaped hull provides a sharper entry point and a

wake, it left one dead and deposited all manner of debris into the river.

smoother ride in rough waters. Imagine what one could do on calmer

Outerlimits owner Mike Fiore was undaunted, as was the boat’s

seas — or a slow-moving river!

The only problem was timing. It was April 28, 2014, on the Pam-

58 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

pilot, offshore powerboat racer Brian Forehand: a tall, handsome, tanned mechanic who worked with Marker 17 Marine, a dealership

BY SIMON MURRAY

in Wilmington. The day was cloudy and promised more inclement weather.

Forehand closed the hatch on the canopied top of the SV 43 (the SV stands for super vee) — an extreme-performance, stepped-hull (to

The cockpit boasts Alcantara finishes and leather-wrapped dashes; the Mercury Racing Dual Fuel 1350/1550 HP staggered engine.

reduce drag) race boat powered by Mercury Racing 1650 engines — and headed out alone on the Pamlico River.

Going solo was unusual. Most records had been set by two-person driver-throttler teams. But Forehand was more comfortable driving and throttling the boat by himself.

Forehand spent less than a minute in the cockpit, but that’s all he would need. He set the world record at 172.876 mph — a hair faster than the previous record of 171.88. By late morning, the winds had picked up.

What’s worse, one of the SV 43’s propellers had broken after colliding with a submerged object. Forehand and Fiore knew the boat could go still faster. So they came back the next day and beat the world record they had just set — this time at a speed in excess of 180 mph.

“It was quite an eventful weekend,” says operations manager Dan Kleitz on a recent weekday at the company’s boatyard in Bristol, Rhode Island, referring to the company’s world-record achievement. Machinery whirs loudly in the background. Outerlimits is hard at work on a wide array of

Outerlimits Carbon Fiber SV 50

models, including the 2017 SV

Length: 50’ 1” Beam: 9’ Weight: 10,900 lbs Power: Mercury Racing QC4V 1350/1550 Top Speed: 156+ mph Price: $1.2 million

43 that was used by Forehand to

50, a direct descendant of the break the record.

When Outerlimits was founded by Fiore in 1993, it was with the vision of creating the ultimate performance racing boats that

combined speed with luxurious amenities. Fiore was able to see his vision realized in the SV 43’s performance before passing away in late 2014 in a freak accident. The SV 50 is an extension of that vision.

Similar to the 43, the 50 “is probably the fastest pleasure vee bottom in the world,” says Kleitz. Capable of speeds in excess of 156 mph, the 50 is the largest sit-down vee bottom offered by Outerlimits, utilizing the same five-step hull design with a more spacious cock-

carbon fiber, then post-cured (read: cooked) in an oven at about 140

pit. An optional full cabin is available with plenty of room below for

degrees Fahrenheit for two days to ensure unsurpassed strength.

stowage or to avoid the sun on a hot day. A finished Alcantara cockpit

“Our boats are top of the line because we use the best materials —

boasts leather accents and numerous clear carbon components.

just like a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce,” says Kleitz. “You’re never going

As with all of their models, the 50 is built from epoxy resin and

to break our boat.”

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

59

Ana Ivanovic Acing Love & Life Off Court

BY JILL BROOKE The Serbian beauty talked to ChicagoMOD about newlywed life with Chicago Fire soccer player Bastian Schweinsteiger, her philanthropy work and why she loves Chicago.

60 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

Photography by Frank Ishman Styling by Eric Himel Makeup by Jenny Patinkin Hair by Renee Feldman Shot on location at Virgin Hotels Chicago Jacket by J. Mendel, $9,900; shirt by Adam Lippes, $95; jeans by Mother, $200; necklace

by Christian Dior, $2,300; cuff by Christian Dior, $1,200; bag by Mansur Gavriel, $1,095; shoes by Miu Miu, $890; all from Neapolitan Collection, 560 Chestnut Street, Winnetka CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2 61

T

he

most

Inspired by watching fellow Yugoslav Monica Seles on television, Ivanovic started playing tennis at five years old.

important

and proof that all her years of sac-

and determined. Like dominos,

match of Ana Ivanovic’s

rifice and hard work had paid off.

the players fell under a torrent

tennis career came, of

She recalls another match as

of her forehand precision and

course, in 2008. After spending

a favorite — and for her broth-

123 mph serve. This time she

many years on the circuit bat-

er too. In 2007, she competed

got not only the paycheck but

tling fatigue, jet lag, relentless

in Stuttgart, Germany with a

also a sleek maroon Porsche

critiques, grueling workouts

brand-new Porsche as the prize.

sports car that she promptly

and challenges from superstars

“I told Milos that if I won, the

gave to her beloved brother.

such as Maria Sharapova and

car would be his,” says Ivanovic.

“That was a sweet moment,”

2003, she and her mother trav-

Venus Williams, Ivanovic, with

The six-foot svelte Serbian

Ivanovic remembers with a

eled around the globe months

her powerful forehand and wea-

beauty pounded away at the ball

laugh. “My family has been so

at a time, building her tennis

ponized serve, won the French

and beat player after player, ris-

supportive of me.”

resume and accumulating vic-

Open in Paris to become the no.

ing to the finals. In a heart-stop-

1 female player in the world.

ping moment, Ivanovic lost the

INDEED THEY HAVE

lia. London. New York. Far less

Among those cheering for

match. As a finalist, she received

Inspired by watching fellow

glamorous spots, too. Ivanovic

her Grand Slam victory was her

a nice paycheck but no Porsche.

Yugoslav Monica Seles on tele-

is quick to point out that her

devoted family: her mom Dra-

Ivanovic, who is both pas-

vision, Ivanovic started playing

parents were not profiting from

gana, dad Miroslav and younger

sionate and patient, told her

tennis at five years old. But ten-

her tennis but supporting their

brother Milos.

brother, “Wait until next year.”

nis courts in Yugoslavia were

child. “They saw the passion,”

The

which

not plentiful, forcing her to train

she says. “While everyone said

the pantheon of the great ten-

turned out to be one where the

once in an abandoned swim-

I was talented, we had no idea

nis players of all time. It meant

stars, the moon and the sun

ming pool. She continued play-

where it would take me. I fol-

an avalanche of endorsements

aligned to create a streak of

ing, even though this meant nav-

lowed it step by step.”

(including Adidas and Rolex), a

memorable victories, Ivanovic

igating schedules and threats to

ranking she will treasure forever

arrived in Stuttgart confident

avoid NATO bombings of Yugo-

stepping into some scary situa-

slavia during the war.

tions, especially a tournament

This match finally put her in

following

year,

sue his own life and studies.

When Ivanovic turned pro in

tories. Tokyo. Moscow. Austra-

Sometimes

that

meant

At 13 years old, her mother

trip near the Russian Black

Dragana, then a lawyer, made a

Sea and other stops to unde-

family decision. Daughter and

veloped countries where it was

mother would relocate to Basel,

unusual for two women to be

Switzerland for better training.

on their own.

Dan Holzman, who recruited her, gave them housing until

“My mother became my best friend,” says Ivanovic.

they settled in, and he has re-

She realizes how lucky she

mained her manager to this day.

was to have such an anchor as

Miroslav and Milos stayed in

her parents, for several reasons.

Serbia so her brother could pur-

“Coming from Serbia, you don’t have the support of gov-

Ivanovic playing her final match at the U.S. Open in 2016. She announced her retirement later that year.

62 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

ernment or any programs,” she notes. “You have to find your

Dress by Versace, $12,925, 933 N. Rush Street; earrings by Christian Dior, $380; cuff by Arch Vintage, $425, Neapolitan Collection, 560 Chestnut Street, Winnetka

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

63

way through tough times and figuring out all the tournaments. It’s not only talent but hard work and mental strength to handle all that.”

Furthermore, she says, when you become successful, leeches come from the sidelines wanting to exploit you personally or financially. “It’s not easy to be a young girl of 14 or 15 and people want to join the ride,” she admits. “Naturally, you are inexperienced. My mother both supported me and protected me. That meant so much.”

SOMETHING ELSE SHE REALIZES At this moment, Ivanovic is a newlywed in love with her superstar soccer-playing husband, Bastian Schweinsteiger, a member of the Chicago Fire. “Instead of living out of a suitcase, I have my first apartment,” she says enthusiastically.

They met in 2014 through mutual friends, and the attraction was instant. In July 2016, they married in one of the most romantic places on earth, Venice, the site where George and Amal Clooney also exchanged vows. Unlike the Clooneys, though, paparazzi didn’t pursue them (one reason she apDress by Versus Versace, $1,250, 933 N. Rush Street; shoes by Christian Louboutin, $875, 737 N. Michigan Avenue; ear cuff by Christian Dior, $470, Neapolitan Collection, 560 Chestnut Street, Winnetka

preciates Chicago), and their idyllic wedding was filled with friends, family and the steady

hum of vaporettos crisscross-

time with my husband,” she

ing ancient lagoons with light

says. “I love my Jo Malone En-

shimmering off the Adriatic.

glish pear candles. I love waking

Now the idea of being away

up in the same bed and not liv-

from Basti — as the World Cup

ing out of a suitcase.” It is here

winning mid-fielder is called —

that she has what she calls “a

fills her with dread. “Being mar-

home feeling.”

Plus her “statuesque beauty,” says Ann Liguori, Golf & Tennis Correspondent for CBS Sports Radio Network, “contributed to her appeal on Madison Avenue” and will likely continue.

ried, I appreciate even more what

She’s learning to cook too,

my mother did,” she says wistful-

perfecting a grilled chicken and

go’s legendary stores and “de-

post from Basti declared, “Had

ly. “I was a young girl doing what

sweet potato dish as well as zuc-

veloping” her personal style in

a great dinner with my beautiful

I love. Being apart from her hus-

chini noodles.

home furnishings. She loves her

wife.” And of course she loves

cozy ivory comforter and sheets.

being a sports spectator and

band and son must have been so

Having experienced a tennis

hard, and she never showed it.

lull from 2010 to 2014 and then

“We are both very organized

I see what my family sacrificed

resurrected her career, Ivanovic

and very clean,” says Ivanovic of

“I have other business proj-

and the choices they made.”

was battling knee injuries and,

her and her husband. “We like

ects I want to explore and will

has

as the French say, a crises de

having a nice modern decoration

give back with my charity work,”

helped her family in many ways,

coeur, when she realized the ex-

with a simple color scheme.”

she says, citing UNICEF and

providing a beautiful apartment

cellence she demands of herself

With

pleasure,

she

For a recent Instagram, she

cheering on her husband.

aiding a Serbian anti-violence program, among others. “I just

“I wake up without a schedule and love going to my local coffee shop and sharing this time with my husband.”

want to feel the beauty of life.”

AND THAT SHE IS Plus her “statuesque beauty,” says Ann Liguori, Golf & Tennis Correspondent for CBS Sports

in Serbia for her parents and

wasn’t so attainable.

shared the thrill of riding a bike

Radio Network, “contributed to

helping finance Milos’ British

The 29-year-old champion

along the water against the mag-

her appeal on Madison Avenue”

education. Milos, now an entre-

decided to retire last December,

nificent Chicago skyline. Both she

and will likely continue.

preneur like his father, also lives

a “difficult” decision.” The strain

and Basti are seen cheering other

in Belgrade, where the family

of being apart from friends and

Chicago teams at sports events.

has “roots and friends.”

her husband also contributed to

Although she has traveled

her early retirement.

“I think her Twitter following — more than one million

Other simple but meaning-

people — is more important

ful pleasures include going to a

than her forehand in these cas-

around the globe, she feels Chi-

Besides, she had already

yoga class at any time of the day

es,” adds Barbara Lippert, an

cago is a truly special place. It will

won 15 WTA Tour single titles,

and having a casual lunch with a

advertising expert.

be where she got her first home

a Time magazine citation as one

friend without worrying about

with her husband, where she can

of the “30 Legends of Women’s

the clock.

finally experience normalcy.

Tennis” and prize money in ex-

“I wake up without a sched-

cess of $15 million.

So now when Ivanovic hears the words “love” and “match,”

Like other newlyweds, they

it can be less about tennis and

also are relishing the “amaz-

more about her romance with

ule and love going to my local

For now, she’s enjoying lei-

ing restaurants,” such as Prime

her husband Basti and the city

coffee shop and sharing this

surely strolling through Chica-

Steakhouse. A recent Instagram

of Chicago.

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

65

One Bennett Park offers stunning views of Chicago’s waterfront.

66 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

If You Build It The Chicago skyline is changing at a record pace. With thousands of new apartments and hotel rooms projected over the next few years, as well as new commercial and mixeduse buildings under way, ChicagoMOD takes a closer look at the developers reinvigorating neighborhoods, attracting corporate relocations and upping the luxury quotient.

By Elaine Doremus

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

67

I

The vision for Lakeshore East is to convert a difficult and complex site into a $4-billion, 28-acre neighborhood with 4,950 residential units and a 6-acre park.

f new development is any

publisher. Dodge forecasts that

indicator of a city’s econom-

this year’s residential construc-

ic health, then Chicago is

tion starts alone (aka “the apart-

blooming. Our fair city by the

ment boom”), which include

ous years and signifying another

(a major developer of luxury

lake is experiencing a rapid

rental and for-sale housing, will

sign of confidence in the city’s

apartment dwellings in Chica-

growth in neighborhoods rang-

total $8.3 billion, up 67 percent

market by employers and inves-

go) and Dalian Wanda Group

ing from the famed Gold Coast

from 2015. Those figures include

tors seeking to capitalize on the

(based in Beijing) are behind

to the trendy West Loop and

two big residential projects that

region’s talent pool and access to

the construction. Available list-

Lakeshore East districts, and

recently got under way: Vista

major infrastructural hubs.

ings start at nearly $1 million

even the South Loop and Stree-

Tower, a 93-story condominium

terville areas. “The current lev-

and hotel high-rise on the Chica-

MAGELLAN DEVELOPMENT

cious 6,500-square-foot unit

el of construction in Chicago

go River, and One Bennett Park,

Vista Tower is one of the most

on the 85th floor will command

rivals — if not exceeds — the

a 69-story condo-apartment

talked

$10.3 million.

peak levels experienced at the

building in Streeterville.

for one-bedroom units. A spa-

about

projects.

The

Jeanne Gang-designed 95-sto-

While units in the Vista will

tail end of the pre-recession

On the commercial side, for

ry condominium tower in the

be affordable to only the most

building boom,” according to

the fourth year in a row, the Chi-

Lakeshore East neighborhood

affluent Chicagoans, the project

Curbed Chicago.

cago metropolitan area has tak-

will become the third-tallest

is expected to benefit the entire

Construction firms are on

en the top spot on Site Selection

building in Chicago when com-

Lakeshore

track to start an estimated $14.3

magazine’s list for corporate

pleted in 2020. Colossal in scope

with a new vehicular link be-

billion in residential and com-

growth. The publication, which

with a reported cost of $1 billion,

tween Upper Wacker and Har-

mercial projects this year, up 19

focuses on corporate reloca-

the 1,186-foot Vista Tower will

bor Drive, as well as an improved

percent from 2015, according to

tions and investment, tallies a

boast 406 luxury condos and a

pedestrian connection between

Dodge Data & Analytics, a New

total of 424 projects in the Chi-

192-room five-star hotel named

the Lake Shore East Park and

York-based research firm and

cago area in 2016, up from previ-

Wanda Vista. Magellan Group

the Chicago River Walk.

East

community

With its development of the Aqua building, also located in Lakeshore East, as one of its signature achievements, Magellan has a reputation for designing and constructing its buildings using environmentally sensitive LEED-certified processes and practices. The company’s principals, co-CEOs Joel Carlins and James Loewenberg and President David Carlins, have completed 22 projects totaling The Vista Tower offers residents a number of luxe amenities including a sky lounge, wine storage and tasting room, theater, game room and outdoor terrace.

68 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

more than 7,700 residential

building the future global head-

units and more than 517,000

quarters of McDonald’s Corpo-

square

commercial

ration on the former Harpo Stu-

space. They have received over

dios. Scheduled for completion

60 awards for excellence within

in fall 2018, the new ground-up,

the past 20 years.

nine-story building is a build-to-

feet

of

Magellan seeks to go be-

suit 550,000-square-foot edi-

yond designing and creating

fice that will feature prime retail

residential developments by transforming and energizing neighborhoods. The vision for Lakeshore East is to convert a difficult and complex site into a $4-billion, 28-acre neighborhood with 4,950 residential units and a 6-acre park. The Lakeshore East master plan has won many awards, including the distinguished AIA Planned Community Award and the FIABCI Prix d’ Excellence Award by the International Real Estate Federation.

From top: Apartments inside the Landmark offer 9-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and Nest thermostats; outdoor firepit with grilling and lounge area; pool house filled with games; and demo kitchen for residents to hold private events or for the building to host cooking demos.

Magellan’s portfolio of Chicago projects includes Exhibit

along Randolph Street, public

on Superior, Gallery on Wells

spaces and indoor parking.

and Wolf Point West, all in

Sterling Bay made its mark

River North; and Benton Place

in the increasingly popular

Parkhomes, the Shoreham and

West Loop neighborhood with

the Tides, all in Lakeshore East.

the adaptive reuse of the Fulton Cold Storage Building. What

STERLING BAY

was once distinguished by Ful-

While Magellan is dominating

ton Market and block-sized

Lakeshore East, Sterling Bay

working warehouses is now

Fulton Market later this year,

210 North Carpenter. Sched-

continues to thrive in the West

home to Chicago’s ever-bur-

joining other tech companies

uled to open this fall, ACE will

Loop and Fulton Market dis-

geoning restaurant scene, bou-

that have left startup activity in

feature 159 guest rooms, a roof-

trict. It seems that Oprah Win-

tique hotels such as Soho House

River North for the city’s latest

top terrace with a full-service

frey was onto something when

and corporate giants including

red-hot neighborhood.

bar, parking and retail space,

she established Harpo Studios

Google and now McDonald’s.

Sterling Bay’s other projects

including the first Stumptown

in the West Loop in the late

Vacuum giant Dyson will re-

in the West Loop include the

Coffee Roasters to put down

1980s. Sterling Bay is currently

locate its U.S. headquarters to

ACE Hotel, Fulton West and

roots in Chicago. The nine-story

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

69

One Bennett Park will feature

69 condominiums

and 279 apartments, as well as a

Fulton West will offer more

in the heart of Fulton Market.

RELATED MIDWEST

than 290,000 square feet of

Designed by Solomon Cord-

Chicago-based Related Midwest

modern office space, 610 on-

well Buenz, it is ideal for users

earned a reputation for reshaping

site parking spaces and a private

looking to elevate their brand,

five-star living downtown with its

roof. 210 North Carpenter is

attract an urban workforce and

two luxury apartment buildings,

a 12-story, 200,000-square-

experience Fulton Market to

500 Lake Shore Drive and One

foot boutique office building

the fullest.

Eleven. The developer of luxury

the sophistication of genera-

condominium and rental homes,

tions past,” he says, “while de-

affordable housing communi-

livering a level of service and

ties and mixed-use properties

craftsmanship that will make

is behind the highly anticipated

each residence an heirloom for

One Bennett Park, a 70-story

generations to come.” Slated

ultra-luxury art deco-style res-

to be Chicago’s tallest all-resi-

idential tower under construc-

dential tower when completed

tion at 451 E. Grand in the Stree-

in mid-2019, the development

terville neighborhood, which is

will feature 69 condominiums

experiencing its own surge in

and 279 apartments, as well as

development.

a 1.7-acre park by Michael Van

1.7-acre park

by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

The structure will draw in-

Valkenburgh Associates, whose

spiration from the Palmolive

notable projects include Maggie

Building and other architectur-

Daley Park.

al landmarks of the prewar era,

Related is also making its

according to Curt Bailey, presi-

presence known in the West

dent of Related Midwest. “With

Loop with Landmark West Loop Apartments, a 30-story, 300-unit luxury rental tower at 1035 W. Van Buren Street.

It’s slated in 2017 to be the first West Loop rental tower, with occupancy planned for August.

“With companies like McDonald’s and Dyson moving their headquarters to the West Loop, and Google and Motorola already well established in

One Bennett Park, we’re creat-

the area,” says Bailey, “Land-

ing an entirely new class of ver-

mark West Loop will appeal to

tical luxury living that evokes

professionals seeking a casual yet refined urban lifestyle that

From top: condo lobby; master bath with a stunning view of the city; living room; and kitchen, all at One Bennett Park.

70 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

allows them to transition from day to night without ever leav-

ing the neighborhood.”

The firm’s multibillion-dollar pipeline includes the upcoming

redevelopment

of

the historic Julia C. Lathrop Homes on the Northwest Side.

In addition, Related Midwest is planning two of Chicago’s most anticipated developments: 400 N. Lake Shore Drive, located on the site of the former Chicago Spire project; and a mixed-use, master-planned community on 62 acres at the southwest cor-

ship store, parking garage and

ner of Clark Street and Roos-

390 residential units. Previous

evelt Road, one of the largest

Fifield developments include

vacant tracts of land in the city.

K-Station’s K2 tower.

FIFIELD COMPANIES

M DEVELOPMENT & CENTAUR

Another project poised to make

CONSTRUCTION CO.

a visual impact on the border of

Scheduled to debut in late 2017,

the West Loop and Greektown

the Nobu Hotel has attracted the

is the 44-story cylindrical tower

attention of Robert DeNiro and

known as One South Halsted by

other prime investors. The bou-

Fifield Companies and F&F Re-

tique hotel located in the West

ton Hotel in Fulton Market.

alty. The tower will replace the

Loop at 854 W. Randolph Street

Shapack Partners recently ac-

Crowne Plaza’s surface lot and

will offer 103 rooms and suites;

quired the Public Hotel in Chi-

contain 492 rental apartments,

a 10,000-square-foot signature

cago’s Gold Coast and 23,000

The highly touted No. 9 Walton

9,500 square feet of ground floor

Nobu restaurant located on the

square feet of land at the south-

in Chicago’s Gold Coast will be

retail and a 375-stall parking

ground level with an indoor and

west corner of Halsted and Lake

one of the first new condomini-

garage to be shared by residents

outdoor bar opening on Ran-

Street (West Loop) with plans to

um projects in the sought-after

and guests of the Crowne Plaza.

dolph’s famed Restaurant Row;

develop a 300,000-square-foot

affluent neighborhood in quite

Fifield has also officially bro-

and an exquisite 3,000-square-

office building. Past projects in-

some time. The ultra-luxe

ken ground on its long-await-

foot rooftop indoor and outdoor

clude Apple Store Lincoln Park,

37-story tower will contain 71

ed 35-story luxury-apartment

bar and lounge.

Lululemon Rush Street and

units ranging from $1.95 million

Barneys NY Chicago.

all the way up to $12.5 million.

tower in the Gold Coast at

The Sinclair apartments feature kitchens inspired by designer Mick de Giulio and frameless glass shower doors in the bathrooms.

Clark and Division. The Sin-

SHAPACK PARTNERS

clair is a $200-million project

The London-based boutique

JDL DEVELOPMENT

Second City. But when it comes

that replaces the aging Jewel

chain responsible for Soho

JDL is behind another condo-

to real estate development circa

supermarket with a new and ex-

House in the West Loop has

minium project emerging after

2017, it is proving to be second

panded 55,000-square-foot flag-

begun construction on the Hox-

the deep freeze of the recession.

to none.

Chicago is often called the

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

71

CIAO, PUGLIA!

Uncovering Italy’s Best-Kept Secret

Filled with diverse landscapes, trulli, olive trees, delicious cuisine and magnificent masserie to ensure your Italian getaway is utterly relaxing, Puglia will make travelers fall head over heels for the heel of the Italian boot.

BY NICOLE FONZINO

72

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

Alberobello is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2its unique, 73 cone-shaped dwellings known to Puglians as trulli.

W

hen I stepped onto the tarmac at the Brindisi Airport, I

expected to be greeted by luscious, green rolling hills vigorously sweeping the Puglian backdrop as I had experienced in past excursions to Italy. However, unlike Tuscan landscapes, I saw something completely brand-new,

but

nonetheless

picturesque: a land drenched with rich red soil and sprouting olive groves that seemed to carry on for hundreds of miles.

Throughout my hour-long car ride to the luxurious Masseria Cisterna Rossa (my accommodations for the greater part of my week’s stay, thanks to

As a recurrent Italian adven-

cause many of the area’s premier

the luxury villa rental company

turer (I studied abroad in Flor-

destinations remain untraveled

the Thinking Traveller’s Think

ence in spring 2012 and have

by the majority of Italian ex-

Puglia), my eyes were trans-

visited relatives on separate oc-

cursionists. Puglia’s seascapes

fixed on the terrain, absorbing

casions), I was blown away by the

and secluded havens are often

everything and anything they

broad, yet bewitching variances

overshadowed by Italy’s more

Yet, something tells me that

could zero in on.

Puglia had to offer, especially be-

popular hotspots such as Rome,

Puglia won’t remain in the shad-

Milan, Venice and Florence.

ows for much longer. More and

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

undoctored Italian getaway.

In many ways, the small

more people are catching on to

number of travelers has giv-

its quaint, charming vacation

en the southern region a great

spots. A-list celebrities includ-

advantage. The fact that the

ing Jude Law, Sienna Miller,

masses normally flock to the

Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel,

country’s northern areas has

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter

helped preserve the beauty and

Sarsgaard are often seen there,

authenticity of the Puglian cul-

and Italians have been buying

ture. Without the overwhelming

vacation homes in the heel of

commercialism found in many

the boot instead of the western

of the prevailing cities, those

islands of Capri and Sardinia. I

who visit the heel of the boot are

certainly cannot blame them.

guaranteed to experience a rich,

74

Labeled as a Think Exquisite Villa, the Thinking Traveller offers guests additional amenity add-ons including an in-house cook, pizza chef, masseur, yoga instructor, personal shopper and private cooking lessons.

Situated between the Ioni-

Masseria Cisterna Rossa was just as aesthetically pleasing from the inside as it was on the outside.

an and Adriatic seas, Puglia of-

masserie (restored farmhouses)

fers the full package: beguiling

tucked away in Puglia’s terrain.

beaches, diverse landscapes,

All of them will undoubtedly

historical remnants and re-

take your breath away and add

markable landmarks, not to

to what make the region truly

mention distinctive cuisine that

unlike any other part of Italy.

includes spectacular seafood dishes, orecchiette pasta plates, a variety of cheeses (I highly

MASSERIA CISTERNA ROSSA

recommend burrata), taralli and

When I pulled up to the secluded

pasticciotto (custard-filled pas-

masseria in Ruffano, I was capti-

tries). The list goes on and on.

vated by the sheer allurement

parlor room with arched stone

sunset over the vibrant olive

Puglia also produces nearly 40

of the property. With its man-

ceilings evokes the building’s

grove and a glass of fine Pugli-

percent of Italy’s olive oil, not

icured lawns, lemon trees, or-

past life, while modern paint-

an wine. My stay at Masseria

surprising given the vast num-

chard, gorgeous swimming pool

ings reflect the new persona

Cisterna Rossa was one of the

ber of olive trees, and 17 percent

and, of course, very own olive

it has taken on since its resto-

most relaxing weeks I’ve had in

of the country’s wine, with Ne-

grove, Masseria Cisterna Rossa

ration. As I wandered about

a while, where I let go of my in-

groamaro and Primitivo being

was definitely a sight for sore,

the property, I noticed each of

hibitions and absorbed the nat-

the area’s predominant grapes.

jet-lagged eyes. What used to be

the masseria’s five bedrooms

ural beauty all around me.

Food and sightseeing aside,

an old agricultural estate, Mas-

was more refined than the next,

As one of the Thinking

perhaps the most enchanting

seria Cisterna Rossa has been

and little surprises popped up

Traveller’s “Think Exquisite”

aspect of Puglia’s culture can

restored to its full potential; and

around every corner such as the

villas, this getaway offers first-

be found in its luxury dwellings.

now, like many of Puglia’s re-

glass-blown light fixtures and

class amenities way beyond its

Everywhere you turn, these

vived masserie, it serves as a lux-

the massive al fresco dining area

breathtaking landscapes and

strikingly unique homes appear

ury getaway or private dwelling.

situated beneath a veranda. Af-

opulent interiors. Besides total

on the horizon: seafront villas

Masseria Cisterna Rossa

ter settling into one of the lux-

seclusion from any neighbors,

that stretch across the region’s

was just as aesthetically pleas-

ury bedrooms, I headed to the

the lavish villa includes a dai-

cliffsides, trulli (dwellings with

ing from the inside as it was on

masseria’s rooftop terrace for

ly maid service, wood-burning

cone-shaped roofs), and private

the outside. The large, spacious

an aperitivo, a picture-perfect

oven for those intimate and de-

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

75

licious Italian dinners, and the option to request an on-premises cook, private cooking lessons or a masseuse for the duration of your stay. The best perk, however, is the surrounding area, which includes old-world cities such as Gallipoli (meaning “beautiful city”), a coastal town located on the Ionian with an impressive view and thriving seafood eateries, as well as countless premier beaches including Lido CocoLoco.

Whether you’re looking to explore the nearby attractions or sip some vino poolside, Masseria Cisterna Rossa does not disappoint. Trust me.

L’ARGENTIERA Enclosed between the Ionian

cade resembles a villa straight

urious infinity pool and outdoor

and Adriatic, Puglia offers as-

out of Greece, which is ironic

sitting area, evoking a serene

tonishing seascapes that stretch

because with certain wind cur-

atmosphere. The villa’s proper-

for miles; and with beautiful

rents, guests receive a clear view

ty kisses the sea, which can be

sealine views come breathtak-

of Corfu and parts of Albania.

accessed directly from a gate

tioned throughout the three-

extraordinarily

leading down to its rocky sur-

floored villa grant access to im-

right in its backyard, L’Argen-

large backyard, L’Argentiera

faces. You can soak up the sun

peccable sea views and outdoor

tiera is the epitome of a private

provides multiple outdoor ter-

on designer lounge chairs or on

balconies. With 18 bedrooms,

coastal oasis. The all-white fa-

races overlooking an ultra-lux-

natural platforms. Options like

you can travel to L’Argentiera

these are always nice to have.

with multiple couples (or a

ing homes. With the Adriatic

76

With

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

an

L’Argentiera offers guests the full package: stunning views of the Adriatic, al fresco dining, floor-to-ceiling doors and secluded ocean front access, the perfect atmosphere for sea lovers looking for a relaxing getaway.

L’Argentiera’s interior fol-

large family) and fit comfort-

lows the same all-white motif

ably. Guests are provided with

as the exterior; however, pops

an onsite groundskeeper, daily

of vibrant blues radiate off the

maid service, a wood-burning

accent pillows, colorful photo-

oven, and close walking prox-

graphs and other contempo-

imity to local shops and restau-

rary home accessories, giving

rants. The villa is located near

guests coastal, yet modern

Puglia’s Santa Maria di Leu-

vibes. Large windows posi-

ca, a sanctuary for the Virgin

Puglia offers astonishing seascapes that stretch for miles; and with beautiful sealine views come breathtaking homes.

Mary, and Otranto, Italy’s east-

into luxurious private homes,

ernmost town filled with thou-

such as Trullo Terra Dolce, my

sands of years of tumultuous

accommodations for my last

history. The best amenity L’Ar-

night’s stay in Puglia.

Literally translating to “sweet earth,” Trullo Terra Dolce features meticulously curated grounds with flowers planted by the owner, lending its own story to the fairytale-like villa.

gentiera has to offer guests?

Trullo Terra Dolce exudes

The villa has an agreement

magic, and I’m not saying that

with select local restaurants to

just because of its storybook

provide a shuttle service to and

appearance. The landscape is

splashes of colorful Indian ac-

from the villa so you never have

meticulously manicured with

cents mixed with traditional

to count each glass of wine. You

flourishing flowers, and a wind-

Puglian furniture. I also learned

can even arrive in pure Italian

ing pathway wrapped around

that the shell-shaped stone basin

style: by boat.

the perimeter gives separate

is one of the owner’s favorite fea-

access to each of the four bed-

tures, along with the lavish pool

rooms. Given a tour of the

overlooking the grounds (com-

TRULLO TERRA DOLCE

grounds by the owner, I gained

plete with a waterfall shower)

by drinking wine and eating piz-

In Valle d’Itria, people marvel

an insider’s perspective of the

and a ping-pong table located in

za made in the trulli’s very own

over trulli: cylindrical homes

home’s effervescent personality.

the backyard patio. Trullo Terra

wood-burning oven.

with cone-shaped roofs. Despite

During the room-by-room

Dolce offers guests alcove beds,

the distinctive, fairytale-like ap-

tour of Trullo Terra Dolce, I

stone fireplaces and, best of all,

For more information on

pearances of these properties,

learned that the owners are fre-

complete serenity.

how to rent a luxury villa in

these dwellings offer fully func-

quent world travelers. I could

After the grand tour, I en-

tioning living quarters. In fact,

immediately tell by the eclec-

joyed my last night in the heel of

Traveller by visiting

many trulli are being restored

tic furnishings incorporating

the boot in true Italian fashion:

www.thethinkingtraveller.com.

Puglia, contact the Thinking

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BIENVENUE, SUMMER!

Whether you’re traveling to Paris, the Hamptons or Cuba, you’ll want to be summer ready. Forget about jean skirts and flip flops. Step up your game with clothes inspired by luxurious destinations that demand chic ensembles. This year’s top designers went surprisingly simple but elegantly chic with easy shirt dresses, bold pops of color on classic cuts and geometric shapes that flatter any figure. Curated with the jetsetter in mind, these looks are perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway or sultry Havana nights. Look fresh and feel fabulous with these top picks. Bon voyage!

By Eric Himel

David Yurman, 40 E. Oak Street, Chicago, $1,250

CÔTE D’AZUR

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Kjaer Weis, Credo, 1659 N. Damen, Chicago, $45

Bottega Veneta, 800 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Trend Spotlight:

FLORALS The languid days and pastel colors of the Côte d’Azur set the tone for this year’s take on summer florals, which often get a bad reputation for being too loud, too bright and too sweet. This season, designers have toned down this perennial favorite with more subdued hues. Tones of powder blues and violet — think subdued hydrangeas — evoke an easy, breezy south of France vibe while staying true to the soft and feminine roots of florals.

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Carolina Herrera, Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Trend Spotlight:

CABANA STRIPES New Yorkers’ uberluxe play-grand for the rich, the Hamptons pair perfectly with this summer’s take on cabana stripes. Although stripes have a nautical vibe, designers this season opted for black instead of navy, offering a more elegant take on the trend. Whether or not they’re bright, stripes evoke feelings of fun. Even better, they are not relegated to casual sportswear. Cabana stripes mixed with gowns take black-tie affairs along the water to a new level!

Burberry, 633 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, $295

HAMPTONS

Michael Kors CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

Michael Kors, 900 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, $695

Burberry, 633 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Trend Spotlight:

WHITE SHIRT DRESSES South Beach’s more hipster cousin, Miami’s downtown arts district is the perfect backdrop for the ease and comfort of the fresh crisp white shirtdress replacing the ubiquitous form-fitting dress of recent years. When paired with a great heel, this summery wardrobe staple is sexy and works on all body types. Combine with other white accessories for a chic, modern and monochromatic look, and voila, you have the antithesis to those all-black monochromatic winter looks!

Louis Vuitton, 919 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, $4,950

Michael Kors, 900 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, $990

MIAMI

Salvatore Ferragamo, 645 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Trend Spotlight:

SEXY ATHLEISURE The colors that pulsate on the streets of Havana vibrate in this season’s sexy athleisure trend, borrowing the best from its more casual athleisure cousin by utilizing athletic fabrics for form and comfort (think neoprene or anything with stretch and shine) and cutting them in sexy new ways! Pair with a heel and remember to keep the look sporty with other bright-color accessories and oversized geometric jewelry. This winning combination will keep you sizzling long after dark.

Tod’s, 121 E. Oak Street, Chicago, $2,345

CUBA

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Tom Ford, 66 E. Oak Street, Chicago, $990

Saint Laurent, 11 E. Walton Street, Chicago

Trend Spotlight:

‘80s CHICK The City of of Lights, a.k.a. Paris, sets the tone for wearing shades of black in this summer’s ‘80s chic revival. It’s less Molly Ringwald and more Catherine Deneuve. Featuring all black, the look favors off-theshoulder dresses, studded heels and fingerless gloves that fit the bill for a sexy, sultry night. Take a mysterious adventure along the Champs-Élysées not knowing where it will lead.

Christian Louboutin, 58 E. Oak Street, Chicago, $1,045

Gucci, 725 5th Avenue, Chicago, $680

PARIS

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A CUT ABOVE If you’re in the mood for steak, go for the extraordinary. Here’s a look at four of the best steaks money can buy.

BY PETER WREN Prime & Provisions Bone-in Filet

W

hen it comes to high-end steak

juices that taste like broth preserved from

houses, it’s clear that competi-

a bowl of French onion soup.

tion breeds better cuts of beef.

They’re delicious straight up, but a dol-

Consider what’s happened with the chic

lop of one of Pandel’s scratch-made sauces

new steak palaces around town. Looking to

makes them otherworldly. All steaks come

stand out from the crowd, chefs are sourc-

with a trio of sauces — horseradish cream, a

ing, dry-aging and firing up exquisitely fla-

Worcestershire-rich steak sauce and béar-

vorful cuts from specialty producers near

naise — but adding a touch of the house’s

and far. These days, it’s not hard to find a

anchovy butter generates a surf-and-turf

well-cooked piece of beef, but for the ul-

delight like no other.

timate steak experience, look no further than our exquisite lineup below.

SWIFT & SONS: Dry-Aged Kansas City Strip Price: $59

You’ll get more than your money’s worth by ordering one of Prime & Provisions’

By the time one of Swift & Sons’ bone-in

deep-flavored dry-aged steaks, which are

18-ounce Kansas City strips makes its way

aged on premises for maximum freshness.

to your plate, it will have been dry-aged for

Those seeking the pinnacle of tenderness

75 days according to strict instructions laid

should find their way to the house’s wet-

down by chef Chris Pandel. Unlike so many

aged bone-in filet.

other dry-aged steaks, which can overpow-

Broiled at more than a thousand de-

er you with too much farmhouse funk,

grees and topped with grass-fed butter that

Pandel’s cuts deliver some of the cleanest,

melts into every crack and crevice, it’s the

pure-beef flavors in the city.

ultimate rebuttal to the argument that fi-

Sourced form Kansas and Nebras-

84 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2 Swift & Sons Porterhouse

PRIME & PROVISIONS: Bone-in Filet Price: $68

lets can’t be flavorful.

ka cattle and dry-aged by Chicago’s own

Sourced from Creekstone Farms in

Purely Beef, these are Midwestern steaks

Kansas, it’s part of Prime & Provisions’

with Midwestern flavor profiles. They de-

“never-ever” guarantee, which ensures

liver rounded corn-fed flavors and seep

that all of its steaks are never exposed to

Eisenhower Porterhouse from Maple & Ash

antibiotics, growth hormones or pesticides.

By letting the cattle freely roam the Kansas countryside, grazing as they like, Prime & Provisions delivers humanely raised steaks that are also some of the most tender and juicy cuts in town.

MAPLE & ASH: Eisenhower Porterhouse Price: $145 Legend has it that when President Eisenhower wanted a steak, he gave very specific orders on how to cook it. Find the thickest

Tomahawk at III Forks

steak possible, rub it down with oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder, and then cook it

as Salisbury steak. When paired with the

is elegantly primal. Fire. Bone. Wood. The

directly on top of fiery red-hot coals.

house mashed potatoes topped with Perig-

flavors, however, are nuanced, in part be-

Was it a good steak? Hard to know, but one

ord truffle gravy, you wonder how it would

cause it’s well-marbled American Wagyu

suspects it might have difficulty comparing to

have stood up to Eisenhower’s. This is beef

from the Strube Family, who’ve been rais-

the 40-ounce “Eisenhower” porterhouse that

and potatoes for the sophisticated set.

ing cattle since 1907.

Danny Grant fires up at Maple & Ash.

Somewhere, Ike must be smiling.

The same principles are at work — searing heat, garlic, lots of meat — but Grant

If there was ever a steak worth sharing this is it. Most of the 20-inch bone that curls from the end of the steak is purely for

hot coals and embers of a giant wood-fired

III FORKS: Strube Family Tomahawk Ribeye Price: $190

hearth. Then he dips the steak in “beef but-

Easily the most Instagram-worthy steak in

bone marrow meets oxtail. Because it’s

ter” made from reduced red wine, garlic

Chicago. Served next to a flaming mound

been cooked in an infrared broiler and then

and beef stock before gently warming it on

of grey sea salt that’s been dipped in Jim

finished in the oven, the edges of the steak

the smoky side of a grill.

Beam and lit on fire, this 46-ounce rib-eye

are confit-crisp, while its interior is juicy,

The result is a crispy envelope of char

is so massive it has to be served on a giant

bulls-eye red. The result is three different

surrounding a beefy center that’s as soft

wooden butcher’s block. The presentation

steaks on a single plate.

plunges his porterhouse directly in the red-

show. But when you carve in close to that bone you get incredibly deep flavors. Think

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85

PURE MARBLE RPM’s new ultra-premium Japanese steak menu offers Chicagoans a chance to sample some of the rarest and most-exclusive cuts in the world.

L

ess than a year ago, Doug Psaltis

at RPM Steak, he laid out slices of authen-

six restaurants in the world. Then he thor-

conducted one of the most tantaliz-

tic Wagyu beef from all over Japan, some

oughly studied them.

ing — and prohibitively expensive

costing 10 times that of premium dry-aged

It is notoriously difficult to source au-

— tasting tests imaginable. In his kitchen

beef. Altogether they were offered at only

thentic Wagyu beef from Japan, as true

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1. Kobe 2. Snow Beef 3. Ideue 4. Miyazaki

86 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

Cuts from RPM.

Wagyu (which translates as “Japanese cow”) refers to specific breeds of cattle that produce extremely marbled beef loaded with healthy unsaturated fats. Fortunately for Psaltis, he’d earned the trust of an influential purveyor. “Charge me for every sample,” he told his purveyor. “I want to prove to you that I’m serious.”

And serious he was. He and his staff tasted the meat raw and then sizzled, fired and broiled the samples in every way possible.

In the end, he found that cooking them over a wood-fired grill delivered the best flavor.

The glorious results are now available, served in three-ounce portions with housemade soy and fresh wasabi, for discerning palates to savor. Below are our tasting notes

those spider webs of marble literally melt

Think otoro tuna. Soft and supple, they

on four of the most decadent steaks you’ll

into the steak, producing ultra-clean flavors.

don’t feel heavy on the tongue and deliv-

ever lay your taste buds on.

If fine Italian speck could be transformed

er flavors in layers: crust, beef and marble.

into a steak, this would be it.

This is as greaseless as a steak can get.

Sourced from cattle raised on a lakefront

IDEUE BEEF:

KOBE BEEF:

farm in Hokkaido, one of the coldest regions

They call him the “the cattle whisperer.” For

Think of Kobe as the Champagne of steaks.

in Japan, this may be the most well-marbled

years, devotees have asked Mr. Ideue how

You can get sparkling wine anywhere, but

beef on the planet. It’s believed that Hok-

he raises his cattle in Kagoshima Prefec-

those bubbles have to come from the Cham-

kaido’s harsh weather conditions produce

ture. He’s refused to reveal his secrets, say-

pagne region of France to be labeled as such.

HOKKAIDO SNOW BEEF:

Same with Kobe. Kobe is a regional style of

Psaltis and his staff tasted the meat raw and then sizzled, fired and broiled the samples in every way possible. In the end, he found that cooking them over a wood-fired grill delivered the best flavor.

Wagyu that is 100 percent Tajima beef from Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture.

FLAVOR: A steak that takes and holds a

char incredibly well. You get well-rounded caramelized nut flavors here, which calls to mind aged hams like jamon de Iberico or quality prosciutto. If there’s such a thing as

the snowstorm-like patterns of marble. It is

ing only that he’s developed a way to ensure

so rare that RPM is only one of four restau-

his cattle live a blissfully stress-free life. One

rants in the world licensed to sell it.

taste and you’ll understand his reasoning.

MIYAZAKI:

FLAVOR: The equivalent of drinking the

FLAVOR: Of all RPM’s Japanese steaks,

The most ubiquitous Wagyu beef in Japan,

softest, tannin-free Pinot imaginable. All

Ideue’s are the most luxuriously textured.

Miyazaki derives from cattle that are 30

sophisticated umami, this is it.

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

87

months or older at the time of slaughter, which yields not only marbled beef but also a far more full-bodied flavor than we’re accustomed to in the U.S. Because Miyazaki is traditionally sliced thin (think shabu-shabu) in Japan, tasting it in American steak form is a one-of-a-kind experience

DRY RUN The new “Art of Aging Tour” at Primehouse pulls back the curtain to reveal the secrets behind the fine art of dry-aging steaks.

Flavor: The richest of RPM’s Japanese

It’s a carnivore’s dream. If you follow Primehouse executive chef Dino Tsaknis

steaks, the Miyazaki bursts with the kind

on the restaurant’s “Art of Aging Tour,” you’ll wind your way from his impec-

of forest-floor notes that positively dance

cably clean kitchen through the restaurant’s butchering room to the main

with big red wines. Close your eyes and

attraction of the evening: a 50-square-foot dry-aging room that’s lined with

you might get notes of charred mushrooms

Himalayan sea salt and more beef than a Texas-style cattle drive.

and fresh barley. It’s a steak with flavor and finesse.

The views of rack after rack of beef are intended to make you salivate, but they’re also meant to teach you about the dry-aging process. You’ll learn everything you need to know about dehydration, marbling and the power of

OITA:

salt. More importantly, you’ll be able to start thinking about steaks as if they

An opportunity to taste one of the old-

were cheeses. If you like your steaks blue-cheese funky, order the 75-day-old

est brands of Wagyu still available, with a

steaks. More of a Taleggio fan? Try 55. Sharp-cheddar lovers go for 40 days.

lineage that goes back to the 15th centu-

Personally, Tsaknis likes gentler beef notes, which is why all guests who

ry. Once reserved only for the emperor of

go on the tour get treated to a family-style dinner. The meal comes complete

Japan, this beef is imported by RPM just

with tableside Caesar salad, basil mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies and

once a month. When it’s out, diners must

cuts from a 40-day-old ribeye and 30-day porterhouse dipped in the house’s

wait until the next month.

signature “beef love” marinade: a sauce made from rendered beef drippings.

FLAVOR: Expect complexity and balance.

Because no two dry-aging rooms — much like cheese caves — grow exactly

There’s not one single flavor note that

the same bacteria, it’ll taste like no other steak in the city. Guaranteed.

dominates. You taste the terroir of the Shiga Prefecture where it’s raised. This is that rare steak that’s almost soft with notes of alfalfa and green grass.

from Primehouse 88Ribeye CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

Primehouse’s Art of Aging Tour costs $180 for a party of four. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

EVENTS

PRIVATE LOUIS XIII COGNAC TASTING STEADFAST CHICAGO More than 20 VIP guests were invited to an exclusive dinner with ChicagoMOD at Steadfast Chicago and cognac tasting with Louis XIII on April 29. The restaurant, located inside the Gray Hotel in Chicago’s Loop, was available exclusively to ChicagoMOD and our VIP guests. The social gathering included delicious bites prepared by the talented chefs at Steadfast, a lesson in craft cocktails and a one-of-a-kind Louis XIII cognac tasting from a Remy Martin ambassador.

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1. Alexandra Thomas, Maximilien Pats, Benjamin Meyer, Shannon Steitz and Jason Lembo 2. Maximilien Pats 3. Steven Fisher 4. Guest 5. Emily Mackie and Sean Stewart 6. Steve Traxler 7. Oscar Isberian 8. Louis XIII Cognac 9. Charles Grode and Lizette Jacobson 10. Steve Traxler, Natalie Traxler, Kristen Pagel and Tom Pagel 11. Maximilien Pats 12. Sean Stewart and Emily Mackie

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EVENTS

CHICAGOMOD LAUNCH EVENT MORGAN MANUFACTURING In April, MOD Media launched a new luxury lifestyle publication, ChicagoMOD, during a premier event at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago.

More than 300 guests came out to celebrate the premiere issue and walk the red carpet hosted by notable Chicago radio personality Showbiz Shelly. Guests were joined by a star-studded crowd including ChicagoMOD cover star Taylor Kinney (lead actor on NBC’s Chicago Fire) as well as his costars Monica Raymund and Miranda Rae Mayo, Hamilton actors Miguel Cervantes and Christopher Lee, Step Up actress Drew Sidora, Billy Dec and musical artist Lili K.

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1. Aston Martin of Chicago 2. Lili K 3. Billy Dec 4. Miranda Rae Mayo 5. Suzanne Corbo, Erin Macho, Miriam Geiser and Christine Judson 6. Shannon Steitz and Drew Sidora 7. Stolen representative 8. Jack Daniel’s representative 9. Benjamin Meyer and Showbiz Shelly 10. BJ Bohne, Eric Ferguson, Irena Bohne, Magda Kowalczyk, Patrick May, Taylor Kinney, Natalia Felker, Mary and Tim Mahler 11. Taylor Kinney and Joe Ahern 12. Kopal Pandey, Nubia DuVall Wilson, Nicole Fonzino, Emma Reynolds and Elaine Doremus

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ANDRE LACOUR

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Throughout the evening, guests sipped on cocktails mixed with Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia Vodka, Herradura Tequila and Stolen Rum, as well as champagne served at a Caesarstone-sponsored bar. Food was prepared by the Entertaining Company. Other luxury happenings included an incredible aerial silk performance, a display of luxury autos by Fletcher Jones and Aston Martin of Chicago, a VIP lounge sponsored by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and a luxury silent auction.

The auction, which included items such as a three-night stay in Sorrento and Lake Como, Italy, signed sports memorabilia, and a fire helmet autographed by the Chicago Fire cast, benefited the 100 Club of Chicago. Joe Ahern, CEO of the organization, was on site to speak to the crowd of the 100 Club’s incredible impact on the families of fallen first responders as well as the community.

At the end of the event, guests left with an incredible swag bag filled with luxurious goodies from a variety of brands and a copy of ChicagoMOD, the city’s authority on luxury.

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13. Taylor Kinney and Beth Heller 14. Violinist entertains guests 15. Shannon Steitz and Nicole Noonan 16. Miguel Cervantes, Joe Ahern and Christopher Lee 17. Jillian McClain, Miguel Cervantes and Kori Coleman 18. Entertaining Company catering 19. Christopher and Jasmin Antonucci, Shannon Steitz and Jason Lembo 20. Susan Ellefson and Myrna Stein 21. Jason Lembo, Chris Getz and Jeff Feinstein 22. R.J. Melman and guests 23. Caesarstone bar 24. Fletcher Jones Mercedes-Benz

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EVENTS

EVENING IN BLOOM CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW PREVIEW The annual Evening in Bloom, the preview party for the 2017 Chicago Flower & Garden Show, did not disappoint. Guests enjoyed culinary creations from the city’s top chefs, while Fleurotica, an exclusive floral fashion show presentation and collaboration with the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, was featured at the event for the first time. Attracting some 1,200 guests, the event raised more than $100,000 for the evening’s beneficiaries, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Pilot Light and the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

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1. Couture gown 2. Gala decorations 3. Caitland Painchaud, Laura Reynolds 4. Ann-Marie Streibich, Karin Carlson, Margaret O’Connor 5. Steve Holz, Shari Duffy, Elle Behrens, Tad Tetzlaff 6. Tony Abruscato 7. Flower couture gown 8. Gala decorations 9. Elaine Doremus, Kara Kilmer, Andrew Cheney

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HOLIDAY IN HAVANA MAGNIFICENT MILE ASSOCIATION GALA ChicagoMOD was proud to be the exclusive media sponsor of the Magnificent Mile Association’s 2017 Annual Gala Holiday in Havana on May 12. More than a thousand of the city’s most prominent association members and donors gathered for an evening of food and drink during the colorful-themed festival at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Guests enjoyed a cocktail and gaming reception presented by Rivers Casino before dinner, dessert and dancing to music by Dr. Bombay. The evening benefited the Magnificent Mile Charitable Foundation.

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1. Carmen Miranda Girls 2. Lauren Burny and Randy Coakley 3. Andrea Schaefer, Linda Ellison and Whitney Krystof 4. Taylin Humphrey and Andrew Maingot 5. Gary and Adelina Schneider 6. Jason Lembo and Shannon Steitz 7. Jared Cohen and Hannah Perlmutter 8. John and Leah Gurgone 9. Michael Ryan, Kimberly Walz and guests 10. Meredith Schaer, Lee Golub, Sandy Golub, Mark Kutek and Irena Kutek

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EVENTS

MCA ARTEDGE 50 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO More than 600 guests gathered at the MCA on June 3 to celebrate MCA ArtEdge 50, the museum’s 50th anniversary. Toplining was the anticipated exhibit from renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg. Chicago’s most influential attended the gala, which kicked-off Murakami’s first museum retrospective in North America in more than a decade. The night began with a showing of the exhibit, including a never-before-seen monument by the artist. Guests followed a path from the museum to Lake Shore Park where a tent awaited them with massive 10-foot tall and 24-foot wide light fixtures decorated with Murakami’s octopus designs. Singer Janelle Monáe performed a concert after dinner and dessert. The event raised $3 million for MCA exhibitions, performances and education programming.

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1. Takashi Murakami 2. Anne L. Kaplan and Dia Weil 3. Dessert 4. Susan Goodman and Rodney Lubeznik 5. Cari Sacks 6. Allison Rojas and Marc Ecko 7. Gala atmosphere 8. Janelle Monáe

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MAGGIE RIFE PONCE, © MCA CHICAGO, MARIA PONCE, © MCA CHICAGO, BRAXTON BLACK FOR JEREMY LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY, © MCA CHICAGO, MYSI ANNE GRUBBE FOR JEREMY LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY, © MCA CHICAGO

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20TH ANNUAL SPRING INTO ACTION BENEFIT CHICAGO METROPOLITAN BATTERED WOMEN’S NETWORK More than 300 people gathered at Salvage One on March 30 to attend the 20th Annual “Spring Into Action” Benefit in support of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network. Proceeds go to the education, public policy and advocacy of those impacted by domestic violence. Guests enjoyed live and silent auctions, culinary delights from chefs across Chicago, a raffle and live entertainment, and sipped on drinks while admiring the eclectic space. The event raised more than $100,000.

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1. Table décor 2. Band 3. Annette Zafferkey, Maribeth Chick and Maureen Schlade 4. Michelle Young and friend 5. Stacy Machenga, Brittany Hughes, Jenna Williams and Alli Fazzio 6. Brenna Bagby and Mike Vradtad 7. Shelly Nash, Allison Kaye and James Murphy 8. Alana Salata, Olivia Bedi and Lesley Herald 9. Ambiance at Salvage One

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MOD SELECTS

u

DAUNTLESS DIALS Be fearless this season by daring to wear Jaeger-LeCoultre’s newest additions to its Atelier Reverso collection. With three new vibrant-colored timepieces, wearers will stand out in any crowd. Whether you choose military marble, electric blue or tiger’s eye, you get the best of both worlds: the refined precision of the Atelier Reverso watch and a bold band and face.

Wherever you wear your new chronometer, be prepared to have all eyes on you. Available at Jaeger-LeCoultre.com, prices may vary

TEARS OF THE GODS

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In modern society, diamonds are a girl’s best friend; but in Roman and Greek mythology, diamonds are the tears of the gods. In May, the world’s most valuable gems went up for auction: the Apollo & Artemis diamonds. With their exceptionally striking colors, the blue and pink earrings were undoubtedly the most popular items at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction in Geneva. Selling for $57,425,478, the pair became the most valuable earrings ever sold at auction. The Apollo blue diamond weighed in at 14.54 carats, while its twin, the Artemis pink diamond, weighed 16 carats. One thing’s for sure, the new owner of these earrings will instantly look and feel like a Greek goddess. For more information, please visit Sothebys.com.

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black brushstroke Kate Spade is taking its sassy flair to another department besides fashion: wall decor. In collaboration with Wendover Art Group, the all-new collection features more than 60 designs that boast feisty sayings, sketches, landscapes and bold abstracts. Perhaps one of Kate Spade’s most striking pieces is black brushstroke. Featuring bold blackand-white strokes, the art piece is hand-painted on canvas. It proves that simplicity makes the strongest impact.

Available at KateSpade.com, $1,495

BY NICOLE FONZINO

TECH CHIC

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In this day and age, no stylish wardrobe is complete without an eye-catching tech accessory. So why not add a timepiece to your collection that combines the savvy minds at Apple with the fashion-forward folks of Hermes? This spring, the two world-renowned brands launched new accessories for their Apple Watch collaboration. The new bands include spring shades such as blue zephyr, lime and colvert, as well as a neutral shade, fauve, so you can either follow the style trends or showcase a timeless color. Fashioned with epsom, barenia or swift leather, the watch bands come in a single tour ($399), double tour ($489) or double buckle cuff ($689). Sporting one of these down Michigan Avenue will take you from tres chic to tech chic. Available at Apple.com or Hermes.com, prices may vary

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SICILY IS MY LOVE

Celebrate the beloved isle of Sicily with Dolce & Gabbana’s newest collaboration with Smeg, Italy’s luxury appliance maker. The exclusive collection, which debuted at this year’s Salone del Mobile Milano, transforms basic kitchen appliances into bold pieces of art that evoke the isle. Featuring fiery shades of red, orange, yellow, blue and green, designed luxury appliances in this collection include citrus juicers, coffee machines, kettles, blenders, stand mixers and slow juicers. Besides bold colors, Dolce & Gabbana and Smeg incorporated indigenous-to-Sicily lemons, oranges and prickly pears into the designs. If you’re a lover of art or just simply enjoy Italian style, the Sicily Is My Love collection is a must-have in your household decor. For more information, please visit DolceGabbana.com.

FOR THE LOVE OF ROSÉ u Welcome to the 21st century, where virtually everybody, including one of the world’s top champagne producers, Möet & Chandon, is using emojis to communicate with one another. For the launch of its new limited edition Rosé Impérial Emöeticons bottle, the champagne company covered its bright pink exterior in branded Emöeticons, which feature cheeky images such as champagne bottles and flutes, eyes, lips, heart-shaped sunglasses, smiley faces, crowns and bundles of grapes. What’s even better? There are more Emöeticon stickers hidden behind the front label, allowing you to customize your bottle further. The fruity flavor mixed with a unique and fun casing makes for the perfect summer beverage. For more information, please visit US.Moet.com.

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THE SCENE

Logan Center Bluesfest

The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg

Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg

WHEN: September 19-24 WHERE: Millennium Park, 201 E.

Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, known for his collaborations with hip-hop artist Kanye West and Louis Vuitton, is making his debut at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. His exhibition, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, will feature over 50 works that span three decades of his career.

WHEN: June 6-September 24 WHERE: M useum of Contemporary

Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue VISIT: MCAChicago.org

Randolph Street VISIT: ChicagoGourmet.org

Chicago Gourmet – 10th Anniversary Bon Apétit’s annual event is always a smashing success. This year, the stakes have been raised for the event’s 10th anniversary. Sprinkled amongst celebrity-chef demonstrations from Chicago icons such as Stephanie Izard and Curtis Stone — plus tastings from the Windy City’s best restaurants, wineries, spirits purveyors and breweries — will be party favors, photo ops and sweet treats perfect for celebrating a decade of fun. Not enough for you? The “eXtraordinary Chefs – eXtraordinary Places” collection is throwing 10 parties in various iconic Chicago digs such as Wrigley Field and Willis Tower for more gourmet food and anniversary antics!

98 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

Symphony Ball Begin the new opera season with this distinguished gala. A reception is followed by a Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance led by Riccardo Muti. Be enchanted by Tchaikovsky and Rossini, as well as Mozart’s Turkish Concerto performed by acclaimed violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. End the evening with dinner and dancing at the Four Seasons Chicago WHEN: September 22 WHERE: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 220 S. Michigan Avenue VISIT: CSO.org/SymphonyBall

Fire-tober Fest Oktoberfest and soccer, two European classics, get a Chi-town twist at Chicago Fire’s fundraising event.

Sample local brewery offerings along with savory snacks while enjoying a lively afternoon supporting your favorite soccer team with raffles and more.

WHEN: September 23 WHERE: Joe’s on Weed Street, 940 West Weed Street VISIT: Chicago-Fire.com/Community/ Foundation/Events

Orion Ensemble

Opening Night Opera Ball With renowned flair, the Lyric Opera House is rolling out the red carpet for the start of its 63rd season.

Take in the excitement around you before enjoying an unprecedented collaboration between Lyric and the Joffrey Ballet, Orphée et Eurydice, directed by John Neumeier. The show might then be over, but the party is not as guests head to the Hilton for one of Chicago’s most fashionable events of the season. A night that cannot be missed!

WHEN: September 23 WHERE: Lyric Opera House VISIT: L yricOpera.org/Support/ OperaBall2017

Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation Dinner Not only is this event at the heart of Chicago’s networking scene, but it also benefits the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation’s real estate education program along with Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University’s cancer research. An extravagant raffle to win a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4 or $15,000 in cash make this event the perfect mix of work and play.

WHEN: September 26 WHERE: Hilton Chicago VISIT: E isenbergFoundation.org

Fulton Market Harvest Festival Celebrate Chicago culture at this three-day event featuring popup dinners and cooking demonstrations by renowned local and national chefs, with live music and a family-friendly atmosphere.

WHEN: September 30-October 1 WHERE: Fulton Market District VISIT: FultonMarketHarvestFest.com

Chicago Humanities Festival Benefit Evening Enjoy an evening dedicated to celebrating and fostering ideas that will shape the future. Opening with guest speaker, Pulitzer Prize–winner Samantha Power, the night continues with a dinner and reception benefiting the thinkers of tomorrow.

WHEN: October 9 WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel VISIT: ChicagoHumanities.org/Events/ Special/Gala-Benefit

Gold Coast Fashion Award Show Join a thousand of Chicago’s most elite for this critically acclaimed fashion show. The Gold Coast Fashion Award Show is the Children’s Service Board’s most prominent fundraiser for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

WHEN: October 12 WHERE: Revel Fulton Market VISIT: Foundation.LurieChildrens.org

Orion Ensemble 25th Anniversary Benefit Support Orion Ensemble, winner of the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, at this benefit performance. After the show, enjoy an intimate lunch with guests and musicians. The benefit concert, with proceeds going to producing Orion shows and supporting young musicians, is in honor of the acclaimed ensemble’s

25th anniversary. This is the perfect chance for fans to join in the celebration.

WHEN: October 7 WHERE: Dunham Woods Riding Club, 33w333 Army Trail Road, Wayne, IL VISIT: OrionEnsemble.org

Take a Stand Center Grand Opening

Logan Center Bluesfest This inaugural event is a must for blues fans and history buffs alike.

U Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts is launching a yearround blues initiative that explores and celebrates the South Side of Chicago’s roots in the movement. Bluesfest begins this journey with headliner Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio, a premiere of “Horn From the Heart: The Paul Butterfield Story” and appearances by all surviving members of the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band, as well as workshops and jam sessions for players of all skill levels.

WHEN: October 13-15 WHERE: University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th Street VISIT: Arts.UChicago.edu/LoganCenter/Programs-Events/LoganCenter-Bluesfest

Take a Stand Center Grand Opening The Illinois Holocaust Museum is the first in the world to utilize interactive, three-dimensional technology to tell the story of Holocaust survivors in its new, Take a Stand Center. This multimillion-dollar exhibit showcases the Abe and Ida Cooper Survivor Stories Experience in a way that breaks down the barriers of time and space to foster an emotional connection and understanding among survivors and viewers. You will want to be first in line to view this monumental exhibit.

WHEN: October 29 WHERE: Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9063 Woods Drive, Skokie VISIT: ILHolocaustMuseum.org/TakeA-Stand-Center-Intern

AROUND THE GLOBE Watch & Jewelry Guild September 25-26 Tropicana Las Vegas, NV

Monaco Yacht Show September 27-30 Port Hercules, Monaco

Paris Fashion Week September 26-October 3 Paris, France

Les Voiles De Saint-Tropez September 30-October 8 Saint-Tropez

American Express World Luxury Expo October 4-6 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Frieze Art Fair London October 5-8 London, UK

NYC Food and Wine Festival October 13-16 New York, NY Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show November 1-5 Fort Lauderdale, FL

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

99

THE QUOTE

1943

The year of the first official Fashion Week in New York.

935

The address number of the Dior boutique on North Rush Street, set to open later this year.

The number of colors in the Pantone Spring/ Summer 2017 fashion color report, which includes Primrose Yellow, Pale Dogwood, Hazelnut, Island Paradise, Greenery, Flame, Pink Yarrow, Niagara, Kale and Lapis Blue.

“It’s impolite to stare, unless of course, it’s at gorgeous shoes.”

– Brian Atwood

ILLUSTRATION

BY ISABELLA BANNERMAN

20

The number of years Harper’s Bazaar magazine recently celebrated.

The height in inches of the tallest high heels ever created, by Indian designer James Syiemiong.

1,100

The number of interior designers, students and design industry partner members in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) in Illinois.

10

150

4,000,0000

design industry, is celebrating at this year’s annual convention.

The number of square feet of the Merchandise Mart, the art deco landmark that was once the largest building in the world.

49 The number of years NeoCon, Chicago’s premier platform event for the commercial

P R E M I E R E

Healthy Living

I S S U E

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THE CONCIERGE A rotating selection of new and noteworthy hotels, restaurants, nightlife, entertainment, arts, culture, attractions, shopping and more to help you navigate and make the most of our great city of Chicago.

STAY Chicago Athletic Association Hotel Don’t let its Venetian Gothic-style fool you.

This luxury historic hotel boasts all the modern amenities plus undeniably spectacular views of Millennium Park from the all-season rooftop restaurant and bar, Cindy’s. 12 S. Michigan Ave., 312-9403552, chicagoathletichotel.com Conrad Chicago Hotel Steps away from Michigan Avenue, Conrad

The Four Seasons Chicago

Chicago is in the heart of everything. Enjoy highend amenities, spacious

ing, the Dana is a vacation

views that span the entire

127 W. Huron St., 312-649-

Kinzie Hotel boasts the

rooms and top-level ser-

in itself. Be sure to visit

city. 120 E. Delaware Pl.,

2000, godfreyhotelchica-

coolest and most casual

vice. Don’t forget to stop

Apogee, located 26 floors

312-280-8800, foursea-

go.com

luxury. With pet-friendly

for a signature smoked

up, for one-of-a-kind

sons.com/chicago

scotch at Baptiste &

cocktails and an unforget-

Bottle, serving classic

table rooftop experience.

American fare in a mod-

660 N. State St., 312-202-

ern tavern setting. 101 E. Erie St., 312-667-6700,

rooms, LED TVs, luxe Gwen Hotel

spa products and a sexy

Godfrey Hotel

This hotel brings a breath

cocktail reception, this

As one of the hottest

of fresh air and creativity

boutique stay is perfect

6000, danahotelandspa.

luxury boutique hotels

to Chicago’s downtown

for the modern traveler.

com

in Chicago’s River North

area. It celebrates the

20 W. Kinzie St., 312-3959000, kinziehotel.com

neighborhood, the God-

glamour and glitz of

Four Seasons Chicago

frey offers 221 spacious

1930s Chicago with a

Dana Hotel

Located a hop away from

rooms, plus 15,000 square

modern-meets-vin-

InterContinental Chicago

Situated in the River North

some of the most glam-

feet of indoor and out-

tage aesthetic. 521 N.

A landmark on Michigan

Gallery District, the Dana

orous shopping on the

door patio space. Dolce

Rush St., 312-645-1500,

Avenue, the InterConti-

hotel offers a unique,

Magnificent Mile, the Four

Italian provides a place

thegwenchicago.com

nental Chicago posi-

relaxing experience. Com-

Seasons Chicago lives

for you to dine, while the

plete with polished rooms,

up to its internationally

IO Rooftop Lounge is a

Kinzie Hotel

downtown mainstay with

a full spa, luxurious event

acclaimed reputation with

sexy, swanky place to

Of all the upscale stays in

a sprinkle of classical

spaces and high-class din-

unparalleled service and

have some cocktails.

downtown Chicago, the

charm. The premier hotel

conradchicagohotel.com

102 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

tions itself as a vibrant

offers exquisite dining,

the NoMI Spa and NoMI

ence offering a worldly,

1300, waldorfastoriachi-

Blackbird

high-end shopping and an

Kitchen, its chic ambiance

eclectic sensibility with a

cagohotel.com

Recently named 2017

easy commute to some of

and modern décor make

luxurious loft-like lobby

the most iconic attrac-

for a remarkable and

and lounge amidst the

Virgin Hotels Chicago

Jean Banchet Awards

tions in the city. 505 N.

sophisticated Chicago

tree-lined streets and

Bringing a new mean-

for Culinary Excellence,

Michigan Ave., 312-944-

experience. 800 N. Mich-

historic mansions of

ing to boutique hotel,

Blackbird revolutionized

4100, icchicagohotel.com

igan Ave., 312-335-1234,

Chicago’s Gold Coast.

Virgin amps up your stay

the Chicago dining scene

chicago.park.hyatt.com

Home to Nico Osteria,

with heartfelt customer

in 1997 with its inventive

Best Restaurant by the

serving Italian seafood

service, a chic, eclectic

farm-to-table menu by

The Langham earned

Peninsula Chicago

specialties, the Thompson

aesthetic and plenty of

Paul Kahan featuring

the spot of number-one

Far Eastern graciousness

is the place to be seen. 21

dining and entertainment

farm-fresh ingredients

hotel in the U.S. in 2017,

blends with Midwest-

E. Bellevue Pl., 312-266-

festivities under one roof.

and cutting-edge culinary

so it’s no question this

ern hospitality at this

2100, thompsonhotels.

203 N. Wabash Ave., 312-

technology. 619 W. Ran-

London-based luxury hos-

premium luxurious hotel

com/chicago

940-4400, virginhotels.

dolph St., 312-715-0708,

pitality brand goes above

that features one-touch

com/chicago

blackbirdrestaurant.com

and beyond. Butler service

state-of-the-art tablet

Trump International

and views of the city,

technology in every

Hotel & Tower

housed in the iconic Mies

room, a curated Keys to

The finest dining paired

van der Rohe’s 1971 IBM

the City experience and

with the finest views

Building, await you. 330

a Hamilton Nights room

of the city, plus luxe

Alinea

since 2003, but thanks

N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-

package. 108 E. Superior

accommodations, make

This time-tested fine din-

to Chef Lee Wolen’s

9988, langhamhotels.com/

St., 312-337-2888, chica-

any weary traveler swoon

ing destination is one of

seasonal American fare

en/the-langham/chicago

go.peninsula.com

over the most coveted

only 13 restaurants in the

and Simone Deary’s

address in the city. Dine

U.S. — and one of three in

timeless design, Boka has

Langham

EAT + DRINK

Boka Lincoln Park’s famed eatery has been around

LondonHouse Chicago

Renaissance Hotel

at Sixteen, awarded two

Chicago — to earn three

remained at the top of

The riverfront hotel is a

In the center of Chicago’s

Michelin stars, relax for a

Michelin stars. Chef Grant

its class in the Chicago

luxury lifestyle destina-

Theater District, the Re-

cocktail at Rebar or take

Achatz draws foodies

culinary scene. 1729 N.

tion for those wanting an

naissance Hotel seeks to

in the dramatic cityscape

with new American

Halsted St., 312-337-6070,

above-and-beyond stay.

merge business, pleasure

on the Terrace at Trump.

tasting menus featuring

bokachicago.com

Fusing classical architec-

and discovery. Its newly

401 N. Wabash Ave., 312-

an innovative approach

ture with a modern inte-

renovated design offers

588-8000, trumphotels.

to modern cuisine. 1723

Chicago Cut Steakhouse

rior, the 1920s-inspired

stylish and elegant decor

com/chicago

N. Halsted, 312-867-0110,

Floor-to-ceiling windows

high-rise building offers

for a refined finish. Over-

alinearestaurant.com

afford a view of the

sweeping views of the

looking the Chicago River,

Waldorf Astoria

city. Don’t forget to pay

the urban rooftop bar,

From the moment you

Bad Hunter

modern dining room that

a visit to the LH Rooftop

Raised, serves up skyline

pull in, you’re transported

Situated in Chicago’s

serves up dry-aged USDA

to enjoy a cocktail while

views and perfectly craft-

to a European chalet, but

West Loop, the buzzing

prime steaks and more

admiring our gorgeous

ed cocktails to keep the

it’s not until you enter the

restaurant capital of the

than 600 wines to choose

city. 85 E. Upper Wacker

night going. 1 W. Wacker

ultra-personalized rooms

city, Bad Hunter’s hip new

from. 300 N. LaSalle Dr.,

Dr., 312-357-1200, london-

Dr., 312-372-7200, renais-

that you realize this

American dishes are sea-

312-329-1800, chicago-

housechicago.com

sance-hotels.marriott.

hotel is synonymous with

sonal, vegetable-centric

cutsteakhouse.com

com/renaissance-chica-

luxury. Enjoy fine dining,

and perfect for those who

go-downtown-hotel

the soothing spa and

want a bespoke dish in a

Coco Pazzo

shopping on Gold Coast’s

trendy atmosphere. 802

For 25 years, this River

Park Hyatt Chicago Elevated living is an art,

Chicago River from the

and no one perfects it like

Thompson Hotel

most extravagant block.

W. Randolph St., 312-265-

North restaurant has been

the Park Hyatt. Housing

A boutique hotel experi-

11 E. Walton St., 312-646-

1745, badhunter.com

serving authentic Tuscan

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

103

THE CONCIERGE (Guide)

Italian fare in a gracious,

Coast steakhouse is a

Giuseppe Tentori, the

on whiskey. The unique

as Owner/Chef Sarah

white-tablecloth setting.

place to see and be seen

buzzy space pairs

and trendy style has

Grueneberg recently won

300 W. Hubbard St., 312-

and known for its exclu-

inventive shared plates

earned it a Michelin Star

a James Beard Foun-

836-0900, cocopazzochi-

sive USDA prime angus

with creative cocktails in

six years in a row. 2657 N.

dation Award for Best

cago.com

steaks, perfectly crafted

a modern setting. 531 N.

Kedzie Ave., 773-276-7110,

Chef: Great Lakes for her

longmanandeagle.com

culinary delights. 1020 W.

cocktails and impressive

Wells St., 312-929-3501,

El Che Bar

seafood selection. 1028 N.

gtoyster.com

Securing three Jean Ban-

Rush St., 312-266-8999,

chet Award nominations

gibsonssteakhouse.com

Madison St., 312-888-3041, Maple & Ash

Honey’s

Not just another steak

monteverdechicago.com

Nominated for three Jean

house, this Gold Coast

*NEW Noyane

Chef John Manion’s spir-

Girl & the Goat

Banchet Awards this year,

newcomer offers an

Celebrity chef Richard

ited Argentine-American

One of the first restau-

Honey’s serves up New

innovative take, mixing

Sandoval caused quite

restaurant that evokes

rants to put down roots in

American-Mediterranean

a modern aesthetic with

a stir when he opened

sultry vibes and subtle

the Randolph Restaurant

fare with seasonal craft

nods to South American

Corridor, Executive Chef

cocktails and wines. It

culture. 845 W. Washing-

Stephanie Izard has been

offers accessible fine

ton Blvd., 312-265-1130,

serving up innovative

dining in a stylish setting

elchebarchicago.com

small plates of tasty,

with some of the freshest

bold-flavored foods with

dishes around. 1111 W.

*NEW Ella Elli

global influence in a fun

Lake St., 312-877-5929,

This Lakeview-based

and lively setting with a

honeyschicago.com

eatery opened its doors

dramatic open kitchen

in March. With a sophis-

since 2010. 809 W. Ran-

Leña Brava

ticated ambiance and a

dolph St., 312-492-6262,

Rick Bayless scores yet

globally inspired menu, Ella

girlandthegoat.com

another winner with

this year, El Che Bar is

Lamb tartare with chamomile and ramps at Sixteen at Trump

his trendy West Loop

Elli is ideal for catching up over a glass of wine or in-

Grace

Baja-style restaurant that

authentic service to

Baptiste & Bottle inside

dulging in small bites. 1349

With three Michelin stars,

serves up dishes ranging

deliver classic wood-fired

the Conrad Hotel. Now,

W. Cornelia Ave., 773-935-

Curtis Duffy’s first solo

from ceviches to entrees

dishes with a contem-

he’s back at it with Japa-

3552, ellaellichicago.com

restaurant is a perfect

from the wood-burning

porary twist, not to

nese-inspired Noyane, a

example of fine dining

hearth and oven. 900 W.

mention great steaks. The

rooftop lounge atop the

Everest

done right. Guests choose

Randolph St., 312-733-

restaurant recently added

Conrad Chicago Hotel

Celebrating 30 years of

from two 8- to 12-course

1975, rickbayless.com/

brunch, and it comes as

that serves sushi and

Alsatian-French dining

tasting menus: Flora

restaurants/lena-brava

no surprise that its meaty

Japanese whiskey. 101 E.

atop the Chicago Stock

highlights vegetables and

dishes are offered also in

Erie St., 312-667-6796,

Exchange, this spe-

Fauna focuses on seafood

Longman & Eagle

the morning. 8 W. Maple

noyane.com

cial-occasion restaurant

and protein. 652 W. Ran-

Rich in history and

St., 312-944-8888, maple-

offers prix-fixe menus,

dolph St., 312-234-9494,

culture, Longman & Eagle

andash.com

dramatic views and rare

grace-restaurant.com

offers a stay of drinking,

Old World elegance. 440

Ocean Cut A staple of the Chicago

eating and sleeping with

Monteverde Restaurant

dining scene, Ocean

S. LaSalle St., 40th floor,

GT Fish & Oyster

a contemporary take on

& Pastificio

Cut is a two-story,

312-663-8920, evere-

This Bib Gourmand-win-

inn-style lodging. Formal

This West Loop restaurant

8,000-square-foot sea-

strestaurant.com

ning oyster and seafood

restaurant seating and

blends Italian culture and

food concept with mari-

restaurant in River North

bar seating are available

cooking for a truly delec-

time influences. The food

Gibsons Bar & Steak-

is home to incredible

as this Logan Square ref-

table and traditional expe-

here is unparalleled, as is

house

seafood dishes. Named

uge creates farm-to-table

rience. If you love Italian

the attentive service and

This quintessential Gold

after chef/partner

dishes with an emphasis

and fine dining, book now,

top-notch cocktails. 20 W.

104 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

THE CONCIERGE (Guide)

Kinzie St., 312-280-8882,

and South America with

lin-star restaurant on

French cuisine in this

of the retail industry. 15

oceancutchicago.com

dishes inspired by Latin

the sixteenth floor of

four-star, world-famous

E. Oak St., 312-587-1700,

American culture. Rum

the luxury hotel recently

restaurant renowned for

barneys.com

Oriole

aficionados will particu-

brought on Executive

its extensive caviar pro-

Noah Sandoval and Genie

larly enjoy this hotspot,

Chef Nick Dostal to infuse

gram, elegant ambiance

Belle Vie Bridal

Kwon defied convention

as Ronero specializes in

new inspiration into each

and museum-quality

Book your appointment

when they opened this

rum-inspired drinks and

precisely flavored dish. 401

contemporary art. 676 N.

now to find a gown that

28-seat tasting-menu-only

signature and classic

N. Wabash Ave., 312-588-

St Clair St., 312-202-0001,

will fit you and your

concept, which earned

cocktails. 738 W Ran-

8030, sixteenchicago.com

trurestaurant.com

price range. The modern

Best New Restaurant at the

dolph St., 312-600-6105,

2017 Jean Banchet Awards

ronerochicago.com

French décor at Belle Steadfast A stylish New American

for Culinary Excellence. 661

Vie Bridal completes the

SHOP

experience as you try on

W. Walnut St., 312-877-

RPM Steak

eatery inside the Kimpton

5339, oriolechicago.com

Power couple Giuliana

Gray Hotel just steps away

900 North Michigan

couture gowns. Once

and Bill Rancic opened

from Chicago’s theater

Shops

you’ve found the perfect

Prime & Provisions

this sister restaurant

district, featuring a luxe

Here you’ll find luxury

dress, the stylists will help

The sprawling steakhouse

to RPM Italian, where

décor and high-end fare

stores such as Michael

you with veils and ac-

features USDA all-natural

celebrity spotting and

along with rare brown

Kors Collection, Gucci,

cessories. 214 W. Erie St.,

prime heritage black an-

dry-aged beef go hand in

spirits. 120 W. Monroe St.,

space519, Club Monaco,

312-751-2222, belleviebrid-

gus beef in its signature

hand. Those with dietary

312-801-8899, steadfast-

Rigby & Peller Lingerie,

alcouture.com

state-of-the-art dry-aging

restrictions can choose

chicago.com

L.K. Bennett, Sidney

room. Marble tables, a

from a selection of glu-

Garber, J. Crew and Max

Blake

cigar patio and the best

ten-free and vegetarian

Topolobampo

Mara. In this six-story

Once voted the eighth

steak in the city make this

options. 66 W. Kinzie St.,

Topolobampo has been

shopping center are

most expensive store in

a luxe destination for any

312-284-4990, rpm-

around for 28 years,

also Bloomingdale’s, art

the U.S., Blake specializes

discerning foodie. 222 N.

restaurants.com

but that doesn’t make it

galleries and restaurants.

in sophisticated women’s

any less exciting. In fact,

900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-

apparel in a minimalist

Shanghai Terrace

this high-end Mexican

915-3916, shop900.com

setting. Shoppers must be

The Peninsula’s reimag-

restaurant won the

Roister

ined Chinese-inspired

Outstanding Restaurant

Alexis Bittar

es from Marni, Dries Van

Go for the open-hearth

restaurant is located

at the 2017 James Beard

New York jewelry gets

Noten and other major

oven and open-kitchen

on the lobby-level floor

Foundation Awards.

some Chicago flair. The

designers. 212 W. Chicago

concept and stay for the

overlooking the heart of

Unlike most classic dining

store’s rustic front is jux-

Ave., 312-202-0047

rowdy and rustic vibes and

the city right off Michigan

spots, Topolobampo’s

taposed with the glitter

food by Andrew Brochu,

Avenue. Expertly crafted

dishes are organized

and shine of the trendy

Bottega Veneta

named Best Chef at the

dim sum, Chinese flow-

under “vibrant,” “soulful”

pieces sold inside. 1710

If you’re in pursuit of

2017 Jean Banchet Awards

er-inspired cocktails and

and “enchanting.” No

N. Damen Ave., 773-486-

excellent quality, unique

for Culinary Excellence. 951

traditional Chinese decor

matter which experience

5627, alexisbittar.com

style and simple beauty,

W. Fulton Market, hospital-

make you forget you’re

you choose, it’s bound to

ity@roisterrestaurant.com,

in Chicago and not in an

be phenomenal. 445 N.

Barneys

place for you. Specializing

roisterrestaurant.com

East Asian paradise. 108 E.

Clark St., 312-661-1434,

In 1993, Chicago’s luxury

in Italian leather hand-

Superior St., 312-573-6744,

rickbayless.com/restau-

fashion scene was for-

bags and ready-to-wear

chicago.peninsula.com

rants/topolobampo

ever elevated. Barneys’

clothing, Bottega Veneta

designer selections and

values exceptional crafts-

LaSalle Dr., 312-726-7777, primeandprovisions.com

Ronero The West Loop’s latest

a wide range of haute

buzzed in to browse piec-

Bottega Veneta is the

Latin-inspired bar takes

Sixteen

Tru

penchant for stylish

manship and materials

you on a culinary journey

The Trump International

Executive Chef Anthony

advertising place the

that will provide you with

through the Caribbean

Hotel & Tower’s Miche-

Martin offers progressive

company at the forefront

a look to complement

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

105

THE CONCIERGE (Guide)

your individual style. 800

between traditional and

natural fit for the effort-

clientele. Located on the

E. Oak St., 312-705-1820,

N. Michigan Ave., 312-

innovative designers,

lessly chic jewelry shop.

prestigious Oak Street,

harrywinston.com

664-3220, bottegaveneta.

American and European

Since 2010, high-end

the retailer sells Bovet,

com/us

labels and classic yet

Chicago shoppers have

Breitling, Blancpain,

Hèrmes

witty style. It’s no wonder

come to the Gold Coast

Hublot and Richard Mille,

The maker of the iconic

Brunello Cucinelli

this Evanston boutique

shop for Swiss-made

among many others. 112 E.

Birkin bag, Hèrmes has

Since the opening of its

finds such loyal clientele

timepieces, gold and

Oak Street, 312-944-3100,

had roots in Chicago for

Gold Coast boutique in

among Chicago women.

silver designs, diamonds,

genevaseal.com

quite some time. Housed

2012, Brunello Cucinelli

2611 Prairie Ave., Evan-

gemstones and pearls.

has brought neutral

ston, IL, 847-424-0011,

40 E. Oak St., 312-787-

George Greene

the brand sells apparel,

tones, colorful cashmere

chalkboutique.com

7779, davidyurman.com

Located in a cozy stone

handbags, scarves and

building in the Gold

accessories. 25 E. Oak

and humanitarian ideals

in a clean stone building,

to the streets of Chicago’s

Chanel

Dimitra’s Bridal

Coast, George Greene

St., 312-787-8175, usa.

most famous shopping

Storefront presence on

Dimitra’s Bridal has been

makes you feel as if

hermes.com

district. 939 N. Rush St.,

the Magnificent Mile and

at the forefront of the

you’re walking into your

312-266-6000, brunello-

an internal entrance from

Chicago bridal scene

home. With an extensive

cucinelli.com

the Drake place Chanel in

since 2001. Book an ap-

list of luxury designers,

One of the most well-rec-

the most prestigious Chi-

pointment to discuss your

this is the place to shop

ognized boutiques in

Burdi

cago retail space, which

vision and look through

for men’s clothing, jewelry

Chicago from owner

Since 1968, Burdi has

is nothing short of what

the collection of top de-

and accessories. Decorat-

Ikram Goldman, ikram

been outfitting the most

the fashion powerhouse

signer wedding and eve-

ed with masculine tables

sells high-end women’s

well-dressed men of Chi-

deserves. For 30 years,

ning gowns. Don’t forget

and chairs, dressers

clothing, shoes and ac-

cago with their signature

this boutique has carried

to check out the store’s

and fireplaces, you may

cessories from around the

custom ties and suits. The

the full line of Chanel cos-

weekly trunk shows! 1009

never want to leave. 49

world. Shoppers can also

men’s fashion hotspot also

metics, jewelry, clothing

N. Rush St., 312-787-0920,

E. Oak St., 312-654-2490,

enjoy the luxe café and

has ready-to-wear pieces.

and accessories. 935 N.

dimitrasbridal.com

george-greene.com

art gallery post-shopping.

58 E. Walton St., 312-642-

Michigan Ave., 312-787-

9166, burdiclothing.com

5500, chanel.com

Dolce & Gabbana

Graff

This well-known Italian

A luxurious, palatial

ikram

15 E. Huron St., 312-5871000, ikram.com

Cartier

Christian Louboutin

retailer is standing in the

interior holds delicate

Intermix

Rich in history and cul-

Those iconic red-soled

heart of the Chicago fash-

jewelry, famous diamonds

Complimentary personal

tural influences, you can

pumps aren’t all Loubou-

ion scene. Next to com-

and precious gemstones.

stylists, in addition to

trust the experts at Carti-

tin has to offer. Explore all

petitors such as Jimmy

Since 2004, Graff’s covet-

Intermix’s blend of estab-

er to provide you with the

the classics in shoes and

Choo, Hermès and Prada,

ed creations have called

lished and rising designer

best in fine jewelry, gifts

accessories along with

Dolce & Gabbana offers

Oak Street home. 103 E.

pieces, characterize the

and luxury timepieces.

new innovations in leather

unparalleled high-fashion

Oak St., 312-604-1000,

unique shopping that

Whether you’re looking

goods and beauty. Plus,

clothing, jewelry and

graffdiamonds.com

awaits you here. Inventory

for a new piece to add to

the constantly updated

accessories. 68 E. Oak St.,

your collection or a gift

collections will have you

312-255-0630, dolcegab-

Harry Winston

location guarantees that

for a friend, you won’t be

on your toes waiting for

bana.com

Harry Winston has made

Chicago women get a

leaving empty handed.

what’s to come. 58 E. Oak

jewelry an art. Make a

personalized selection. 40

630 N. Michigan Ave., 312-

St., 312-337-8200, chris-

Geneva Seal

statement with their

E. Delaware Pl., 312-640-

266-7440, cartier.com

tianlouboutin.com

For more than 50 years,

immense collection of en-

2922, intermixonline.com

this upscale timepiece

gagement rings, necklac-

specially curated for each

Chalk

David Yurman

outpost has been a

es and timepieces. Check

La Perla

Since 2009, Chalk has

David Yurman’s place-

family-owned staple in

out their vast array of

The store’s ornate Italian

been striking a balance

ment on Oak Street is a

Chicago for a discerning

exceptional diamonds. 55

architecture is the perfect

106 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

THE CONCIERGE (Guide)

backdrop for lingerie’s

has blended style with

leading luxury brand.

technology to create

Shop high-quality,

collections suited for both

ready-to-wear men’s

extreme mountaineering

and women’s beach and

conditions and daily wear.

underwear in style. 34 E.

The Near North Side

Oak St., 312-494-0400,

boutique offers Chica-

laperla.com

goans an opportunity to shop haute couture and

Lester Lampert

functional looks. 33 E. Oak

Known by its signature

St., 312-361-8573,

leopard logo, this upscale

moncler.com

jewelry salon specializes in custom-designed

neapolitan

creations, estate jewelry

The North Shore boutique

and a bevy of other

has been offering Chica-

services. 7 E. Huron St.,

goans a spacious, one-

Magnificent Mile shopping

312-944,6888, lesterla-

stop luxury shopping des-

mpert.com

tination since 2003. The

Razny Jewelers

seen a luxurious ex-

Weitzman boutique

latest designer products,

Known in Chicago and

pansion in recent years

is shoe heaven. The

Loro Piana

a Dior shop-in-shop, and

the surrounding suburbs,

that’s put them back on

spacious store hosts a

Since 2010, Chicago

informed and accommo-

Razny has some of Illinois’

everyone’s radar. The

selection of the famous

shoppers have been

dating customer service

finest jewelry. It’s an offi-

Parisian origins of their

American designers’

flocking to this boutique

have made neapolitan a

cial jeweler of Rolex and

upscale clothing lines

women’s shoes, boots and

for the full line of Loro

go-to for elite shoppers in

Patek Philippe and hous-

for men and women are

handbags. 701 N. Michigan

Piana’s cashmere and

Chicago and Chicagoland.

es some of the world’s

given a modern twist. 11 E.

Ave., 312-649-0090,

leather pieces. Luxury

560 Chestnut St., Win-

most notable jewels and

Walton St., 312-202-0166,

stuartweitzman.com

meets contemporary style

netka, IL, 847-441-7784,

timepieces. 109 E. Oak St.,

ysl.com/us

in denim, corduroy and

neapolitanonline.com

312-663-8500, razny.com

sweater collections. 39 E.

Tod’s Scotch & Soda

Warm lighting, silver

Oak St., 312-664-6644,

Neiman Marcus

Rolex

Get ready for some

accents and a sleek

loropiana.com

Forever an icon in the

Next time be fashionably

adventure with this

design characterize Tod’s

fashion world, Neiman

early. Rolex’s expert as-

Amsterdam-based chain

Chicago outpost. You’ll

Louis Vuitton

Marcus’ Magnificent Mile

sociates will find the right

that offers casual, upscale

find colorful Italian-made

Chicago’s Michigan Ave-

location is the go-to

watch among a wide vari-

looks for the whole family.

leather shoes, handbags

nue location on the north

for high fashion and

ety of luxury timepieces

Constantly curious about

and accessories at the

side of the Magnificent

upscale designer depart-

to suit your lifestyle. Your

the world, the stylists at

expansive boutique. 121

Mile is undergoing an

ment-store merchandise.

watch is a staple in your

Scotch & Soda create

E. Oak St., 312-943-0070,

extensive renovation. It

Take a shopping break

wardrobe; check the time

signature looks that con-

tods.com

sells handbags, luggage,

and enjoy lunch

in style. 636 N. Michigan

nect clashing colors and

apparel and other acces-

at Mariposa, Neiman

Ave., 312-951-1041,

fabrics for a truly distinct

Tourbillon Boutique

sories. 919 N. Michigan

Marcus’ sophisticated

rolex.com

vacation outfit. 1639 N.

Michigan Avenue’s Tour-

Ave., 312-944-2010, louis-

restaurant, located on

Damen Ave., 773-687-

billon is entirely devoted

vuitton.com

the fourth floor. 737 N.

Saint Laurent

8980, scotch-soda.com

to watchmaking. Here you’ll find the Swatch

Michigan Ave., Chicago,

Previously known for

Moncler

312-642-5900, neiman-

high-end handbags and

Stuart Weitzman

Group’s finest pieces in a

Since 1952, Moncler

marcus.com

shoes, Saint Laurent has

Michigan Avenue’s Stuart

range of preferred styles.

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

107

THE CONCIERGE (Guide)

545 N. Michigan Ave., 312-

DO

disco floor, and end your night on the lush and re-

836-3800, tourbillon.com Apogee

laxing rooftop garden. 111

Van Cleef & Arpels

The newest bar atop the

W. Hubbard St., 312-828-

Don’t sacrifice function-

Dana Hotel and spa serves

9000, celestechicago.com

ality when searching

up creative cocktails and

for the right piece of

light bites in a contem-

Centennial Wheel on

lavish jewelry. Van Cleef

porary atmosphere. It

Navy Pier

& Arpels will ensure

features an outdoor patio

Last year, Navy Pier’s

your piece is polished to

that overlooks River North

signature ferris wheel

perfection, sized correctly

and is surrounded by live-

underwent a $26.5-mil-

unique wines from all

by the likes of Al Capone,

and spotlessly cleaned.

ly greenery and modern

lion renovation, revealing

over the world to pair the

it’s a sin not to make a

The brand is dedicated to

furnishings.

the Centennial Wheel, a

dishes with, including 20

stop at this century-old

helping you preserve the

2 W. Erie St., 312-202-

196-foot structure with 42

made in-house. 1200 W.

outpost. Jazzheads from

beauty and functionality

6060, apogeechicago.

temperature-controlled

Randolph St., 312-733-

Chicago and around the

of your personalized

com

gondolas. Get a high-tech

9463, citywinery.com/

world come here often to

view of the city from the

chicago

listen to musicians both

accessory. Don’t forget to

Centennial Wheel on Navy Pier

old and new. 4082 N.

ask about the engraving

Cabana Club

revamped ride. 800-838

service which will give

Atop the Robey and the

E. Grand Ave., 800-595-

Drumbar

Broadway, 773-878-5552,

that extra special touch

Hollander hotel complex

7437, navypier.com

Located atop Rafaello Ho-

greenmilljazz.com

to your purchase. 933 N.

is this secret getaway.

Michigan Ave., 312-944-

With 180-degree views

Chicago Architecture

Streeterville is perfect for

Lincoln Park

8988, vancleefarpels.com

of the city and a rooftop

Tour

taking in city views during

Conservatory

pool, it’s the perfect

With a series of outdoor

happy hour. The speak-

Ancient ferns, tower-

Versace

place to lay out and grab

or indoor and land or

easy-inspired vibe and

ing palms and colorful

It’s hard to miss Versace’s

a few drinks. Claim your

water tours to choose

inventive craft cocktails in

flowers guide you into the

pristine lit exterior in

spot at the 160-seat deck

from, you won’t be disap-

a moody yet chic setting

oxygen-rich conservatory,

Chicago’s Gold Coast

just steps away from

pointed by what this great

make it a can’t-miss spot.

housed in a Victorian-era

neighborhood. On one

the indoor bar. 2018 W.

city’s buildings have to

201 E. Delaware Pl., 312-

glass house. The Lincoln

of the most expensive

North Ave., 872-315-3083,

offer. Opt for an exciting

933-4805, drumbar.com

Park Conservatory, built

streets, you’ll find the

therobey.com

ride on the First Lady

Italian label’s apparel, ac-

tel, this bar and lounge in

between 1890 and 1895,

Cruises while sailing the

IO Godfrey Rooftop

displays exotic plants

Chicago River and Lake

Lounge

from around the world

cessories and fragrances.

Celeste

933 N. Rush St., 312-445-

This refined multilevel

Michigan. Tour Center: 224

Skyline views and chic

in four houses. 2391 N.

9750, versace.com

space on the streets

S. Michigan Ave., 312-922-

cocktails in a clean, posh

Stockton Dr., 312-742-

of River North puts a

3432, architecture.org

setting will make you

7736, lincolnparkconser-

want to stay until early

vancy.com

Vince

modern twist on classic

The Gold Coast is home

traditions. The Celeste

City Winery

morning. This posh space

to yet another luxurious

experience starts out

Whether dining or wine-

serves New American fare

Millennium Park

spot for men, women and

as a casual night on the

making is on your to-do

and drinks from two full

When you think of Chica-

children alike. Vince offers

ground-floor pub, then

list, West Loop’s City

bars, plus bottle service.

go, it’s hard not to think

timeless pieces to add to

make your way upstairs

Winery prevails as the

127 W. Huron St., 312-374-

of Anish Kapoor’s iconic

your closet for a simple

to the Deco Room for

place to go for a unique

1830, iogodfrey.com

Cloud Gate, recognized

and elegant wardrobe

some real Chicago

experience. Borrowing

that will never go out of

cultural glam. Go ahead

cuisine from Mediterra-

Green Mill Jazz Club

You’ll find it at Millennium

style. 106 E. Oak St., 312-

and give it your all on

nean history, City Winery

One of the oldest night-

Park, overlooking the

280-6890, vince.com

Celeste’s 1970s inspired

offers more than 400

clubs in Chicago, favored

popular live-music venue

108 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

as “The Bean” by many.

THE CONCIERGE (Guide)

and expansive lawns. The

of people-watching,

Michigan Ave., Ste. 900,

25-acre area is perfect

dancing and drinking into

312-368-5300, koeni-

for people of all ages,

the wee hours of the

grubloff.com

but if you want a more

night. 56 W. Illinois St.,

kid-friendly experience,

312-644-7600, theunder-

head down to Maggie

groundchicago.com

Daley Park. 201 E. Ran-

PAMPER

Orient. Inner tranquility awaits you, as these

Anthony Cristiano

beauty and skincare

This massive

treatments restore the

Conlon/Christie’s Inter-

3,400-square-foot

mind, body and soul. 330

national Real Estate

salon feels like luxury the

N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-

Established by The Deed

moment you step in. The

7650, chuanspa.com

dolph St., 312-742-1168,

Vertiport Chicago

star, Sean Conlon, this

stark-white interior over-

millenniumpark.org

Sail the skies with a

luxury real estate firm

looking the Chicago River

Cos Bar

VIP tour from one of

has six offices through-

makes you feel like a VIP,

Top-of-the-line makeup,

Studio Paris

the premier helicopter

out Chicago, the North

but it’s the Italian-born

skincare and fragrances

A flashy night awaits you

chartering companies

Shore and the western

Anthony Cristiano that

have finally made their

at Studio Paris night-

in the city. Located just

suburbs. The boutique

brings top-level beauty

way to the North Shore.

club, the hottest spot for

outside of downtown, the

firm has some of the best

to each client. 401 N.

Take a trip to Highland

late-night dancing in a

customized tour allows

luxury real estate in the

Wabash Ave., Level 1M

Park for a personalized

DJ-driven party scene.

you to view Chicago from

city. 2044 W. Roscoe St.,

Suite B, 312-268-2440,

cosmetics experience

With an indoor and out-

a new perspective. 1339 S.

312-733-7201, conlonreal-

anthonycristiano.com

where Cos Bar’s high-

door lounge, this swanky

Wood St., 877-902-9292,

estate.com

space attracts some of the

vertiportchicago.com

most high-profile guests, whether they’re in town

LIVE

ly qualified specialists Bluemercury

provide the perfect tools

Jameson Sotheby’s

River North is the latest

to amp up your beauty

International Realty

destination for Bluemer-

routine. 662 Central Ave.,

This Chicago affiliate of

cury to offer luxury cos-

Highland Park, 847-432-

regulars. 59 W. Hubbard

@properties

the Sotheby’s Inter-

metics, skincare, makeup,

6249, cosbar.com

St., 312-377-9944, stu-

Founded by Michael

national Realty Global

perfume and more.

dioparisnightclub.com

Golden and Thaddeus

Network is widely cele-

Services include micro-

Cowshed Spa

for a night or are weekend

Wong, @properties has

brated for its portfolio of

dermabrasion, massages

The ultra-cool and vibey

TILT at 360 Chicago

quickly earned a repu-

some of the city’s most

and other treatments. 356

Soho House wouldn’t be

TILT on the 94th floor of

tation as one of the best

luxurious properties. 55

N. Clark St., 312-595-9599,

complete without a chic

the John Hancock Center

independent real estate

E. Erie St., 312-837-1111,

bluemercury.com

spa. The Cowshed Spa is

is the city’s highest moving

brokerage firms in Illinois.

jamesonsir.com

experience. Guests lean

The company is known

on a window as it tilts

for luxury real estate in

them at a 30-degree angle

on the lobby level of the Chuan Spa

posh hangout and has

Vista Tower Residences

This spa, located in the

five treatment rooms for

Chicago and Chicagoland

The latest masterpiece

Langham, Chicago,

facials, massages and

a thousand feet above

neighborhoods. 618 W.

in the Magellan Develop-

offers international spa

scrubs, among other

Michigan Avenue. This isn’t

Fulton St., 312-491-0200,

ment Group’s collection,

treatments based on the

services. Mani-pedis and

for the faint of heart, but

atproperties.com

this Jeanne Gang-

ancient traditions of the

men’s barbering also

designed tower is set

offers the best views of the Windy City. 875 N Michigan

Berkshire Hathaway

to become the city’s

Ave., 94th Floor, 312-751-

Home Services

third-tallest building at

3681, 360chicago.com

KoenigRubloff Realty

1,186 feet. It will house a

Group

five-star hotel as well as

The Underground

One of the world’s most

finely tuned residences,

It’s hard to find a more

prestigious real estate

where a one-bedroom

upbeat hotspot than this

brokerage firms can be

apartment starts at $1

club. Voted the sexiest

found in our city, where

million. Sales office: 345 E.

nightclub by Victoria’s Se-

multimillion-dollar listings

Wacker Dr., 312-620-8000,

cret, there’s no shortage

don’t run short. 980 N.

vistatowerchicago.com

George The Salon

CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

109

THE CONCIERGE (Guide)

are on the menu at this

you discover restoration

Michigan Avenue, the

National writers, as well as

exhibit, L’Affichomania:

super-luxe West Loop

and renewal. Enjoy body

NoMI Spa’s seventh-floor

Chicago’s very own, are

The Passion for French

beauty parlor. 113-125 N.

wraps, facials, acne

oasis invites you in

celebrated through com-

Posters, on display until

Green St., 312-754-6915,

treatments and stem-cell

for custom massages,

munity interactions. 180

January 2018. 40 E. Erie

cowshed.com/chicago

therapy at this serene Lin-

exclusive facials and body

N. Michigan Ave., Second

St., 312-482-8933, driehausmuseum.org

coln Park beauty hotspot.

polishes. 800 N. Michigan

Floor, 312-374-8790, amer-

Dr. Yates Lifestyle Med

2457 N. Halsted St., 773-

Ave., 312-335-1234, chica-

icanwritersmuseum.org

Cosmetic or otherwise,

327-7051, leahchavie.com

go.park.hyatt.com

Dr. William Yates, MD

Museum Campus Art Institute of Chicago

The iconic stretch along

offers a variety of services

Mario Tricoci Hair Salon

Petrosino’s Parlor

Voted the best museum

Lake Michigan known as

such as injectables, laser

& Day Spa

Inside the Loop’s sleek

in the world in 2014, it’s

Museum Campus is home

therapy, body sculpting

This iconic Chicago salon

new Gray Hotel you’ll find

no secret that this is

to five of the city’s most

and permanent hair resto-

and spa has 12 locations

Petrosino’s Parlor, where

one of the city’s great-

notable attractions: the

ration. Also on the menu

in Illinois, but it’s the city’s

men and women alike can

est cultural institutions.

Adler Planetarium, the

are organic facials, eye-

space off Michigan Ave-

enjoy a range of styling

It houses more than

Field Museum of Natural

lash extensions and other

nue that really brings the

services. The one-stop

300,000 works of art,

History, the Shedd Aquar-

rejuvenation treatments.

wow factor. Highly trained

destination serves up

including Grant Wood’s

ium, Soldier Field and

213 N. Stetson Ave., 312-

aestheticians and stylists

haircuts, body treatments,

famed American Gothic.

the Lakeside Center of

261-0872, dryyateslife-

make Mario Tricoci a one-

beard trims, eyebrow

111 S. Michigan Ave., 312-

McCormick Place. Muse-

stylemed.com

stop beauty destination.

shaping and straight-razor

443-3600, artic.edu

um Campus Dr., 312-409-

900 N. Michigan Ave.,

shaves. 120 W. Monroe St.,

847-202-1900, tricoci.com

312-616-0016, petrosino-

Chicago Theatre

org, fieldmuseum.org,

sparlor.com

This landmark theater in

sheddaquarium.org

George The Salon Stop by this cozy and

9696, adlerplanetarium.

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you on a tour through

110 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

THE CONCIERGE (Guide)

museums, galleries and

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CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

111

ENCORE

BY EMMA REYNOLDS

Chelsea Handler C

112 CHICAGOMODmagazine.com VOLUME 1.2

Chelsea Handler speaks during a luncheon to benefit the Karam Foundation at the Langham Hotel in Chicago on May 5.

person’s life, it’s worth it. And if you can make a difference in 100 people’s lives, why wouldn’t you want to do that?”

She says adults have a “big responsibility” to remain active politically and be compassionate and empathetic to things that don’t affect everyone.

“I always find it important to speak up for things that don’t affect me. You have to stick up for people who don’t have a voice or need voices, and if you have a platform, you need to use it responsibly, especially right now.”

Visit the KaramFoundation.org to get involved.

To read more about Chelsea Handler, visit us online at ChicagoMODMagazine.com.

MATT MARZAHI

helsea Handler is one of the most influential female comedians in the country. Known for her stand-up comedy, five authored books, late-night talk show Chelsea Lately and, most recently, her Netflix show Chelsea, the 42-year-old comedy guru has just undertaken a new role: philanthropist.

Although she has always been outspoken about her political beliefs, Handler is using her Netflix show as a platform to spark change, especially through the Karam Foundation, an organization that provides aid, such as food, water, rent and English classes, to Syrian refugees in Syria and the United States. On May 5, she visited the Langham Hotel in Chicago to participate in a luncheon hosted by the Evanston-based foundation to talk about her involvement. ChicagoMOD was among an exclusive group of media guests who got the chance to ask Handler questions during a press preview to the luncheon. All proceeds from the luncheon benefited the Karam Foundation.

Handler got involved in the organization through a New York Times reporter who connected her to Syrian-born Lina Sergie Attar, who co-founded the group in 2007.

“I like that you’re able to see the impact that you make [through the Karam Foundation] if you give a certain amount of money,” Handler tells ChicagoMOD. “Lina and the organization will send you photographs to see how the children are doing. You can help buy somebody a car so that the father can go to work. You can help them learn English. There are so many little things you can do if you don’t have a ton of money. You can donate your time. These people left their countries, but they didn’t want to leave. It’s not a choice. It’s a necessity. Right now, it’s important to show as much compassion and empathy as possible, especially to people not from here. We care about people. There are people who are munificent of spirit and want to help, and I am one of them.”

Although Handler has been involved in the organization only for a short while, she takes advantage of her celebrity platform through her Netflix show, Chelsea, currently in its second season.

“I’m 42 years old,” she says. “I want to do a more important show, a more well-rounded show. I want to educate. I want to learn about politics, science, culture, sports, all the things I don’t know that much about that a person could be more well-informed about.”

Handler stresses that regardless of how wide one’s platform is, the most important thing is to show up.

“I make sure I spend a lot of my personal time and money,” she says. “I show up when I can. If you can make a difference in even one

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