OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO FROM THE
October 12, 2018
OCT 13-14 SEE PAGE 6 FOR DETAILS
OPEN NOW
INTERESTED IN A GROUP TOUR? Our expert team can customize a tour for your group of ten or more. Email grouptours@chicagohistory.org for more information.
Clark Street at North Avenue | chicagohistory.org/blues
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust
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The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.
ON THE
Cover
GYPSY, CHICAGO STYLE The jazzy, soulful, heart-wrenching story plays the Ruth Page Center for the Arts through Nov. 25 The stated ambition of the Porchlight Music Theatre is to produce “American musicals, Chicago style,” and that focus is on full display as the classic musical Gypsy hits the stage, especially considering Chicago’s own E. Faye Butler is in the starring role of Broadway’s legendary showbiz mother, Mama Rose. Butler’s charismatic stage presence and smoky jazz style will capture audiences in this heart-wrenching tale that first debuted to critical acclaim back in 1959. The musical is based on the life of famous
striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee, as told through the eyes of her overbearing mother whose own desire for stardom on the Broadway stage threatens to alienate her entire family. Adding to the riveting story is the toetapping gold standard of musical scores, which includes “Let Me Entertain You,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and much more. The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is located in Chicago’s Gold Coast at 1016 N. Dearborn. 773-777-9884. PorchlightMusicTheatre.org
If you’re looking for a quality dinner spot before or after the show, Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is home to a sustainable, farm-to-table emphasis and a philosophy of allowing the season to determine the menu. Enjoy the French countryside vibe — and the outdoor patio on warm fall evenings. 52 W. Elm. 312-573-4000. BlueDoorKitchenChicago.com Get the app keychicago
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October 12 - October 19 O P E N HO US E CHICAGO SEE PA GE 6
THIS WEEK IN CHICAGO OCT
12 FRIDAY Experience harvest fun in the heart of the city as the annual Fall Fest continues this weekend at Lincoln Park Zoo. Today from 10 am-5 pm, Saturday from 10 am-8 pm and Sunday from 10 am-5 pm. FREE. 2200 N. Cannon, 312742-2056. For more on the zoo, see page 16.
CHICAGO B L A CK H AWK S 54th annual Chicago International Film Festival continues this week at the AMC River East 21 Theaters. 6 pm. $20. 322 E. Illinois. Call 312-683-0121 for a full schedule of this week’s events.
Party the weekend away with Bert, Ernie, Big Bird and the rest of the gang in Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! at the Rosemont Theatre. Today at 10:30 am and 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 6 pm. $20-$65. 5400 N. River in Rosemont, 847-671-5100. WWE superstars, comic book authors and movie heroes like Josh Brolin and Chris Evans gather with hundreds of adoring fans for this weekend’s big ACE Comic Con Midwest at Navy Pier. One-day admission, $50-$65; three-day admission, $125. 600 E. Grand, 312-595-7437. Catch tonight’s screening of A Private War starring Rosamund Pike as the
how to do several tricks at home during this morning’s family-friendly Magic at the Museum event at the Driehaus Museum. 10:30 am. Adults, $10; kids (2-12), $5. 50 E. Erie, 312-482-8933.
Veteran guitarist and NEA Jazz Master Pat Metheny swings on State Street tonight with a gig at the Chicago Theatre. 7:30 pm. $29.50-$55. 175 N. State, 312-462-6300.
Rock icons Kansas play Point of No Return in its entirety to celebrate the album’s 40th anniversary tonight at the Chicago Theatre. 7:30 pm. $35-$285. 175 N. State, 312-462-6300.
Join your fellow audience members in belting out the classic songs of Fleetwood Mac during tonight’s Choir! Choir! Choir! collective sing-along at the Civic Opera House. 8 pm. $25. 20 N. Wacker, 312-827-5600.
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra swings behind several guest vocalists in paying tribute to the great Nancy Wilson tonight at the Studebaker Theater. 7:30 pm. $35-$45. 410 S. Michigan, 312-566-9800.
OCT
13 SATURDAY Witness some amazing sleight of hand from illusionist Sean Masterson and learn
Patrick Kane leads the Chicago Blackhawks against the rival St. Louis Blues tonight at the United Center. 7:30 pm. 1901 W. Madison, 312-455-7000. The Lyric Opera of Chicago performs a new-to-Chicago production of the Mozart continued on page 6 Get the app keychicago
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WHAT’S THE
Scoop?
masterpiece Idomeneo at the Civic Opera House. Tonight at 7:30 pm and Thursday at 7 pm. $32-$289. 20 N. Wacker, 312-8275600.
Editor’s Choice
OCT
14 SUNDAY Can we get an “amen?” Get your Sunday off to an uplifting start with a delicious Southern buffet and rousing live gospel music at the popular House of Blues Gospel Brunch. 10 am and 12:30 pm. Adults, $43; kids (6-12), $25. 329 N. Dearborn, 312-923-2000. Learn about the city’s amazing skyline with a relaxing and informative 90-minute Chicago Architecture Center River Tour aboard Chicago’s First Lady. Cruises depart regularly between 10 am and 5:30 pm. $47. 111 E. Wacker, 312-922-3432. Don’t miss your last chance to catch a hilarious new musical before it heads off to New York, as the preBroadway tryout of Tootsie wraps up its run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. 2 pm. $30-$90. 151 W. Randolph, 312-384-1502. One of opera’s most popular works gets a glorious treatment, as the Lyric Opera of Chicago presents the Puccini classic La boheme at the Civic Opera House. Today at 2 pm and Wednesday at 7 pm. $32-$289. 20 N. Wacker, 312-827-5600. See page 37 for 20% off tickets.
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O P E N HO US E CHICAGO OCT. 13- 14 From famed architectural marvels to neighborhood hidden gems, get a rare behind-the-scenes look at 250 of the city’s finest buildings during this weekend’s all-overtown Open House Chicago event from the Chicago Architecture Center. Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-5 pm. FREE. Visit Architecture.org for a full rundown of sites.
The five-voice collective known as Celtic Thunder celebrates its 10th anniversary tonight at the Chicago Theatre. 7 pm. $33-$78.50. 175 N. State, 312-462-6300.
Deacon Frey and Vince Gill step in to help play and sing some of rock’s biggest hits of all time with the Eagles tonight at the United Center. 8 pm. $95-$238.75. 1901 W. Madison, 312-4554500. Celebrating four decades as a band, ‘80s favorites Simple Minds play a careerspanning set tonight at the Chicago Theatre. 8 pm. $35-$182.50. 175 N. State, 312-462-6300.
OCT
15 MONDAY The annual lineup of talks, discussions and labs known as Chicago Ideas Week gets underway today with topics and venues all over town. Call 312-906-7419 for a full schedule of events.
OCT
16 TUESDAY Raise a glass and learn more about the spooky side of Chicago during tonight’s Halloween-themed History
THIS WEEK IN CHICAGO Happy Hour at the Chicago History Museum. 6-9 pm. $15. 1601 N. Clark, 312-6424600. Rising opera stars gather for a special one-nightonly performance of varied repertoire on the enclosed stage of the Pritzker Pavilion during tonight’s Beyond the Aria presentation at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. 7:30 pm. $65. 205 E. Randolph, 312-334-7777. Pop diva Christina Aguilera makes a triumphant return to the Windy City with two big nights at the Chicago Theatre. Tonight and Wednesday at 8 pm. $79.50$199.50. 175 N. State, 312462-6300.
CHR IS T IN A A GUIL ERA E. Congress, 312-341-2310. For more on Swan Lake, visit page 37.
OCT
18 THURSDAY
OCT
17 WEDNESDAY Explore buildings from the 1890s to the present and learn about the myriad architectural styles that tie them together on the Chicago Icons – Connecting Past and Present walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Center. 1-2:45 pm. $26. 111 E. Wacker, 312-922-3432. For mor A timeless classic meets a modern interpretation as the world-famous Joffrey Ballet dances choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s daring take on Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake at the Auditorium Theatre. Tonight and Friday at 7:30 pm. $35-$205. 50
Leave the kids at home for a child-free evening of animal chats, live entertainment and cash bars during the Adults’ Night Out event at Lincoln Park Zoo. 6:30-10 pm. $20 (21+). 2200 N. Cannon, 312742-2056. Explore the connections between the depths of the ocean and the depths of outer space with the scientific lectures and hand-on activities of The Deep, tonight’s adults-only Adler After Dark event at the Adler Planetarium. 6:3010:30pm. $25 (21+). 1300 S. Lake Shore, 312-922-7827. For more on the Adler, see page 14.
Astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson shares his fascination with the search for life in the universe tonight at the Chicago Theatre. 7:30 pm. $45-$69.50. 175 N. State, 312-462-6300.
OCT
19 FRIDAY Tour a variety of churches and historic pubs on the Gold Coast (and enjoy a pint or two along the way) as you learn the history of Prohibition and the city’s Temperance movement on the Saints & Sinners walking tour from the Driehaus Museum. 2-5 pm. $30-$50. 40 E. Erie, 312482-8933.
NE IL DE GR A SSE TYSON
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3 COVER STORY
GYPSY: The jazzy, soulful, heart-wrenching story plays the Ruth Page Center for the Arts through Nov. 25
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Photo: Choose Chicago
Fall colors
Fall color destinations
When the weather is nice in the fall, there are few parks in Chicago as nice as Promontory Point. Just a few minutes’ stroll from 57th Street Beach in one direction and the commercial area of Hyde Park in another, the Point has been a favorite escape from the city for decades. To the north is one of the most stunning views of the downtown skyline that one can find, especially when the fall colors come into play. 5491 S. Shore Dr. ChicagoParkDistrict.com Perhaps the epicenter for taking in the colors of the season in Chicago is Lincoln Park, in all its tree-filled splendor, nestled in between high-rise condominiums and Lake Michigan. The lengthy park makes for a great walk from Belmont Harbor all the way down to North Avenue, passing, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and North Pond Nature Sanctuary along the way. Truly magnificent in the fall. One other observation point that shouldn’t be missed is 360 Chicago atop the Hancock building. The 94th-floor observation deck —besides being educational — provides an ideal vantage point to look north along Lake Shore Drive and take in the splendor of the changing leaves in the aforementioned Lincoln Park and beyond. 875 N. Michigan. 360Chicago.com
INSTAGRAM WORTHY SPOTS The Bean in Millennium Park, officially known as Cloud Gate, is a popular spot for reflective photos — and particularly appealing when the leaves on the trees nearby are changing. The sprawling Northerly Island (left), near the Adler Planetarium, is ideal for a panoramic photo of the city looking north at Grant Park’s colorful trees and the lake. A walk or bike ride along the 606 trail that connects several Chicago neighborhoods provides some fantastic fall photo ops.
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Fall fun for everyone Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free and open every day of the year, is good enough on its own. But when you add in their annual Fall Fest, it gets that much better. It’s a family-friendly event that features attractions such as a Ferris wheel, corn maze and hay mountain to go along with fall-themed animal entertainment, live music and a pumpkin patch with a carving station. 2200 N. Cannon Dr. LPZoo.org
Navy Pier
One of the Midwest’s most popular attractions has no shortage of fall festivities this month, including free outdoor films, Halloween-themed music performances, a haunted maze, themed cruises, fireworks and more. NavyPier.org
Haunted tours
Check out the haunted Chicago tour offered by Steve’s Segway Tours, where you can enjoy a little spooky history while seeing the city from an electric Trikke or Segway. 155 N. Harbor Dr. 312-946-9467. StevesSegwayTours.com
ARCHITECTURE RIVER TOURS Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue Bridge
If you love unique views of the Chicago skyline when all the buildings are lit up at night, then Seadog Cruises’ spooky narrated tour (running weekends through October)is worth your while. It’s a 75-minute trip on the river that features stories of urban legends and mysteries that haunt Chicago. 888-636-7737. SeadogCruises.com
shorelinesightseeing.com 312.222.9328 #ShorelineBoatTour
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Tours
Insider’s take
TOUR SPOTLIGHTS
We asked Chicago Architecture Center docent Constance Rajala for her three of her favorite buildings in town. Visit Architecture.org for tour information.
Shoreline Sightseeing
Trump Tower is a wonderful archetypal of modern architecture. It has different elevations to it, to where it’s almost speaking and nodding to its historic neighbors around it. Beautiful, blue and glassy, which fits its spot by the river perfectly. The Reliance Building on the corner of Washington and State is the epitome of the Chicago commercial style. Tall and elegant with polished terra cotta that selfcleans in the rain to remain perfectly white and glassy. The new Apple store on Michigan Avenue, for taking as far as you can the principles of modern architecture. The glassiness and lack of ornamentation — all with a geometric approach. It is modernism pushed it its most beautiful extreme.
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Chicago Detours
Now in its 79th season and boasting the largest fleet in town, Shoreline offers a classic lakefront tour, an award-winning architecture river tour with stunning views of better than than 40 skyscrapers and landmarks, and convenient water taxis as well. Departures from Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier. ShorelineSightseeing.com
Enjoy guided walking and bus tours of Chicago architecture, culture and history to both public and private groups, providing a fresh, insider perspective you won’t find elsewhere. Check out their Historic Chicago Walking Bar Tour, where you’ll learn about the city’s vast entertainment history, including Prohibition, theatre, jazz and various vices. 312-350-1131. ChicagoDetours.com
Chicago Crime Tours
Steve’s Segway Tours
Explore the Windy City’s vast criminal and cheesetopped histories together on the Chicago Crime Tours’ Crime and Pizza Walk. This family-friendly, twohour walking tour that runs Friday-Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and includes slices of pizza from Giordano’s and Pizzeria Uno. Advance registration is required. 312-888-6224. ChicagoCrimeTours.com
Offering Segway and electric Trikke tours along the lakefront and Museum Campus, as well as a number of themed tours, Trikke rentals and customized options for those wishing to design their own excursion, Steve’s Segway Tours covers it all — and has a lot of fun along the way. 155 N. Harbor Dr. 312-946-9467. StevesSegwayTours.com
TOURS @ THE AUDITORIUM Go behind the scenes of this National Historic Landmark built by Adler and Sullivan!
NO SKY LEFT UN-SCRAPED. DISCOVER THE INCREDIBLE S K Y S C R A P E R E X H I B I T.
Mondays @ 10:30AM & Noon Tuesdays @ 5:30PM Thursdays @ 10:30AM Tickets start at $12!
50 E Congress Pkwy :: Chicago IL AuditoriumTheatre.org :: 312.341.2300
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Museums
Higher learning
ART APPRECIATION Museum of Contemporary Art The MCA underwent a $16 million redesign last year, and the product was a multi-purpose learning environment called the Commons. As both a physical space and an ongoing program, the Commons was designed to bring together artists, thinkers and audiences in a constellation of art projects, conversations, performances, interactions, workshops, presentations and readings that explore culture and contemporary life. And that it has. 220 E. Chicago Ave. MCAChicago.org
Art Institute of Chicago Shedd Aquarium
The daily aquatic presentations in the oceanarium — with beluga whales, sea lions and dolphins serving as the stars of the show — will delight the whole family. But that’s just the start, as the Shedd offers up-close, unforgettable encounters with 32,000 animals from aquatic environments around the world. Don’t be afraid to dip your hand in and discover the unique textures of stingrays, sea stars and sturgeons. 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. SheddAquarium.org
Adler Planetarium
EARTH HISTORY
The Adler, with its interactive exhibits and historical and scientific knowledge, is a great way to spend a day. The Mission Moon exhibition showcases America’s first steps into space through the eyes of NASA Captain James Lovell and his family. Also, set aside time to take in the Adler’s popular sky show, Destination: Solar System, as it takes guests on a fun, guided tour around the Solar System for an up-close look at our celestial neighborhood. 1300 S. Lake Shore. AdlerPlanetarium.org
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If you want to learn about the diversity of life on Earth and its history, the Field Museum — with its nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens — should be on your to-do list. In the Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age exhibit, the world of these extinct mammals is explored by way of fossils, artifacts, immersive media, and the story of the most complete and best-preserved baby mammoth ever found. 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. FieldMuseum.org
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The renowned Art Institute is home to one of best, most expansive art collections anywhere in the world. Most find it worthy of a fully day’s visit for sure. A new exhibit, Hairy Who is technically neither a movement nor a style, but rather the name a group of young Chicago artists chose when they staged six informal, unrestrained exhibits together from 1966-1969. Over this timeframe, while coming of age during a tumultuous period in American history that included assassinations, the Vietnam War, a rising counterculture and racial divide, their collective works embodied the youthful audacity of the time and transformed the landscape of Chicago’s rising art scene. 159 E. Monroe. Artic.edu
What it means to be free Just north of downtown is the Chicago History Museum in Old Town, where the new exhibit, Facing Freedom in America, caught our eye recently. The detailed exhibition, which utilizes artifacts, images and interactive components, is centered on the idea that the history of our country has been shaped by conflicts over what it means to be free, focusing in on familiar and not-so-familiar stories from the nation’s past such as slavery, women’s suffrage and Japanese internment camps during WWII. General admission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesday evenings. 1601 N. Clark. ChicagoHistory.org
UNDER THE RADAR
The wndr museum (pronounced “wonder”) is an exciting art and science popup experience designed to inspire curiosity by bringing the wonder that exists in the natural world to the forefront of our lives. In short, think of an Albert Einstein and Andy Warhol collaboration. 1130 W. Monroe. wndrmuseum.com The Swedish American Museum in the quaint Andersonville neighborhood focuses on Swedish history and its influence on our country — and what it was like for immigrants to arrive in the early 1900s. 5211 N. Clark. SwedishAmericanMuseum.org Get the app keychicago
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Kids’ Corner
Sky high
What kid (or adult) wouldn’t enjoy a view from the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the iconic Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), some 1,353 feet up in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere? While up there, test your family’s will with a stroll out on “The Ledge,” where glass bays extend out four feet from the Skydeck. And check out the Skydeck’s website before your trip to partake in a bunch of kid-specific activities, including fact sheets, quizzes, scavenger hunts and more. 233 S. Wacker Dr., entrance on Franklin. Skydeck.com
Child’s play
all of us in the world. Chicago Children’s Theatre recently transformed the former 12th District Police Station in Chicago’s West Loop into its first permanent home, called The Station. Frederick runs Oct. 9-Nov. 11. 100 S. Racine. 312-374-8835. ChicagoChildrensTheatre.org
Satisfy your sweet tooth
Chicago Children’s Theatre
Chicago Children’s Theatre’s kicks off its 13th season with an original, all-ages family musical Leo Lionni’s Frederick, based on the Caldecott Award-winning book that is respected for introducing children to the idea that there is a place for
Nature and nurture When I brought my preschooler to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on a recent visit to Chicago, I was primed to help her engage in some enriching activities. Little did I know, I would be learning just as much as she did, and all in the context of playful and imaginative exhibits. This museum is a bit different from many other science/nature museums in that the curators seem to truly understand that children (and perhaps, adults) learn best through play. The museum also offers multiple opportunities for
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hands-on interaction with all types of animals. During our three-hour visit, we attended a lecture on baby bats, and even got to pet a few of them! We were also treated to the feeding of aquatic animals and reptiles. But most spectacular of all was the Butterfly Haven. Having visited several sub-par butterfly houses in the past, we weren’t exactly getting our hopes up. However, we ended up being astounded by the Notebaert’s version. This exhibit alone is reason enough to visit. 2430 N. Cannon Dr. NatureMuseum.org — Laurie Nicholson
If your kids have behaved well enough for a treat, head to Candyality, with locations in Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan) and 520 N. Michigan in the heart of the Mag Mile, where they can find pretty much anything their sweet tooth desires. Or get your hands on 10 flavors of fudge, rich truffles or a fall treat like a caramel apples at The Fudge Pot (1532 N. Wells), which has been operating in Old Town since 1963.
’S INSIDER YOUR GUIDE TO CHICAGO
Shopping
Shop till you drop For 25 years, Vale Craft Gallery has maintained a focus on contemporary American fine crafts. Ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, metal, woodworkings and decorative objects are all part of the wide variety of items you’ll find when you walk through the door, setting Vale apart from the other fine-art galleries in the neighborhood. The featured artist for October is Wendy Franklin, whose felting technique with hand-dyed wool and silk wall pieces creates a wonderful texture. “The abstract water colors draw you in from afar, and then you see textures of the fibers when you get up close,” says owner Peter Vale. “They’re really luscious colors, and this is where we bridge the gap between fine art and fine craft. And that, ultimately, is what distinguishes us.” 230 W. Superior. ValeCraftGallery.com The Shops at North Bridge is not just a shopping district — it also boasts food, entertainment and events to supplement the experience. Not to mention the fact it has expanded to now encompass a six-block area. Some of the more notable stores include Chicago Sports & Novelty, Nordstrom, Swarovski, Hugo Boss, Sunglass Hut, Monica + Andy, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat. 520 N. Michigan. TheShopsAtNorthBridge.com
ROSCOE VILLAGE GEMS
Walking into Fixture is kind of like a sensory overload for design. With wares ranging from children’s clothing and toys to aromatherapy health and beauty products, kitschy kitchen accessories, clutches and jewels, Fixture has been a veritable dream for gift giving and for-nothing gifts to yourself since 2005. 2108 W. Roscoe. ShopFixture.com Roscoe Books gives you a sense of familiarity. It looks exactly like walking into a home’s library. Little notes (or rather, recommendations) scatter the tables and shelves of titles and tomes, providing a personal connection between proprietor and guest. 2142 W. Roscoe. RoscoeBooks.com Get the app keychicago
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SHOPPING
SHOPPING SPOTLIGHT
MICHIGAN AVE. MAP presented by
ART & ANTIQUES
Oak
Razny Jewelers Marshall Pierce & Company
Chanel Van Cleef & Arpels
Walton Lotton Gallery
900 Shops
Delaware
Louis Vuitton Red Door Salon & Spa by Elizabeth Arden Bulgari Omega The North Face
Chestnut
875 N. Michigan Ave. H&M Columbia
Pearson
Ghirardelli
Top Shop
American Girl Water Broadway Tower Playhouse Place Macy’s
Lookingglass Theatre
Chicago Polo/Ralph Lauren Banana Republc Victoria’s Secret
Superior
Neiman Marcus
Tiffany Saks Fifth Avenue
Huron
Walgreens
Gino’s East The Disney Store Brooks Brothers Stuart Weitzman
Michigan Avenue
Zara Express
Erie
Tommy Bahama
The Cubs Store Niketown
Salvatore Ferragamo
Cartier
Ohio
Grand
AT&T NaHoku Levis Ann Taylor Under Armour
Coach Garrett’s Popcorn Timberland
Forever 21
Gap Allen Edmonds
Swarovski
Rush
Illinois
Stan’s Donuts
Zegna
Burberry
Labriola Ristorante & Cafe
Hugo Boss Stuart Weitzman Kiehls Shops at Northbridge The Purple Pig Starbucks
Texas de Brazil Dylan’s Candy Bar
Walgreens
Hubbard
N W
E S
Kinzie Ghirardelli Wrigley Building
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
River
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CLOTHING
Razny Jewelers
Razny Jewelers is proud to exclusively offer watches by Patek Philippe and Rolex in the city’s gorgeous Gold Coast neighborhood. Stop in to their modern, JOEL OPPENHEIMER three-level boutique for city’s top watch 10the E. Ohio, selection and a well312.642.5300 curated collection of (G-29) River North designer jewelry. With Browse stunningof array the newaaddition a watch-servicing center, of the finest examples Razny Jewelers is now of prints and paintings Chicago’s inclusive from the golden age of one-stop shop for natural history art. horology aficionados Archival framing109 andE. and enthusiasts. nationally recognized Oak. 312-663-8500. Razny.com and art conservation restoration services are also available.
LOTTON GALLERY 900 N. Michigan, level 6 312.664.6203 (J-26) Gold Coast Peruse hand-blown glasswork made in-house by the Lotton family experts. Elegant It selections may be located the of fine in art, heart of Chicago’s River vases, lamps, bowls, North neighborhood, chandeliers and have original but POSH will paintings you feelingfrom like around you’re the world provide browsing through a European flea market in another shopping search of that perfect dimension. vintage item. Part of the reason is the WOLFF’S owners hand-select FLEA of MARKET much the inventory from many trips 6920 their N. Mannheim, across the pond. Expect 847.524.9590 whitewashed cabinets (Suburban) Rosemont filled with vintage Sundays are treasuresilverware, unused French candles, huntingchina, days at the leather-bound books Midwest’s largest alland muchflea more. 613 N. outdoor market, State. PoshChicago.com
POSH
St. Clair
Rolex
Ontario
with more than 700 dealers offering a diverse selection of antiques, collectibles, souvenirs, electronics, jewelry, food and more.
AKIRA 108 N. State, 312.346.3355 Find a diverse collection (I-34) Loop of American fine Tailored fashions vary by crafts handmade for each citywide locadozens of Chicago and artists tion, allMidwestern crammed with (like the featured popular designer brands above by andfloral trendyplate sartorial Nancy Gardner) at this elegance. affordable River North gallery. Browse a wide DESIGNER RESALEglass, range of colorful OFhandcrafted CHICAGO ceramics, sculpture, 658whimsical N. Dearborn, functional art and 312.587.3312 unique jewelry in an (H-29) River North inviting, uncluttered Chicago’s gallery best-kept setting. 230 W. Superior. 312-337-3525. secret/women’s ValeCraftGallery.com consignment boutique carries high-end designer labels including Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Christian Louboutin and more, all at bargain prices.
Vale Craft Gallery
MARY WALTER 33 W. Superior, 312.266.1094 (H-29) North The River eye-popping red will let you Thisexterior popular women’s know specializes you’ve arrived. boutique in unique and wearable Carrying labels like clothing. Attentive Chanel, Givenchy staffand members play this Valentino, personal stylists, women’s boutique whether looking is ayou’re high-fashion for “business as usual,” destination with its fashion chic selection or casual. of unique
Ikram
sophisticated clothing, shoes, jewelry and DEPARTMENT accessories. An art STORES gallery and café on the second floor make it all BLOOMINGDALE’S the more enticing. 15 E. 900 Huron. N. Michigan, Ikram.com
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restaurants
Brunch expertise kit consisting of several fresh juices and a bottle of sparkling wine, while the Bloody Mary kit comes with a house-made base, several garnishes and a choice of vodka. 51 W. Kinzie. 312-5951322. SienaTavern.com
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One of the most Instagrammed brunch spots in all of Chicago, Formento’s actually manages to live up to the hype. People will sometimes wait for an hour for the chance to sit on the patio in order to get the perfect lighting for their massive cinnamon rolls or sweet and tart lemon ricotta pancakes. The most sought-after dish by far is the bucatini carbonara. Chunks of crisped pancetta, black pepper and an immaculate egg yolk are the only accessories to this pristine plate of pasta (which is also a popular favorite on their dinner menu). 925 W. Randolph. Formentos.com Siena Tavern, the downtown hotspot helmed by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, features the rustic Italian flavors of his homeland combined with American preparations. Instead of Canadian bacon on their eggs benedict, they use crispy mortadella, and the French toast is flavored like tiramisu. They also offer brunch cocktail kits for the table, with the mimosa
Jessica Berson founded Bunny and Brandy’s Brunchtime Blog in 2010, making it Chicago’s longestrunning brunchfocused site. Follow her adventures on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook @ BunnyandBrandy keymagazinechicago.com
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As the name implies, River Roast is located right on the river, and offers not just an exceptional menu, but also an unforgettable allaround dining experience. The massive space makes for one of the few Chicago dining rooms that never feels cramped or overcrowded, while the front-row river views are a feature only a handful of restaurants can offer. The menu falls somewhere between English country food and Southern comfort favorites, with items like rabbit and waffles, wild mushroom toast, and whole roasted chicken carved tableside. Also, for those who want to burn a few calories on the dance floor, every Sunday brunch is accompanied by the sounds of a live blues band. 315 N. LaSalle. 312-822-0100. RiverRoastChicago.com
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restaurants
Hearty eats in town LaBriola Café & Ristorante has quickly become a Michigan Avenue favorite, in large part because it offers a bit of everything, starting with a sweets counter and casual café with breakfast items, soups, sandwiches and Neopolitan pizza. But if you have a larger appetite to appease, the stylish restaurant boasts a menu loaded with hearty handmade pastas, prime steaks, deep-dish pizza and seafood. One of our favorites is the seasonal lasagna, but the baked ziti or penne alla vodka are worthy choices as well. You really can’t go wrong. 535 N. Michigan Ave. 312955-3100. LaBriolaCafe.com Downtown favorite Eleven City Diner is considered, by the ownership, to be “a hybrid of sincere respect for what family dining rooms used to be.” The old-school diner and delicatessen knows a thing or two about putting a plateful of scrumptious, rib-sticking food in front of you. Classic deli sandwiches stacked tall, decadent burgers and melts, loaded breakfast items and thick shakes to wash it all down. Go ahead and splurge. This is the place to do it. 1112 S. Wabash St. 312-212-1112. ElevenCityDiner.com
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Supper club fun Head up to the trendy, treelined Bucktown neighborhood for dinner at Club Lucky, a throwback Italian supper club. The fettucine alfredo with shrimp or baked rigatoni with escarole, fresh mozzarella and veal meatballs will send you home content for sure. Our advice: Start the evening with one of their signature martinis. 1824 W. Wabansia. 773-2272300. ClubLuckyChicago.com
BIG BUFFETS
India House
STK
Chicago is no stranger to quality steakhouses. That we all know. But STK, the high-end international chain, takes things a step further by promising a “vibe-driven dining experience” by artfully blending a chic lounge and modern steakhouse into one dynamic space. Hungry? Try the large bone-in filet or go all in on the beautifully dry-aged 34-ounce tomahawk and pair it with some parmesan truffle fries, glass of vino and delectable apple crumb cake for dessert. 9 W. Kinzie. 312-340-5636. STKHouse.com.
Their epic and popular lunch buffet starts with soups, salads and fried samosas before delving into a string of vegetable and potato stews (try the fried cauliflower), rice dishes, chicken tikka masala and delectable, complex curry concoctions (lamb, tilapia, etc). A few dessert options remain for those who are able to leave room. 59 W. Grand. 312-645-9500. IndiaHouseChicago.com
Texas de Brazil
The 50-item seasonal salad area is impressive in its own right. But let’s be honest, this chain is Su Casa all about the glorious, endless Open since the 1960s, Su Casa is one of the city’s most parade of seasoned beef, lamb, popular spots for authentic Mexican food and atmosphere pork, chicken and Brazilian — right in the heart of River North and steps from the sausage cooked over a wood Mag Mile. You’ll find hearty (and tasty) burritos made to charcoal grill, then skewered and order, and the heaping plate of chicken fajitas will satisfy served tableside. This is a meal your growling stomach as well. And we’d be remiss not for those looking to go big — the to mention that the margaritas are some of the best in festive churrasco way. A serious Chicago (and go down quite easily,Ad.qxp_Layout we might add). 49 E. experience. 210 Third Pg. Chicago Curry House 1 4/14/16 2:01 PM Page 1 E. Upper Illinois. Ontario. 312-943-4041. 312-595-0913. TexasDeBrazil.com
Indian & Nepalese Cuisine
One of 100 Best Dishes In Chicago – Chicago Magazine Highly Zagat Rate 800 S. Plymouth Court (9th & State) 1301 S. Michigan Ave. Hotel delivery 312-362-9999 312-922-0601 curryhouseonline.com www.nepalhouseonline.com Get the app keychicago
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’S INSIDER YOUR GUIDE TO CHICAGO
restaurants
Morning sweet tooth Stan’s Donuts
The kid in everyone likes donuts. So when on vacation, why not treat yourself or your clan to a popular creation from Stan’s Donuts? Dating back to 1963, Stan’s is as reliable — and tasty and whimsical — as they come. Try a traditional glazed or the peanut butter pockets and thank us later. With eight locations in Chicago, you don’t have to head far to satisfy that sweet tooth. StansDonutsChicago.com
West Town Bakery at the ACME Hotel
This smaller outpost for one of Chicago most whimsical bakeries is a gift to early morning River North commuters and tourists. The cereal bowl croissant is their crown jewel, but real sugar addicts will want to try every one of their 10 cake ball flavors. 15 E. Ohio. WestTownBakery.com — Jessica Berson @BunnyandBrandy
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Firecakes
It may be tempting to go straight for some of the fancier flavors at this donut shop, but first-time visitors would do well to try the classics first. Their vanilla glazed or chocolate glazed yeast donuts are absolute perfection with a simple garnish of crispy candies on top, and the jelly inside their jelly donut changes with the seasons, but is always amazing. 68 W. Hubbard. FirecakesDonuts.com — Jessica Berson @BunnyandBrandy
Quarter Pg. India House Ad-03.qxp_Layout 1 11/3
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHTS
INDIA HOUSE FINE DINING RESTAURANT
Hard Rock Café
For more than three decades, visitors have enjoyed the music memorabilia-lined walls and menu loaded with scrumptious salads, appetizers, burgers, entrees and specialties like hickory-smoked ribs and pulled pork sandwiches from the in-house smoker. Live music and happy hour too. 63 W. Ontario. 312943-2252. HardRock. com/Cafes/Chicago
Nepal House
In business for more than 12 years, Nepal House has earned a stellar reputation in the South Loop for serving up high-quality traditional Nepali and Indian cuisine. Chicken and lamb dishes are roasted in a clay oven and incredibly tender. Start things off with an order of momos for sure. 1301 S. Michigan. 312-922-0601. NepalHouseOnline.com .
Silver Spoon
Monteverde
Ideally located in the trendy Gold Coast, Silver Spoon makes for a perfect spot for a lunch break while shopping on Oak Street or Michigan Avenue. Their Zagatrated menu is focused around tom yum, banana blossom salad and Thai curry creations full of exotic spices. 710 N. Rush. 312-944-7100. SilverSpoonChicago.com
Top Chef alum Sarah Grueneberg is on a roll, taking home the title of “Best Chef: Great Lakes” at the 2017 James Beard Awards for the work she’s done with her West Loop Italian eatery focused on simple ingredients, hand-crafted pastas and deep-rooted traditions mixed with adventurous flavors. 1020 W. Madison. 312-888-3041. MontaverdeChicago.com
Proudly serving Chicagoland for over 20 years! 59 W. GRAND AVE. | (312)645-9500 WWW.INDIAHOUSECHICAGO.COM
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restaurants
The rise of the Boka Group 2
The personable Stephanie Izard and her Girl & The Goat immediately drew “Restaurant of the Year” praise upon opening its doors in 2010 and remains one of the toughest reservations anywhere. Locally sourced ingredients and a seasonally rotating menu consisting of shareable vegetable, meat and fish dishes are key. Insider’s tip: The restaurant allows walk-ins if you don’t mind eating at the bar which, given the reputation of the place, you definitely shouldn’t. Try the wood oven-roasted pig face. Seriously. 809 W. Randolph. 312-492-6262. GirlandtheGoat.com
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Named “Best New Restaurant of the Year” by the Chicago Tribune in 2011, the seafood-focused GT Fish & Oyster has a menu consisting of half modern and half traditional dishes and an interior described as “part James Bond’s yacht, part New England cottage.” Insider’s tip: The four-seat oyster bar is a fun place to enjoy a meal. 531 N. Wells. 312929-3501. GTOyster.com
GT FISH & OYSTER Chances are, if you ask any young chef in Chicago to pick a kitchen to work in, and a group of people to learn from, the answer would be the Boka Restaurant Group. Founded in 2002 by Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, it quickly shot to stardom in the food world — and consistently has remained on the rise — as one of the nation’s foremost chef-driven restaurant groups. Solidified by its partnerships with six notable chefs, starting with TV’s Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, the Boka Group now owns 19 venues, each one conceptually distinctive, ranging from steakhouses and high-end sushi and farm-to-table creations. Bokagrp.com The magic started with Boka, which has received a coveted Michelin Star every since 2011 — a feat that is difficult to comprehend even with Lee Wolen’s famed seasonal American cuisine. 1729 N. Halsted. 312-3376070. BokaChicago.com
RISING STARS
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With chef Jimmy Papadopoulos’ “artistic American” cooking taking hold in the thriving West Loop restaurant row,the award-winning Bellemore is one of the Boka Group’s newest success stories. 564 W. Randolph. 312-6670104. BellemoreChicago.com
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The red-hot Swift & Sons, which looks to “evolve the American steakhouse for the modern diner,” is located in Google’s new West Loop headquarters. 1000 W. Fulton Market. 312-733-9420. SwiftandSonsChicago.com
SWIFT & SONS
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EAT. DRINK. PARTY. R E S E R VAT I O N S 312.340.5636 9 W KINZIE ST S T K H O U S E .C O M
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Nightlife
Hot new drinking establishments 1 In need of a classic cocktail made with a creative twist and a healthy dose of punk-rock tunes, all served up in a dark, retro dive type of establishment? Good Measure, located just beneath the brown line stop, offers a nice escape from the everyday routine with its comfortable vibe, low lighting and Toki whisky highball machine. 226 W. Chicago. GoodMeasureChicago.com
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You could call the Hotel Zachary a gamechanging addition to the Wrigleyville neighborhood, and you wouldn’t be wrong. A collection of Chicago’s top restaurateurs — Big Star, West Town Bakery, Smoke Daddy, Mordecai, etc. — staked claim to the new building directly across from Wrigley Field, but don’t forget the riffs on classic cocktails served up in the swanky second-floor hotel bar. It figures to be a popular hangout during the Cubs’ playoff run this month. 3630 N. Clark. HotelZachary.com
Chicago’s largest restaurant group, Lettuce Entertain You, opened its first wine bar this summer in River North, and the reviews have been strong for Bar Ramone. Expect an upscale Spanish tapas feel, with snacks and small plates (the duck confit poutine and Bloody Mary shrimp are recommended), as well as a wine list consisting of more than 100 bottles ranging from affordable to exclusive. The sangria, too, should not be missed. 441 N. Clark. BarRamone.com
HIDDEN GEM IN BRIDGEPORT Maria’s Packaged Goods in Bridgeport excels with a modern, trendy beer hall and sweet patio that focuses on Chicago and Midwest breweries on tap, while also carrying special Marz beers, since it’s owned by the Marz Brewing family. There is a cool history there with that family, and that neighborhood, too, that comes to life in the bar. The attached restaurant, Kimski, serves a fusion of Polish and Korean food, a tribute to the owners’ parents. 960 W. 31st. Community-Bar.com
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Stage and music ON STAGE
SWAN LAKE OCTOBER 17–28
Swan Lake
The Joffrey Ballet presents Christopher Wheeldon’s blockbuster Oct. 17-28 at the Auditorium Theatre. A ballet within a ballet, Wheeldon’s version combines classical elements with a touch of fantasy, as lavish sets and breathtaking choreography take hold in this timeless story danced to Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing score performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic. 50 E. Congress. 312-386-8905. Joffrey.org
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka is opening his colorful and mysterious chocolate factory to audiences of all ages at the Oriental Theatre through Oct. 21. Travel along with Charlie and pals as their lives change forever during a fantastical joyride into a world of pure imagination. 24 E. Randolph. 312-977-1700. BroadwayInChicago.com
La bohéme
A group of young Bohemians navigate the ups and downs of life and love in 19thcentury Paris. Don’t miss Puccini’s timelessly romantic opera La bohème, on stage October 6-20 at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Save 20% with the promo code KEYMAG when you visit lyricpera.org/laboheme or call 312-827-5600.
Sounds this week The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus tackle Mahler’s towering Symphony No. 3 at Symphony Center on Friday, Oct. 12 at 1:30 p.m., Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets: $39-$174. 220 S. Michigan, 312-294-3000.
British-Bahraini trumpeter and flugelhorn player Yazz Ahmed leads her group at the Mix at Six event at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance on Friday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. Tickets: $15. 205 E. Randolph, 312-334-7777. Iconic and idiosyncratic pianist Ahmad Jamal plays a jazzy solo set at Symphony Center on Friday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $42-$102. 220 S. Michigan, 312-294-3000. Tenor Mario Rojas and baritone Christopher Kenney sing a program called In Flanders
Fields: Songs from the Great War to Commemorate the Centennial of the Armistice at the Pritzker Military Museum and Library on Monday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. FREE, but reservations are required. 104 S. Michigan, 312-294-3000.
Damon Albarn and his crew of cartoon rockers in Gorillaz take the stage at the United Center on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $73.75-$133.75. 1901 W. Madison, 312-455-4500. Hot on the heels of its new album Trench, the energetic duo Twenty One Pilots hits town for a big show at the United Center on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $65$295. 1901 W. Madison, 312-455-4500. Get the app keychicago
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DARE TO LIVE IN FULL COLOR. BRIAR STREET THEATRE 3133 N HALSTED BLUEMAN.COM 1.800.BLUEMAN
1112 S.WABASH
BREAKFAST ALL DAY
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Old School Diner & Delicatessen
This summer, fill every day with wonder. There’s something new to discover every day at Navy Pier. Enjoy iconic landmarks like the Centennial Wheel and Polk Bros Park. Ride the waves aboard one of more than 20 daily boat cruises, delve into a world of shopping experiences, or grab a bite at one of our amazing restaurants. And this summer, explore a full calendar of free programming including concerts, art installations and amazing cultural events. Discover what’s happening today at navypier.org