N A M E D B E ST H O S P I TA L I T Y P U B L I C AT I O N
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022
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Fun!
Skating At Maggie Daley Park
PLUS: • • • •
BEST DATE NIGHT SPOTS FEMALE OWNED RESTAURANTS BLACK HISTORY MONTH 75+ TOP PLACES TO EAT, DRINK, SHOP & DO!
SCAN HERE FOR MORE GREAT THINGS TO DO
“WELCOME TO CHICAGO” We’re SO glad you’re here! Winter can be crisp in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had during some of the coldest months of the year. In this edition, we have plenty of tips for a wonderful winter in the Windy City! How about immersing yourself in African-American history, arts, and culture to observe Black History Month? Or diving into a mouthwatering breakfast to celebrate National Hot Breakfast Month? There’s even a special treat (15% off!) from one of our favorite breakfast joints, Yolk! See page 9! Or why not join us for some authentic Asian, Puerto Rican and German flavors in three Chicago neighborhoods? If you are looking for ways to treat the one you love, plan a date night at some of the coolest spots or get some typical Chicago sweets for your sweetheart. The month of March brings us International Women’s Day, an excellent reason to celebrate all the great women in hospitality. And there’s of course St Patrick’s Day, traditionally leading to one big green party in Chicago. Are you looking for the best corned beef sandwich, the best pint of Guinness or an original Irish ice cream? We compiled a list of the best spots to celebrate the Emerald Isle in the city, all year long. This time of year traditionally brings us many sporting events, a great occasion to list some of the greatest sports bars near the United Center and in Wrigleyville. If you love a more intimate vibe while enjoying the libation of your choosing, try one of Chicago’s many marvelous speakeasies. Cheers to winter! Cheers to Chicago! Leentje De Leeuw Editor in Chief leentje@ateema.com
Instagram @conciergepreferred Twitter @CP_Chicago Facebook ConciergePreferred.CHI For COVID-19 updates, vaccination requirements and more, check www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/latest-guidance.html
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NOW
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN CHICAGO By Leentje De Leeuw & Marissa Rainone February 1st marks the start of Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Take the time to educate yourself by visiting museums around the city.
SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY ART CENTER Visit the South Side Community Art Center where African American arts and artists are celebrated all year round. Not only is the history of African American Art in the spotlight here, the center also embraces the future by showcasing the works of emerging artists. Educational programs, talks, exhibitions, tours and more complete the calendar.
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM Check out the “Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968” exhibition at the Chicago History Museum where it honors key moments of Dr. King’s fight for civil rights, with a special focus on the time he spent in Chicago. The exhibition allows visitors to examine over 25 photos of Martin Luther King Jr.’s activism in Chicago, where he spoke out against Jim Crow Laws and discrimination on the issues of poverty, education, and housing. While exiting the exhibit, visitors move to a reflection space where they are invited to think about Dr. King’s impact on American history and how his work for equality remains impactful and important today.
DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY Visit Washington Park to explore the nation’s oldest independent African American museum, the DuSable Museum of African American History. Celebrating 60 years, the DuSable Museum shares the rich history of African-Americans through over 15,000 pieces of striking art and historical memorabilia. The museum offers many special exhibitions, educational workshops, and lectures to allow African American History and culture to come to life.
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 3
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TABLE OF CONTENTS NOW 3
Black History Month Celebrate African American history, culture and businesses
EXPLORE 6
Explore the World Through these Chicago Neighborhoods
DO 21 23
24
EAT 9 10
12
National Hot Breakfast Month Celebrate the most important meal of the day at this local gem Girl Power Celebrate some of Chicago’s greatest women in the food industry Food That Warms the Soul Concierges weigh in on their favorite comfort food
MAPS 13 14 18 20
Magnificent Mile Map Downtown Chicago Maps Chicago Metro Map Northside Map
St Patrick's Day Dig into Irish food, heritage and more around the city Romantic Date Night Spots Upgrade your date night with unique experiences guaranteed to ‘woo’ your date Indoor Fun For the Whole Family Discover some of the coolest indoor spots to have a blast
DRINK 26 28
Secret Worlds Await: Our guide to Chicago’s best speakeasies Get Your Game On A rundown of some of the best watering holes with enough beers and screens for all!
SHOP 30 32
All That Glitters A guide to Chicago’s finest jewelry stores Sweets For Your Sweet Five places to find the perfect treat
CONTRIBUTORS Celine Ipek Maria Garcia Marissa Rainone
EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT Tim O’Malley EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Michael Magnusson SR. ACCOUNTING MANAGER Patrizia Dell’Orefice
MARKETING DIRECTOR OF EVENT MARKETING Dillin Ravenscraft
EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF Leentje De Leeuw
SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jay Kopp Jim Rhoda
EDITOR Katie Cooper
PARTNER SUCCESS ASSOCIATE Marianna Kudriashova
405 West Superior Street, Suite #706 Chicago, IL 60654 TEL 312-360-1770 CONCIERGEPREFERRED.COM
Copyright (c) 2022 by Ateema Media & Marketing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproductions of this publication is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for content of any advertisement in this publication including errors or omissions.
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 5
EXPLORE Explore the Worl d Through
these Chicago Neighborhoods By Leentje De Leeuw
We’ve selected three of our favorite neighborhoods to indulge in culture, food, and more from around the world.
1. CHINATOWN - EASTERN ASIA As soon as you set foot in Chicago’s historic century-old Chinatown neighborhood, you’re transported to eastern Asia. Wander around the streets lined with traditional souvenir shops, colorful architecture, and of course, lots of restaurants.
EXPLORE The Chinese American Museum of Chicago is the perfect place to start your discovery. Located just north of the main Wentworth Avenue District, the Chinatown Square Mall has plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops. Try to spot your sign among the 12 Chinese zodiac statues. Are you looking for a more relaxing place with some of the best skyline views in Chicago? Take a stroll in Ping Tom Memorial Park, a former abandoned rail yard transformed into a magnificent waterfront park.
SHOP The ART Gallery represents international artists with the mixed flair of contemporary, traditional, and experimental styles. And of course, no trip to Chinatown is complete without a visit to a traditional Chinese herbal store. There are many options—just pick one, walk in, and stock up on ginseng and other medicinal herbs.
EAT & DRINK Fans of dim sum should definitely try Ming Hing or the traditional dim sum brunch at Phoenix Restaurant. If you’re looking for traditional dishes, Lao Sze Chuan is the place to be. Their Peking duck is some of the best in the country. For families with kids, we recommend the conveyor belt sushi experience at Rotary Sushi. Into baked goods? Make sure to get traditional mooncakes or baked pork buns at Chiu Quon, Chinatown’s oldest bakery. Thirsty? Check out Oriental Tea where the boba teas and smoothies are as tempting as they come.
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2. HUMBOLDT PARK - PUERTO RICO Giant monumental Puerto Rican flags serve as gateways to this Humboldt Park neighborhood. They mark the boundaries of the Paseo Boricua, the cultural heart of the Puerto Rican community in Chicago.
EXPLORE The Paseo Boricua is a stretch of Division Street lined with vibrant coffee shops, stunning street art, casual Puerto Rican cafés, and much more. If you want to explore the area from a local perspective, book a tour with the Paseo Boricua Tour Company. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich arts tradition with three galleries, performance spaces, art classrooms, and more. La Casita de Don Pedro is a living public art project celebrating the Puerto Rican nationalist leader after whom it is named. It includes a public gallery, garden, and a performance space.
SHOP An old laundromat was transformed into a rotating marketplace of local artisans by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. The purpose of the Mercado del Pueblo is to help small business owners launch their careers and to bring more people to Paseo Boricua.
EAT & DRINK Both La Bruquena and Papa’s Cache Sabroso are perfect spots to dig into a jibarito, a plantain-based dish that was actually invented in Humboldt Park. Puerto Rico has a great coffee and pastry tradition, so you’ll have no problem finding a new favorite coffeeshop in this neighborhood. Like Cafe Colao, for example, which also specializes in Puerto Rican sandwiches.
3. LINCOLN SQUARE - GERMANY & THE OLD WORLD Old World heritage meets modern charm. The cobblestone stretch of Lincoln Avenue offers unique shops, bars, and restaurants.
SHOP Four skilled butchers with rich heritages in the craft serve up housemade sausages at Gene’s Sausage Shop.
EXPLORE The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a good place to start exploring. The DANK Haus’ mission is to preserve and promote German culture, heritage, and language through exhibits, events, and cultural & language classes.
Since 1978, International Fashions by Ingrid has EAT & DRINK specialized in traditional The DANK Haus is also the new home of the iconic Brauhaus women's apparel imported restaurant that had to close its doors in 2017. from Europe and from around the world. This is the place to find your perfect outfit for a German beer fest. FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 7
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EAT Best Local Spot
To Celebrate National Hot Breakfast Month By Leentje De Leeuw
Can you think of any better way to kick off a cold Chicago day than a piping hot breakfast? February is National Hot Breakfast Month and we plan on celebrating at our favorite local spot. Yolk has been a Chicago staple since 2006, when Taki Kastanis founded his first Windy City restaurant. Over the years, Yolk became popular with locals and tourists alike and the Zagat rated establishments have won numerous awards, including the ‘Concierge Favorite Award’, and Citysearch.com’s ‘Best Breakfast’. Yolk was voted the ‘#1 Breakfast’ by Fox News viewers in Chicago and featured on the cover of Dining Out Chicago Magazine. In 2019, Yolk’s K.F.B. (Kentucky Fried Bacon) Bits won the Golden Rasher Award for ‘Most Creative Use of Bacon’ at the Bacon Fest. These delicious bites consist of smoked pork belly in a panko breadcrumb crust with a bourbon glaze and blueberry barbecue sauce. The K.F.B. bites were created at Yolk’s Test Kitchen in Bucktown, an innovative space for Yolk to create new dishes and allow the community to leave constructive feedback.
THE MENU The Yolk menu literally has something for everyone. Looking for something savory: try the Countryside Skillet with potatoes, bacon, ham, sausage, mushroom, onion, green pepper, cheddar, and two eggs any style, with a side of country sausage gravy. Do you have a sweet tooth? Order the Red Velvet French Toast (red velvet cake with swirls of cream cheese, dipped in the secret Yolk batter, grilled, and topped with strawberries and whipped cream) or the Pancake of the Month! Scan the QR code below to check out the fantastic menu for yourself. Bon Appétit!
SHOW THIS ARTICLE AND GET 15% OFF
Not sure what to order? Then you should definitely go for the All Star Combo, and try a little bit of everything. Don’t forget to order one of their specialty coffees, teas or juices to complete your breakfast. Taki and the Yolk Team wish you a "Happy National Hot Breakfast Month" and are providing you with a nice gift to celebrate: - 15% off! Just show this article at any Yolk restaurant in Illinois to take advantage! The Concierge Preferred team will see you there! I'll be the one with the Santa Fe Frittata, my personal favorite!
VALID UNTIL MARCH 31ST, 2022
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 9
Girl Power
THE FOODIE EDITION By Leentje De Leeuw
Celebrating Chicago’s Women in Hospitality March 8th is International Women’s Day. And to celebrate, we’re recognizing a few of Chicago’s most talented female foodies. For the perfect night out, grab a cocktail, dinner, or dessert—all three to make things even better—from any of these masterminds.
DINNER Amy & Clodagh Lawless @ The Dearborn Centrally located in the Chicago Loop, The Dearborn is owned by sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless. In 1997, Amy, Clodagh, and the rest of the Lawless family moved to the U.S. from Galway, Ireland where they owned and operated several renowned bars, restaurants, and hotels. In Chicago, they first acquired a restaurant in Wrigleyville, renovated the establishment and opened The Irish Oak in 1998. The family would later open several other successful restaurants across Chicago, including The Gage and Acanto. The Dearborn is the sisters’ first joint venture. The menu at the Dearborn is inspired by traditional American tavern-style dishes and showcases the chef’s passion for seasonal ingredients, farmers markets, and contemporary culinary techniques. It includes Midwestern items, as well as dishes with a more global influence. That means you’ll always find a chef-inspired burger and fried chicken on the menu in addition to creative pasta and seafood fare.
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COCKTAILS Sarah Syman @ The Dandy Crown As a product of the Chicago Public School system, lifetime Blue Line rider, and die hard Cubs fan, Sarah Syman is a proud born-andraised Chicagoan. She started working in restaurants at 17 as a hostess in the West Loop and has worked in the restaurant industry ever since. After working in art gallery management for three years post-college, Sarah made the shift to working full time in restaurants. This is when she got the opportunity to learn bartending at the Drawing Room. After The Drawing Room closed, Sarah spent time at several other craft cocktail bars working under some of Chicago's most notable bartenders before joining the opening team at The Dandy Crown as Bar Manager. Sarah's goal at The Dandy Crown is to create and foster a sense of community among patrons by serving great cocktails without pretension. SARAH’S FAVORITE COCKTAIL RECIPE Keeper of Secrets 1oz Sacred Bond American Brandy 1oz Brugal Añejo 0.5oz Ramazotti Amaro 0.25oz Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur 0.25oz Crème de Cassis Stir on ice, serve in a coupe without ice. Garnish with a Lemon Peel.
DESSERT Stephanie Izard @ Sugargoat Stephanie Izard, recipient of the James Beard “Best Chef: Great Lakes'' award in 2013 and Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef'' in 2011, is the Executive Chef and Owner of five Chicago restaurants: Girl & the Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra, and Sugargoat. She also owns Girl & the Goat and Cabra in Los Angeles. Izard also won the coveted title of “Iron Chef” in 2017 and was the 4th winner of Bravo’s Top Chef in 2008. In 2020 Izard opened Sugargoat, an imaginative sweets shop and bakery, where simple and silly flavors meet and are guaranteed to reconnect you with your inner child. If a cake that tastes like fries dipped in a chocolate shake (aka The Chocolate French Fry Pie) is not your thing, you can always go for a classic—like fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. Or one of the signature cupcakes maybe? Sugargoat has plenty of options for all! CHECK OUR WEBSITE WWW.CONCIERGEPREFERRED.COM FOR MORE RECIPES
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 11
FOOD THAT WARMS THE SOUL Chicago concierges weigh in on their favorite comfort food By Leentje De Leeuw Chicago winters can be brutal but, thankfully, we’re blessed to have many options to keep us warm—with food as one of the most important ones.Here’s what our concierges had to say about their go-to comfort foods in the city.
PIEROGI Jan Viscum @ Hyatt Centric Mag Mile “Our tip: Visit Tryzub or Kasia’s Deli in Ukrainian Village, two amazing places to try fresh pierogi!"
ALBONDIGAS SOUP Diane Martinez "My favorite comfort food is Albóndigas soup (AKA Meatball Soup). The Albóndigas soup at The Soup Box comes pretty close to my Grandma’s! I’m not sure if it’s on their menu rotation right now, but if it is, you should definitely try it! "
JIBARITOS Flor Sigaran @ BuildingHub “Growing up by Humboldt Park, Jibaritos were on every block. You can either drive through the park on North Ave for food trucks or try my new spot at Jibaritos Y Mas or La Bomba."
CONGEE Joyce Fong @ Chicago Athletic Association Hotel “My go-to comfort food is congee, a traditional Asian rice porridge. My favorite place to get it is Hon Kee on Argyle!”
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MATZA BALL CHICKEN SOUP Gloria Leverence “My favorite comfort food is Matza Ball Chicken Soup and I especially love to get it from Eleven City Diner in the South Loop!”
Maps
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St Patrick's' Day
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Celebrating Ireland in Chicago By Maria Garcia
The religious holiday to honor Saint Patrick has been celebrated for more than 1000 years. Irish traditions consisted of dancing, drinking, and eating.All of which you still see today in Chicago, in addition to the river being dyed green. Here are just a few places worth checking out to celebrate Ireland in the city, not just on March 17th!
Chicago’s Skyline & River turn green The Chicago River isn’t the only thing that turns green around St Patrick’s Day. Many buildings such as the Merchandise Mart, Civic Opera House, Board of Trade Building, Soldier Field, Wrigley Building, Gaelic Park, Auditorium Theatre, and 875 North Michigan Avenue have all been known to join in on the festivities as well.
The Kerryman This place is full of history. Originally known as McGovern Saloon, it was once a notorious gangster hangout, and in 1987 became the home of the original Chicago punk movement. Today, it’s widely known as Chicago’s liveliest Irish bar, right in the heart of River North. Highly recommended by the local Irishmen and women, the Kerryman is considered a little piece of Ireland right here in the Windy City.
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream After you’re finished with the savory, move on to something sweet. Cone Gourmet Ice Cream, owned by an Irish-American family, offers a variety of Irish inspired ice creams and other delicious desserts. On our must-try list is their Paddy Melt, a donut and ice cream take on the American classic. You also can’t go wrong with The Shamrock, a soft serve ice cream with Lucky Charms.
The Corned Beef Factory For a taste of Ireland in Chicago, feast on a classic dish of corned beef and cabbage— with a side of potatoes and baked Irish soda bread of course. The Corned Beef Factory, operating since 1948, has been named one of the best places to get a corn beef sandwich by the Chicago Tribune. This location also serves more than just your classic corned beef with spicy dijon mustard. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Tom and Jerry,” filled with pastrami and finished with their famous corned beef. Or stick with a classic Reuben sandwich. Either way, be sure to come hungry.
Fado - Irish Pub According to many connoisseurs, Fado has the best pint of Guinness in the city. But that’s not all this classic Irish pub has to offer. Try their brilliant European and craft beer lineup, housemade cocktails and tasty pub fare. True to form, Fado is also a popular hangout for fútbol fanatics.
Beverly Neighborhood Rooted deep in Irish culture, this neighborhood is proud to display it for all during the St. Patrick’s holiday season. For over 40 years, this neighborhood has been home to the South Side Irish Parade. You can also check out the Shamrock Our Block contest where Beverly residents compete for the best outdoor decorations.
Irish American Heritage Center Irish roots run deep in Chicago. And what better way to learn this history than at the Irish American Heritage Center? The center offers tours to help bring awareness to Irish culture and traditions through gatherings, festivals, music, theater, literature, and language. FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 21
22 | CONCIERGE PREFERRED
Date Night,, Great Night By Marissa Rainone
Upgrade your Chicago date night with these five unique experiences guaranteed to “woo” your date every time.
GEJA’S CAFÉ With temperatures dropping, a cozy dinner with fondue and fine wine sets the mood for romance. Geja’s Café creates a memorable night with its interactive dining experience. Dipping vegetables and breads into creamy Gruyere, cooking various meats and seafood to your liking, and dunking fruits and pound cake in some delicious Belgian chocolate will help keep things interesting for date night.
BIG MINI PUTT CLUB Tired of the old-school dinner and a movie date? Check out Big Mini Putt Club, Chicago’s first indoor 9-hole putt putt bar and lounge! At $30/person, tickets include two drink tokens and one round of golf. For an upgraded night on the town, starting at $70/person, tickets include unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails and a round of golf. Check out Big Mini Putt Club for some old school fun for date night!
ELLA ELLI If you are looking for a trendy date night spot that includes delicious globally-inspired food and classic cocktails, try out Ella Elli in Lakeview! With Italian-Mediterranean cuisine and an intimate setting, Ella Elli serves as an amazing spot to take your loved one. From charcuterie boards to pizza and seafood, there are many delicious choices to choose from. Ella Elli also offers a wine club and monthly wine tasting events allowing you to explore their selection and find your next favorite wine.
IMMERSIVE FRIDA KAHLO Immersive Frida Kahlo is the perfect date for all art lovers. From the team that brought us the Van Gogh Experience, the unique 360-degree experience uses state-of-the-art technology that allows you and your date to step into Frida Kahlo’s colorful world like never before.
MUSIC BOX Looking for a more relaxing date night? Catch a film at the Music Box Theater, built in 1929. Showing exclusively independent, foreign, and classic films, this theater is perfect for a quirky night out—just ask the staff about their theater ghost named “Whitney.”
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 23
INDOOR FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY By Leentje De Leeuw & Maria Garcia As our winter months can get pretty cold, it isn’t always easy to come up with fun things to do without turning into Frosty. Here are some recommendations for the entire family. NAVY PIER By far Chicago’s most popular family-friendly attraction, Navy Pier has so much to offer, every day of the year. Of course there’s the iconic Centennial Wheel: open 7 days a week and with the option to book a VIP gondola for your family. It is an absolute must if you want to see both the city and the lake from a unique perspective. Inside Navy Pier you will find games for kids of all ages, including AmazingChicago’s Time Freak Game, Funhouse Maze and Atomic Rush. And then there is the Children’s Museum of course: three floors of fun for kids and their families. Open on Fri-Sat-Sun only for now. As all of these activities tend to build up the little ones’ energy, blowing off some steam by taking a brisk walk outside could be helpful! Continue your day with some shopping at one of the various Navy Pier shops or check out the sports and movie memorabilia at Harry Caray’s. We heard the food isn’t too bad their either!
iFLY Indoor skydiving may seem like a contradiction in terms, at iFly it is definitely a possibility. iFLy’s state-of-the art wind tunnels are designed to provide a safe flight experience while creating memories that will last a lifetime. The best news: everyone aged 3 to 103 can do it! Whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro: people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities can take flight.
Punchbowl Social What was once a meatpacking factory of 30,000- square feet is now remodeled into a playground for adults, but still enjoyable for the whole family. Family-friendly activities include karaoke, bowling, and table games such as giant scrabble, ping pong, billiards, bonzini, foosball. Board games, card games, and Giant Jenga are free. Don’t forget the arcade. If you get hungry, there’s a vast selection of food items to try: sriracha peanut fries, chips and guacamole, cauliflower nachos, and much more. 24 | CONCIERGE PREFERRED
Five Iron Golf Five Iron Golf is an indoor golf experience, bringing the most experienced golfers to the ones that just started together to play golf. Five Iron hosts in-class simulators, access to teaching professionals, lessons, and practice times. But there’s more than just golf: why not try one of the other games: ping pong, shuffleboard, pool, and more. Thirsty? There’s full bar service available. Hungry? The Five Iron menu includes appetizers such as waffle fries or 5i wings. Going for the green? Then you can opt for the classic Caesar salad or the Chicago chopped salad. Classics include a Chicago-style hotdog or an Italian Beef sandwich. Reservations are required for groups larger than 8 people.
Pinstripes At Pinstripes you enjoy a game of bowling or bocce and tasty family-friendly Italian and American food. Weeknights (Monday through Thursday) are kids nights at Pinstripes. Kids 12 and under can enjoy a Kids Meal for just $5 and only pay $1 for an hour of Bowling or Bocce. Reservations are highly recommended!
Brooklyn Boulders Instead of driving you up the wall: join your kids and climb that wall together. Brooklyn Boulders has two locations in Chicago and offers rock climbing classes for all levels. A 60 minute introduction class is probably the best way to start.
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 25
DRINK Secret Worlds Await:
A Guide to Chicago’s Best Speakeasies By Celine Ipek
They’re concealed beneath winding staircases and tucked behind curio-filled bookshelves. They’re the spots you wander into around midnight—the spots that make Chicago a city of hidden wonder. If you like your alcohol served with a side of mystery, look no further than these seven speakeasies. The Drifter This is one of those spots every Chicagoan will send you to—and for good reason. Visit the downstairs of The Green Door Tavern to enter an intimate world of exposed brick walls, faded vintage posters, and circus paraphernalia. Once seated, choose a cocktail from a handful of illustrated tarot cards while enjoying a burlesque performance or juggling act. The buzzing atmosphere and fantastic drinks set you up for an unforgettable night on the town.
Room 13 If you book a stay at the Old Chicago Inn, you may be lucky enough to gain access to this members-only, Prohibition era-inspired bar. Room 13 offers classic recipes and ingredients that evoke the Jazz Age—bourbon with amaro, gin with maraschino liqueur, scotch with sweet vermouth. Don’t be surprised if you go for one drink and end up trying several.
26 | CONCIERGE PREFERRED
The Office The Office is The Alinea Group’s ode to classically inspired cocktails and artfully curated flavors. Located below The Aviary, this exclusive bar pairs colorfully woven rugs with eclectic works of art. Settle into an oversized armchair and try to choose among the antique spirits stocked in the wooden cabinet behind the bar. For an added element of surprise, opt for Dealer’s Choice and allow the bartender to craft a unique drink based on your preferences.
The Library at Gilt Bar It’s hard to think of a dreamier venue than The Library. It has a warm, alluring interior, complete with velvet mid-century booths, fringed chandeliers, and gold-embossed books. Serving an opulent menu of American classics and cocktails from past eras, The Library invites you to indulge in house specialties like the Hemingway Daiquiri (Flor de Daña, maraschino, grapefruit, lime) and the Pegu Club (Hendrick’s gin, Cointreau, lime, bitters).
Watershed Dedicated to serving a myriad of artisanal spirits and regional beers, Watershed offers the perfect environment for a more relaxed night out. To find it, enter through the main entrance of Pops for Champagne and head down to the basement. This cozy nook features stone walls and highbacked booths. Its cocktail menu includes the Brews Brothers (bourbon, coffee, chocolate, amaro) and the Clear Smoke (mezcal, Campari, orange, dry vermouth).
The Violet Hour This is possibly one of the best cocktail dens for date night. Pass through a discreet entryway to discover sparkling chandeliers, milky blue curtains, and clusters of candlelit tables. Seasonally-inspired libations and sumptuous bar bites make up its ever-changing menu. And whatever you do, don’t forget to follow the house rules: no cell phone use in the lounge, no cosmopolitans, no guests that you wouldn’t bring to your mother’s house for Sunday dinner.
Brando’s Speakeasy There’s no sign at the entrance but to find Brando’s Speakeasy, keep an eye out for a window adorned with a brightly lit martini glass. Located in the historic South Loop, this bar offers a slice of old-timey nostalgia. The space is awash in a soft crimson glow, styled with leather banquettes—not to mention a karaoke lounge. Is any night truly complete without a round of lighthearted singing? FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 27
GET YOUR GAME ON CHICAGO’S SPORTS BARS FOR THE WIN! By Leentje De Leeuw Winter Olympics, Australian Open, Six Nations, the Superbowl, European soccer, March Madness, and more—February and March have a lot of exciting sports in store. Here’s a rundown of some of Chicago’s best watering holes with enough beers and screens for all!
Near United Center/Near West Side The Ogden Reopening this winter under new management, The Ogden is a true sports bar with TVs everywhere, including at your own personal booth. Located steps away from the United Center, it’s perfect before, during, or after a game. Just don’t forget to grab some of their comfort food made from scratch. Did someone order a brick oven pizza?
The Third Rail This old school Chicago tavern in the heart of the West Loop pours over 90 beers and bourbons, 61 tequilas, 36 Scotches, and plenty of other options to keep you hydrated while cheering on your favorite team.
Palace Grill ‘The Madhouse on Madison’ and its owner George are true Chicago classics, especially if you’re a Blackhawks fan. Palace Grill closes in the afternoon—except on Blackhawks home game days when they’re open until the puck drops. Go Hawks!
The CrossRoads Bar & Grill This West Loop saloon has it all: a fieldstone-lined fireplace, wood-paneled walls, and tables fashioned from whiskey barrels. Plus, lots of sports-filled screens of course. A free shuttle to United Center games is also available. 28 | CONCIERGE PREFERRED
Kaiser Tiger Watch a game, grab a beer, and get in on the action. For those tired of just watching sports, Kaiser Tiger has the perfect solution. Curling! Book your own curling lane through their website for some guaranteed winter fun. Free shuttles are available to and from United Center games.
Ranalli’s West Loop From the same group as the former West End, Ranalli’s West Loop offers a free shuttle service to the United Center on game days while also offering plenty of screens for viewing. Ranalli's is also a longstanding neighborhood pizza bar known for their apps, drinks, and communal setting.
The Embassy Public House The Irish management at the Embassy Public House will go above and beyond to accommodate you at their recently-opened sports bar on West Taylor (Little Italy). Dozens of screens, a cozy fireplace, and plenty of beer and whiskey? What more could you want?
Wrigleyville /North The Cubby Bear This bar has deep roots in Chicago’s music and nightlife scene having witnessed some of the most iconic moments in Cubs history. Even before baseball season kicks off, this is one of Chicago’s top destinations for sports entertainment.
Sluggers In and out of baseball season, Sluggers is the place to be for top-notch entertainment. It’s not just a great place to watch a game, it’s a great place to play one. Their batting cages attract kids of all ages, as do their other games: skee-ball, air hockey, pinball, and their world famous dueling pianos!
AJ Hudson’s If you’re into European soccer, it’s not always easy to find a place that opens with the start of the games. AJ Hudson Public House is one of the few places in Chicago that’ll welcome you as early as 6 a.m.
Murphy’s Bleachers Murphy’s has been a Wrigleyville fixture for almost 80 years. Both a hub of the neighborhood and a haven for Cubs fans, it is one of the best places to enjoy your favorite game.
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 29
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All That Glitters:
A GUIDE TO CHICAGO’S FINEST JEWELRY STORES By Celine Ipek
Certain pieces of jewelry have the power to transform your entire mood. Something about the way the gems glow against your skin or the way your diamond ring catches the morning light; it’s enough to convince you to dress up and take on the day. These are the jewels you wear with an easy confidence, the ones you reach for again and again. Chicago’s jewelry stores have more than enough to satisfy your craving for all that glitters. Look no further than these six showrooms for heirloom-quality selections and timeless designs. Takohl Fine Jewelry 110 N Peoria St #101, Chicago, IL 60607 Takhol’s mission to inspire and connect people is just one of the reasons why it’s a favorite among Chicagoans. Visionary artist and founder Tammy Kohl pairs her expertise in gems and diamonds with her passion for sculpture to showcase pieces in styles ranging from antique to modern and everything in between. Kohl empowers her clients to participate in the design process, creating jewels that emulate their personal milestones and celebrations. The store’s signature Takhol Treasure Rings feature hidden latches that open like lockets, allowing clients to include meaningful engravings within their jewelry. 30 | CONCIERGE PREFERRED
New York Jewelers 11 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60602 Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, New York Jewelers has been locally owned since 1890. It offers a particularly impressive selection of vintage-style pieces including pearl starburst pins, diamond halo vintage rings, golden topaz earrings, antique emerald, and diamond bracelets. New York Jewelers also caters to those interested in acquiring pre-owned pieces, offering watches from iconic brands such as Cartier, Omega, Patek Phillippe, and Rolex.
Fey & Co Lincoln Park. 758 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60610 When you purchase jewelry from Fey & Co, you can feel proud about supporting their environmentally-conscious and community-oriented mission. Their Forevermark Diamonds are responsibly sourced, upholding their commitment to the highest standard of ethics and craftsmanship. All jewelry has a story—at least, that’s how Fey & Co sees it. And there’s no better way to tell your story than investing in a piece from a local Chicago studio.
Marshall Pierce 960 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 With its rich history, Marshall Pierce serves as a testament to the extraordinary impact a family-owned and operated business can have. The company’s eponymous collection features brilliant, beautifully-cut jewels that are perfect for any occasion. When browsing their showroom, you can also take a look at their newest collection from Paul Morelli Jewelry. All Morelli designs are rendered from the original hand-made casts at the Morelli atelier and meticulously inspected for details.
Helene Lucille 1 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 With 24 years of expertise, Helene Lucille offers impeccable pieces that are sure to dazzle. Lucille describes jewelry as a wearable art form and enjoys working closely with clients to design unique statement pieces. Those seeking something sentimentality can even opt to rework their old or rarely worn jewelry to better suit their current style and preferences.
La Kaiser Jewelry 5 S Wabash Ave Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60603 For those looking ahead to Valentine’s Day, La Kaiser offers a curated selection of their bestselling pieces like mini heart lockets, opal and diamond doublet studs, teal sapphire and diamond fleurette rings, mother of pearl pendants, and more. Founder Cindy Kaiser draws on her Swiss and Zimbabwean roots, as well as her international travels, to ideate simplistic yet elegantly designed jewelry pieces. FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022 ISSUE | 31
Sweets for your Sweet By Maria Garcia & Leentje De Leeuw
Treating her/him/them to something sweet is one of the best ways to show your love. And Chicago happens to be the perfect place to do just that…
Café Cremerie
Nutella Café
CAFÉ CRÈMERIE is a European-style café inspired by owner Lisa Gasparian’s European travels and love for all things food and culture. Lisa sought to create a unique destination for guests to relax and enjoy high-quality sweets, savory snacks, rich coffee, and delicious wines within a cozy atmosphere.
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop Nothing says “I love you” more than a sundae. This shop offers a variety of sweets, including their World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae topped with homemade hot fudge, real ice cream shakes, traditional malts, and hot cocoas. Not up for ice cream? Try one of their delectable cookies or brownies.
Popular items at the Nutella Café include the classic crepe with Nutella, mixed fruit with Nutella (perfect for sharing) or, for those seeking fresh baked goods, the Grilled Banana Bread topped with banana slices, Nutella, and toasted hazelnuts. As the first Nutella café of its kind in the world, wait times might be long so plan accordingly if you want to surprise your loved one with a visit.
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery & Café
Since 1949, Garrett Popcorn has been an iconic Chicago brand serving multiple generations and potentially millions of locals and visitors alike. Their classic Garrett mix (made of caramel crisp and cheddar) is by far the most popular, but don’t forget to try their seasonal offerings as well.
What started in Eli Schulman’s humble restaurant kitchen has blossomed into a third generation, family-owned bakery specializing in cheesecake and desserts. Richer and creamier than its New York counterpart, Eli’s Chicago-style cheesecake has a unique taste and texture and is baked on a real all-butter shortbread cookie crust (instead of graham cracker).
32 | CONCIERGE PREFERRED
ICE SKATING RIBBON OPEN THROUGH MARCH 13TH GET YOUR TICKETS AT MAGGIEDALEYPARK.COM
Experience the city like never before! Your one stop Chicago experience!
Open daily. Reserve tickets at theskydeck.com
