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MONTREAL GAZETTE
IT REALLY IS HIP TO BE SQUARE The Godfrey Hotel in Chicago a state-of-the art cubist tower ROCHELLE LASH SPECIAL TO THE MONTREAL GAZETTE
The new Godfrey Hotel Chicago is a shining example of the boutique hotel of today. The first of its brand is making its mark through eye-catching architecture, striking interiors and trendy new-age essentials such as a hot rooftop scene, creative mixology and high-tech features. It also is luxurious, but with a fresh, casual-chic style, not a stuffy, traditional air. The Godfrey is an unusual cubist tower of staggered blocks rising 16 storeys above a vintage neighbourhood, a standout building even in architecturally rich Chicago.
IF YOU G O Air Canada flies non-stop to Chicago from Montreal and Toronto (aircanada.com). Porter flies from Montreal to Chicago with a change at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Prices start at $208 one-way, at certain times (flyporter. com). The Godfrey Hotel Chicago: 312-649-2000, godfreyhotelchicago.com; 127 W. Huron at LaSalle St., Chicago; rooms start at $209 US per night, including Wi-Fi, daily USA Today, fitness centre. The IO Urban Roofscape: daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, late bites and brunch on Sat.Sun. Tourism info: Chicago tourism: choosechicago.com; Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, mcachicago.org.
Its interior is a contrast to its stark exterior. The lobby is all about sensual curves, with an elliptical shape, circular sofas, a stunning spiral light fixture and a large rounded wall of glass. Detailed mosaics on white stone walls and honey-coloured wood floors complete the ultracontemporary scene. The hotel has a boutique look and feel, but is home to a substantial 221 rooms, a small spa and one of Chicago’s hottest lounge scenes. There are three levels of rooms and suites, all decked out in whites and neutrals with accents of dark wood, caramel leather benches and pops of purple sofas. Each room is well-equipped with a wet bar, a sitting area and a work station, plus posh l’Occitane toiletries from France, a 46-inch TV and an iHome docking station. One of The Godfrey’s high-tech angles is a touch-control system in the guest rooms for temperature and lighting. As well, The Godfrey’s lobby is equipped with digital concierge boards allowing patrons to access online data about flights, weather and local events. You can access find tourism information on your guest-room television. The Godfrey is situated in the heart of revitalized River North, a former industrial area and redlight district now repurposed into a cultural agora of trendy lofts and galleries. River North also is a foodie-feast of high-profile restaurants such as Tavernita, Kinmont, GT Fish & Oyster, The Boarding House, MK and Slurping Turtle. In the populist category, also within blocks of The Godfrey is the world’s largest McDonald’s. And it’s only six blocks to Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile of shopping and another two to the John Hancock Centre, Chicago’s towering black metal and glass landmark. The Godfrey has an art-intensive visitors’ package that features a 90-minute tour of galleries on Saturdays led by the Chicago Gallery News, plus tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) for the important
‘Eat your way through the city,’ in U.S. towns
The Godfrey Hotel Chicago is an unusual cubist tower of staggered blocks rising 16 storeys above a vintage neighbourhood, a standout building even in architecturally rich Chicago. PAPADAKIS P HOT OGR AP HY
retrospective, David Bowie Is. The Bowie show’s only U.S. stop is Chicago (it runs until Jan. 4) and features a multimedia display of the pop star’s accomplishments in fashion, art, music, theatre and film. The only other North American venue was in Toronto in 2013. Roof-top scenes are the new social centres and The Godfrey is home to arguably the largest in
town. The IO Urban Roofscape (IO stands for indoor-outdoor) transitions from light-filled lunch and brunch to a sexy cocktail hour and small-plate dinners, all with the Chicago skyline as a back-drop. Food and beverage director Matthew McCahill has gone trendy and tasty with choices such as brunch poutine with an egg atop, pitchers of white sangria or lemonade-vodka
punch, truffle fries with Parmesan, waygu steak sliders or a salad of avocado and prawns. The prix-fixe supper menu has several courses including smoked-salmon flatbread, lamb, hanger steak and braised pork belly. IO also takes its Champagne seriously, with Laurent-Perrier by the glass, Krug by the bottle, magnums of Perrier-Jouet or Dom Pérignon, and Veuve Cliquot by the jeroboam.
TS L GH EA I FL TR T ON C RE M DI OM FR
Check out today’s Montreal Gazette tablet edition.
TMR HOLIDAYS THE REFERENCE ON CUBA ! CUBA - SANTA LUCIA
Brisas Santa Lucia 3,5H Departure on January 8, 15 & 22
Pizza tours offer visitors a thick slice of the local culture
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C A RY N R O U S S E AU T H E A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S
In a city famous for its deep-dish pizza, tourists wouldn’t know the locals prefer a thinnercrust, tavern-style pie topped with homemade Italian sausage and cut into squares, not slices — unless they went on a pizza tour. Chicago is one of a handful of cities across the U.S., including Boston, Milwaukee and New York, with companies that offer tours of the local pizza scene. Chicago Pizza Tours owner Jonathan Porter takes his customers on a bus ride around the city that includes four stops over 31/2 hours to sample deep-dish, the tavern-style popular in Chicago neighbourhoods and other eclectic pizza variations. “It’s just a different way to see the city,” Porter said. “Eat your way through the city. It was always designed to get people off the beaten path.” Bonnie Burchett, 64, of WinstonSalem, N.C., was on a recent weekend vacation to Chicago with her husband when they took the pizza tour. “I like that sausage,” she said after taking a bite at Pizano’s, a downtown pizzeria with a buttery crusted deep-dish pizza and tavern-style that was the first stop on the tour. Elizabeth Goodwin, 33, of Columbus, Ohio, was also on a weekend trip with her husband. They
CUBA - CAYO COCO
CUBA - CAYO LARGO
CUBA - CAYOS DE VILLA CLARA
IBEROSTAR Daiquiri 4H
Playa Blanca 3,5H
Sol Cayo Santa Maria 3,5H
Departure on Nov. 30, Dec 5 & 7
Departure on November 10 & 17
Departure on December 5
CHICAGO
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A slice of pizza from Pequod’s in Chicago. C A RYN ROU S S EAU/
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CUBA - VARADERO
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Superclubs Breezes Bella Costa 4H
Playa Pesquero 4,5H
CUBA - VARADERO
Ocean Varadero El Patriarca 4,5H
Departure on November 4, 11 & 18
Departure on Dec. 5, 6, 12 & 13
Departure on Dec. 2, 5, 9 & 12
TH E A S S O C I ATE D PRE S S
were able to try Pizano’s, thin crust at Coalfire west of downtown, tavern-style with sauerkraut at Flo and Santos on the city’s South Side, and Pequod’s deep-dish on the North Side. “I’ve always wanted to try Chicago deep-dish pizza, it’s famous,” Goodwin said. The couple took the tour, she said, because “otherwise we wouldn’t know where to go.” There are 2,200 pizza restaurants in Chicago. Thin crust outsells deep-dish in Chicago even though deep-dish was invented in Chicago in the 1940s. Miriam Weiskind, a tour guide with Scott’s Pizza Tours in New York, happened to be on the recent Chicago tour, wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a slice of pizza. She said she tries to focus on a particular pizza’s ingredients and explain to people on her tours “what goes into it so at the end they understand why they like it.”
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DISCOVER TMR HOLIDAYS BIKING EXPERIENCE! 7-NIGHT BIKING PACKAGE
Departure on January 10
1 459
$
Other departure dates available on request
CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR VISIT TMRHOLIDAYS.COM Prices include: Flight, transfers, 7-night accommodation, meals, airport taxes, fuel surcharge, GST and QST. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Not included: Client’s contribution to the Indemnity Fund amounting to $1 per $1,000 of travel services purchased. Departure Tax of 25 CUC payable at the airport. Agency fees may apply. clubvoyages.com Limited space. Departures from Montreal. Valid for new bookings until 2014/10/24. Earn AIR MILES® Certain conditions apply. Consult the 2014 | 2015 TMR Holidays Sun brochure or the reward miles at Club Voyages. www.tmrholidays.com for terms and conditions. ®TM Trademarks of AIR MILES International
Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc, and Transat Distribution Canada Inc. Club Voyages is a division of Transat Distribution Canada Inc. QC Reg. #753141. Head office: 300 Léo-Pariseau, Suite 1601, Montreal, QC H2X 4B3. TMR Holidays, located at 1180, Drummond street, #500, Montreal, QC H3G 2S1, holds a Quebec permit. MON01057856_1_1
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RADISSON BLU A HIP TAKE ON DOWNTOWN CHICAGO LIFE Located in Aqua Tower, world’s tallest skyscraper designed by a woman
RO C H E L L E L A S H
Checking In
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is a new star in the architecturally rich Chicago skyline. Those are powerful words in a city of buildings created by some of the best — Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Henri Sullivan, Frank Gehry, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Daniel Burnham, who built the Chicago World’s Fair with the first Ferris wheel, and was one of the lead characters in the novel, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. The new Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago has impressive credentials, too. It is located on the first 18 floors of the 81-storey Aqua Tower, which is the world’s tallest skyscraper designed by a woman, Chicago architect Jeanne Gang. And it shows. In a city that has spawned some of the United States’ tallest phallic monoliths, the curvy white Aqua Tower is distinctively feminine, said to be inspired by rolling sand dunes or perhaps the waves on Lake Michigan. It was named Skyscraper of the Year by the international building guru Emporis, and Gang was honoured by the American Institute of Architects. U P S C A L E S PI N O F F B R A N D
Radisson Blu is an upscale brand of Radisson, a spinoff that emphasizes service and dazzling contemporary interiors. Several features make the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago a standout. It is a great buy and family-friendly. And, for a downtown hotel, the Blu boasts excep-
tional fitness installations, many outdoors. Its sprawling open-air terrace features a year-round jogging track, and in warm weather, a lap pool and a children’s pool. Partly because there are residents in condos and apartments on the upper floors, the Radisson Blu Aqua has home-away-fromhome facilities such as barbecues, cabanas and a firepit for family cookouts or after-dark mingling. I was so enthralled with the outdoor scene that I totally missed an important tech aspect of the hotel. The guest room TVs have menus for requesting room service, wake-up calls and housekeeping, and even better, a cellphone app is available for the same functions, so you can make those arrangements from outside the premises.
The Radisson Blu Chicago is in the distinctive Aqua Tower, which has won architectural awards for its wavy concrete exterior. R ADIS SON BLU CH I CAG O
nightlife feel, with long communal tables for parties and silvery leather banquettes for romance. Executive chef Carolina Diaz was in the kitchen when I visited and she sent out a delectable Italian feast for the table to share — charcuterie such as sopresatta and bresaola, a cheese plate with Gorgonzola and burrata with figs; a rich and dreamy pasta with prosciutto, mascarpone and truffle oil; an impressive branzino (a whole fish) roasted with citrus and fennel; and comfort desserts that no one could pass up — panna cotta and gelato.
DA R L I N G O F D E S I G N
Designers decked out the lobby with flashy materials. The reception area is glamorous, with mirrored front desks and a sapphire LED light. The lobby lounge is warmed by a long, lean, 18-metre gas fireplace, deep cosseting wing chairs, a wall of reclaimed brick and another of shimmering goldplated discs. The guest rooms and suites, 334 in all, are all about light and minimalist furniture, with a fresh palette of soothing blues and dark chocolate against crisp white. More than half have balconies and many have both a glass shower and a soaking tub. As a bonus, there is a choice of carpeted or wooden floors.
A R O U N D C H I C AG O
The Radisson Blu Aqua is near stop No. 9, Michigan Avenue, of the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co., so I hopped on a bright red bus and tootled around town. We rode by the
The curvy white Aqua Tower is distinctively feminine, said to be inspired by roll-
DINING, DRINKING
The Radisson Blu Aqua also has updated traditional hotel dining. The scene here is trendy and casual. The Filini Bar & Restaurant is a stunning space with a glass wall of wine, an open kitchen and a patio. There is a
ing sand dunes or perhaps the waves on Lake Michigan.
vast and beautiful lakefront, with its truly magnificent and historic sites such as The Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. The hotel has a retail therapy package with discounts, so I bee-lined for the Shops at North Bridge, an indoor mall on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile which is home to Nordstrom, Sephora and Swatch. I had always thought of Chicago as a big-business city and an incomparably rich cultural centre. It is both, but it also has so many outdoor recreation options that you can plan a visit built entirely around fresh air and exercise. Kids especially love the Navy Pier amusement park and beaches on Lake Michigan, the 32-kilometre Lakefront Trail for cycling, the lively Chicago Riverfront walking promenade and Millennium Park with its giant sculptures, free concerts and skating in winter. I saved the most intense art experience for my last day. The prestigious Art Institute of Chicago, home of the largest collection of Impressionist works outside of France, recently was named Trip Advisor’s No. 1 museum in the world. The Art Institute is an immersion in art history, home to treasures from ancient Etruscan art to modern-day Picassos and beyond. A terrific photography exhibit is The City Lost and Found: Capturing New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, 1960—1980, which runs until Jan. 11.
IF YOU G O Air Canada flies non-stop to Chicago from Montreal and Toronto. Porter flies from Montreal to Chicago with a change at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Prices start at $208 one-way, at certain times. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago: 800-333-3333, 312565-5258, radissonblu.com/ aquahotel-chicago; 221 N. Columbus Drive. Pet-friendly. Children 17 and under stay for free. Price: The hotel’s website has a best-rate guarantee. Rooms, some with balconies, $219-$350 U.S., depending on the season; suites cost more. Business Class rooms have lounge access with breakfast, evening cocktails. Rates include Wi-Fi, daily newspaper, pools and fitness facilities. Packages feature spa treatments, shopping discounts, romantic add-ons (Champagne, chocolates, turndown gift) and Chicago attractions. Filini Bar & Restaurant: 312477-0234, www.filinichicago. com; daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24-hour room service; seasonal patio. Chicago info: choosechicago.com, bikechicago.com; Architectural River Cruise: 312-922-3432, architecture. org/rivercruise; Chicago Trolley & Double-Decker Tours: 773-648-5000, chicagotrolley.com.
Rochelle@rochellelash.com twitter.com/rochellelash
VERMONT
VERMONT
QUALITY QU LITY T INN
TRAVELODGE TTR VELODGE
SMART SSM RTT SUITES T
2572 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne 855-547-2524
1016 Shelburne Road, South Burlington 1-802-862-6421
Special Rate for 2 night hotel stay for $149.99 USD or 1 night for $79.99 plus Tax. Park & Fly rate which includes 1 night stay with round trip transportation to BTV airport and up to 21 days parking for $139.00 plus Tax. Rates based on double occupancy. Additional charge $10/person/night. Pet charge $20/pet/night. These rates also include Full Hot Breakfast, Indoor Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna, Fitness center, Free wireless Internet and a Business center. Directions: I-89, Exit-13. Rates based on availability. Not valid on busy weekends. This promotion is available till 4/30/2015. Call 802-985-8037 or Toll Free: 855-547-2524 for reservation.
Close to downtown Burlington shopping malls and outlets. Enjoy a Free Full Hot Breakfast, High speed wireless internet and pets welcome. Special rates for 2 nights $129.00 USD or 1 night for $69.99 USD Plus Tax. Additional $10 USD per person/night. Pet Charge $10/pet/night. Rates based on availability and not valid on busy weekends. Call 802-862-6421 for reservations
www.smartsuitesburlington.com 1700 Shelburne Rd., So. Burlington, Vt. Toll free 877-862-6800
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Come and enjoy our hospitality in either a studio efficiency at US $92.95 or a more spacious one bedroom suite at US $102.95/ night, including a deluxe continental breakfast and free WIFI. Mention the Gazette special. Not valid with other discounts and subject to availability. Effective 05/02/14. Take Exit 13 off I-89, left on rt. 7 for 1.5 miles, same entrance as Holiday Inn Express.
NEW YORK
GREEN MOUNTAIN SUITES HOTEL SSTONEHURST MANOR
RRIVERSIDE IVERSIDE TOWER HOTEL
AAMERICA’S MERICA’S BEST VALUE INN
www.greenmountainsuites.com 401 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont Toll-free reservations 866-337-1616
www.StonehurstManor.com White Mountains, North Conway ✆ 603-421-6146
www.riversidetowerhotel.com New York City, New York Toll free 800-724-3136
www.plattsburghbestvalueinn.com 19 Booth Drive, Plattsburgh, New York ✆ 518-563-0222 Toll free 1-800-358-2137
Experience all the Charm of a Boutique Vermont Country Inn. Escape to beautiful Burlington, Vermont starting at $129/night weekdays. Luxurious One-Bedroom Suite Includes Vermont-style Hot Breakfast served each morning. Includes Fireside Reception with Beer, Wine and Food (M-Th.). Heated Indoor Pool/ Jacuzzi & Exercise facility. Walking distance to University Mall and close to Lake Champlain and the Church Street Marketplace. Promotional rate may not be available during select periods. Contact us for more info. Promotional rate may not be available during select periods. Contact hotel for more information.
Beauty & comfort surround you at our historic “country elegant” boutique hotel. Panoramic mountain views, fireplaced Library Lounge, 20 guestrooms (8 w/frplcs) & renowned dining. LOTS of North Conway tax-free holiday shopping nearby. Fr. $78ppdo(US) includes Breakfast, Dinner (from our full menu) and XC Skiing/SnoShoeing from the door. Call NOW for Fabulous Holiday Getaways!
Singles USD $134. Doubles USD $139. Suites USD $149.-$169. Lincoln Center area. Hudson River views, 18 floors, kitchenette, 5 minutes to midtown. Safe, quiet luxury area. Riverside Drive & 80th Street.
In wonderful Plattsburgh. Only $120 for 2 nights. Canadian cash. Up to 2 people, additional pers. add $10 more per night. Free continental breakfast. Located conveniently off exit 37 on I-87. Some holidays, wknds & spec. events do not apply. Up to 70% occ. daily. Based on availability.
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MONTREAL GAZETTE
Soho House Chicago joins the club ROCHELLE LASH SPECIAL TO THE MONTREAL GAZETTE
I was in turmoil. My hipness quotient was crashing. My street cred was crumbling. The problem? I had not yet spent the night at a Soho House and my family’s younger generation was becoming hipper-than-moi. My nephew Marty Lash had married Kara Crudo in a dazzling celebration at the celebrity hangout Soho Beach House in Miami, but I stayed with friends. That put me so out of the loop. Had I morphed into the old auntie? Was I irrelevant, out of touch? Yikes, even B-list? Now, it’s all good. The new Soho House Chicago saved the day. I snared a hard-to-get reservation, made the scene and I rock, once again. DÉCOR DELIGHT
This handsome boutique hotel and private club opened in August in a former belting factory, bringing Soho’s international brand of cool to one of America’s most exciting cities. Richly decked out like a vintage British gentlemen’s club, Soho Chicago has left no decor stone unturned. Antique tables, tavern chairs, tufted leather sofas, étagères of books and kilim rugs over floors of reclaimed wood all radiate the burnished patina of a century-old establishment. But somehow you know that it is all so very today. The level of detail is staggering and the effect of all these precious “objets” is downright sumptuous. A set of six matched crystal chandeliers comes from a Paris hotel. And the extensive artwork that dresses up the walls, mostly graphics and photographs donated by local artists, has a black and white theme so the displays are particularly striking. The Soho also is playful. The four hotel room categories are tiny, small, medium or medium-plus, all with charming individual décor. Each room is warm and inviting, decorated with a tea set and crystal whisky decanter, industrial light fixtures, upholstered headboards, linen curtains and compact bathrooms in white tiling. PR I VAC Y P O L I C Y
Soho House Chicago is the newest of a group of hotels in London, Berlin, New York City and Miami Beach, plus private social clubs in West Hollywood and Toronto. The concept started in England as a fashionable home-away for creative types. The twist is that both travellers who rent hotel rooms and Soho members can use all the facilities and restaurants, but non-members have access only to the ground floor options for dining, drinking and mingling. That policy of privacy adds a tantalizing whiff of celebrity and exclusivity and creates an irresistible cachet. That’s the elusive intangible that has made Soho House Chicago an instant success. When I visited recently, its 40 boutiquesize hotel rooms were sold out and the place was popping with patrons. To ensure its cool style and distinctive status, Soho House’s private side has rules, starting with a dress code of “no suits.” That’s a new-age vibe, for sure. Plus, the lounges do not permit cellphones
IF YOU GO Soho House Chicago: 312-521-8000, sohohousechicago.com; 113-125 N. Green St., Chicago. Price: $300-$480 U.S. per night, including Club Bar, Gymnasium, Lounge activities and other social spaces. Membership to all Soho Houses: sohohouse.com: $1,400 U.S. for under age 27, per year, or $2,800 for 27 and over. Chicago tourism: www.choosechicago.com.
or photography. That means no texting, e-ticketing, Facebooking or posting selfies to Instagram. So if Justin Timberlake or Katie Perry want to sip Pommery Champagne in peace, you cannot play the paparazzo. On the members’ side, the cushy Drawing Room is the place to fire up your Kindle or have a rendezvous. The Library is an event room with an eclectic calendar that includes live performances, TV viewing parties, movie screenings, gallery tours and fashion shows. The private Club Bar is the ultimate mingling and networking spot and likely the reason that many people join Soho House. There is food, too, dishes such as lobster spaghetti, oysters, charcuterie, steak and fish. Bartenders have crafted the Soho Mule, which kicks hard with vodka, ginger and lime; and the Picante de la Casa, a fiery mix of tequila, lime, agave, chili and cilantro. The Rooftop is home to a swimming pool (seasonal) and a bistro (year-round). The Gymnasium adds rare extras such as a pro-calibre boxing ring, aerial yoga and steam showers. At the Screening Room, you could invite Harvey Weinstein to see your latest director’s cut, and seduce him with cocktails and popcorn.
The Rooftop is one of the private spaces for hotel guests and members at the new Soho House Chicago. PH O TOS : DAVE BU RK
S HT AL G E I FL TR N CT O RE M M I D O FR
OF H E D RI CH BL E S S I NG
F O R T H E PU B L I C
If you are not a hotel guest, you still can be part of the in-crowd at Soho House’s lively restaurants and its day spa. The Allis on the lobby level is the place for afternoon tea and scones, a lunch of pork pie or an after-work small plate of burrata on toast and wine. Pizza East and Chicken Shop are two inexpensive, family-friendly eateries with retro décor and fast service of comfort food. The Cowshed Spa, which has a luxe rustic look like its original location in England, offers treatments such as the Ultimate Cowshed Pedicure, which starts with a scalp and shoulder massage, and the Cowshed Moody Massage which uses aromatherapy. Men in search of grooming also have vintage-style barber chairs for hot shaves and haircuts.
TMR HOLIDAYS THE REFERENCE ON CUBA ! CUBA - SANTA LUCIA
Brisas Santa Lucia 3,5H Departures on January 8, 15 & 22
799
$
ONE WEEK • ALL INCLUSIVE
CUBA - CAYO COCO
CUBA - CAYOS DE VILLA CLARA
CUBA - HOLGUIN
Sol Cayo Coco 3,5H Departures on January 9, 10, 16 & 17
Eurostars Cayo Santa Maria 4H Departures on January 8, 13 & 15
Playa Costa Verde 4H Departures on January 9, 10, 11 & 14
N O N- S T O P C H I C AG O
Besides the impressive Bowie exhibit running at the Museum of Contemporary Art until Jan. 4, the U.S’s third-largest metropolis (after N.Y and L.A.) is bursting with events: Jerry Seinfeld will play the Rosemont Theatre, Nov. 21; the Blackhawks face off against the Montreal Canadiens, Dec. 5; Andrea Bocelli will hit the high notes at the Allstate Arena, Dec. 13. Cher says farewell — again — at the United Center, Jan. 21, with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
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CUBA - VARADERO
CUBA - VARADERO
CUBA - CAYO LARGO
SuperClubs Breezes Varadero 4H Departures on January 8, 9 & 10
Barcelo Solymar 4H Departures on January 12, 15 & 16
Sol Cayo Largo 4H Departures on January 10 & 17
999
$
ONE WEEK • ALL INCLUSIVE
1 099
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DISCOVER TMR HOLIDAYS TREKKING EXPERIENCE ! 7-NIGHT TREKKING PACKAGE
Departure January 24
1 559
$
Other departure dates available on request
CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR VISIT TMRHOLIDAYS.COM Cubamania: Valid for new individuals bookings made from November 6 to 24, for departures January 1st to Februrary 28, 2015. †Savings of 50% calculated on the price before taxes and fees and applies to the Sol Cayo Coco, January 9, 10, 16 & 17 departures. Flights are from Montreal via Air Transat. Prices per person, based on double occ., in lead room category, including applicable rebates, taxes and fees. Prices available at press time, valid for new individual bookings only made clubvoyages.com from November 8 to 10, 2014 and subject to availability. For full descriptions and terms and conditions, refer to www. tmrholidays.com. Travel agency fees may apply. TMR Holidays is a division of Transat Tours Canada inc. and is registered Earn AIR MILES as a travel wholesaler in Quebec (Reg # 754241). ®™Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under reward miles at Club Voyages. license by LoyaltyOne, Co. and Transat Distribution Canada Inc. Travel agency fees may apply. Club Voyages is a division of Transat Distribution Canada Inc. Quebec (Reg. #753141).
The new and ultra-fashionable Soho House Chicago has 40 guest rooms and a rooftop pool.
Prices excluding $1.00/$1000 of travel services representing the clients’ contribution to the Fonds d’indemnisation des clients des agents de voyages (Indemnity Fund). MON01060026_1_1
GUIDE | Food A spread from Avec, including: (clockwise from left) chorizo-stuffed medjool dates; focaccia with taleggio cheese, ricotta, truffle oil and fresh herbs; whole roasted fish and whipped brandade.
Why We Love (Eating in) Chicago JACOB RICHLER EATS—AND DRINKS—HIS WAY THROUGH THE WINDY CITY (NOTEBOOK IN HAND) SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO. ONLY, YOU SHOULD. YOU REALLY SHOULD. THESE ARE EXCELLENT TIMES FOR DINING OUT in Chicago, one of just three North American cities for which Michelin publishes their notorious red guide. And, have no fear, these are fine times for drinking there, too, with the culture of innovative mixology entrenched from the hipster bars of Wicker Park to all of downtown’s many swanky hotels.
FRIDAY AT 7:45 PM If you have ever tried to watch an episode of Rick Bayless’s popular PBS show Mexico: One Plate at a Time, and been driven to change channels by his disturbingly insipid personality, we are on the same page. But his cooking is an entirely different matter. Rooted in authenticity, reimagined with a sensible, modern touch, vibrantly flavoured and expressed with the finest local ingredients. Xoco is the little brother and
neighbour to his betterknown restaurants Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, and so it is an ideal place to make acquaintance with Bayless’s cuisine. Assuming that you don’t mind waiting in a 20-minute queue only to eat your meal on a stool wedged against a small counter. I don’t: not when it starts with a robust margarita, infused with house-made lime bitters, and a basket of perfect, fresh-fried tortilla chips, brightly flavoured salsas and guacamole. We followed with a goat torta
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Nico Osteria’s Lobster Spaghetti is a signature dish: A house-made spaghetti complmented by a tomato based sherry reduction. An entire Maine lobster is used for each dish and then served in its shell.
(a crisp sandwich of fragrant, braised goat, dressed with tomatillo salsa and chunks of avocado) and a seafood caldo (green chili-infused coconut broth laden with exceptionally flavourful Mexican blue shrimp, clams, calamari and potato dumplings). If I lived in Chicago, I would be a regular here. XOCO, 449 N. CLARK ST., RICKBAYLESS.COM/RESTAURANTS/XOCO
SATURDAY AT 1:00 PM Unlike the case with many other Thompson hotels, this branch in the bustling Gold Coast district attracts more serious diners than it does revelers. And if you were looking to attach a name to the reason why, it would be Paul Kahan, the James Beard award-winning
executive chef for One Off Hospitality, which operates Nico Osteria. It is their seventh and newest effort, as well as their first stab at Italian cuisine. The focus is on seafood—and they get it right. Our meal began with a splendid array of crudo, which ran the gamut from shredded raw spiny lobster to escolar, hamachi, Japanese snapper and striped jack, each dressed to distinct effect with everything from kohlrabi salsa, banyuls vinegar, fermented chili, fried capers and trumpet mushrooms. Still, the single best dish was the roasted King crab legs, which were sweet, tender and luscious, and adorned most successfully with hazelnut pesto.
GUIDE | Food A LITTLE OVER SIX HOURS LATER… Housemade ricotta tortelloni with crispy prosciutto, treviso and chive at Café Spiaggia.
Avec’s whole roasted fish with olives, fennel, arugula, charred orange and lavender vinaigrette
Tagliolini with clams, leeks and chili, and cappalletti with lamb and artichokes demonstrate that the kitchen also has a deft hand with pasta. The décor is colourful, with rustic touches (much foliage, exposed brick), and a lively vibe is helped along by an open kitchen fronted by a large bar. NICO OSTERIA, 1015 N. RUSH ST., NICOOSTERIA.COM
SUNDAY AT 11:00 AM Avec is another One Off restaurant, a decade old now. Its set-up speaks loudly of that earlier, deliberately modest era: no reservations, communal seating, no décor to speak of. It’s an unadorned cedar-lined box of a room with a stainless-steel bar. But there is something very new in play: brunch. A highly imaginative and beautifully executed one at that. It began with the cocktails. Take the Grande Pumpkin Spiced Smash (a seductively spiced mix of Calvados, pumpkin purée, bitters and lemon). But it was the food that hooked us. We began with a spin on chicken and waffles,
composed instead of a single, thick Moroccan-style semolina pancake, heaped with perfectly crisp and succulent chicken wings dressed with honey, harissa and cilantro. Next, tangy toasted sourdough topped with spicy raw sausage, poached egg, and hollandaise spiked with preserved lemon. Finally (lifted from the dinner menu), sublimely tender braised pork shoulder, finished in the wood-burning oven with clams, braised greens and fingerling potatoes. It proved impossible to leave unfinished; alas, it took six hours to walk it off. AVEC, 615 W. RANDOLPH ST., AVECRESTAURANT.COM
66 SHARPFORMEN.COM / APRIL 2014
My Brooklyn-born wife, Lisa, is a big fan of President Obama. So I have never passed along the disturbing reports that he likes his burgers cooked mediumwell. Instead, I tried to book a table for the two of us one evening at Spiaggia, the two-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant on the Magnificent Mile to which Barack takes Michelle (and a couple of dozen secret servicemen) on their nottoo-romantic date nights. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old institution is closed for a splashy redesign, to be unveiled soon. But you can enjoy much of its grand menu in the far more casual setting of its adjoining Café Spiaggia. This, I recommend. Begin with a smoky Negroni. Have the brilliantly conceived salad of mandoline-sliced radish, beet and carrot, tossed with sesame and set atop a pool of parmesan fonduta.
Café Spiaggia’s Fiore di Zucca pizza with zucchini flowers, mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes.
GUIDE | Food and crisp-skinned char with carrots and a sauce of grainy mustard and tarragon. The pastry chef is especially gifted. TRAVELLE IN THE LANGHAM CHICAGO, 330 N. WABASH AVE., TRAVELLECHICAGO.COM Travelle, in The Langham Hotel.
Mexique’s ahi tuna ceviche, pickled green papaya, fennel and epazote foam with watermelon radish.
Venture fearlessly into the rare culinary sphere of Afro-Italian fusion with the excellent antelope bolognese, while your date splurges on gnocchi with cream and black truffle. And be advised that unlike medium-well burgers, Obama’s favourite Spiaggia dish of roasted scallops with parmesan, crisp pork belly, porcini and brown butter is a gem. CAFÉ SPIAGGIA, 980 N. MICHIGAN AVE., SPIAGGIARESTAURANT.COM
TUESDAY AT 12:45 PM The beautiful new Langham Hotel is freshly built into the lower 13 floors of the former IBM Tower, designed by Mies van der Rohe. The bartender at its restaurant and lounge, Travelle, did some recent training at the original London Langham’s Artesian bar—named Best Bar in the World by Drinks International magazine for the last two years running. He got me started with a Star Kissed Punch: rum infused with star anise and cardamom. And followed with a perfect dry martini, its olives stuffed with caviar.
cheese-chipotle sauce, and finally, chocolate enchiladas stuffed full of Grand Marnier-spiked ganache. The food is brilliant. Canada has nothing like it. MEXIQUE, 1529 W. CHICAGO AVE., MEXIQUECHICAGO.COM
MONDAY AT 1:00 PM Mexique is in a district called Goose Island—which if you’re staying downtown makes for a bit of a trek, but it’s one that more and more people are making. Two years ago Mexique made the jump from Bib Gourmand to full Michelin star and
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The lunch that followed hardly needed the help. Travelle is a beautiful sunny room, full of distractingly good art, sculpted wood chairs, dangling lamps and a beautiful glassed-in kitchen, all designed by the brilliant David Rockwell. And if the menu suffers slightly from that American hotel restaurant syndrome of trying to please everyone from everywhere, be assured that chef Tim Graham has a good grip on it all. We began with shared snacks: crisp, tasty falafel balls and Patagonian spot prawns with diced red pepper and olive oil. Then roasted sea bass with roasted celery and cauliflower and honey-infused gastrique,
68 SHARPFORMEN.COM / APRIL 2014
when we headed out for lunch, chef-owner Carlos Gaytan was battling it out on television on Top Chef. Whether he won or not was still unknown—but we certainly did. Picture this: a deep bowl dressed at centre with a mound of shredded duck confit, halved cherries and fried ground cherry husks. Then the waiter floods the plate with a slow, steady stream of fragrantly spiced pumpkin purée. Next, a succulent, lightly cooked fillet of dorado, crusted on one side with minced chicharrón, surrounded by melon-balled avocado, radish and guajillo sauce. Then, a thick corn tortilla, topped with the best-ever refried beans, flank steak and goat
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t s e t e e w s e th n o e c . a h l t p r ea Written by Lynn Ogryzlo
it
didn’t all start with the great fire of Chicago (1871), but when candy factories burned to the ground, the people of Chicago fought back with a vengeance. Chicago is the candy capital of North America and it’s easy to see why. Here is a short list of candies that were invented in Chicago: Baby Ruth, Big Red, 3 Musketeers, Bit-O-Honey, Jelly Belly, Junior Mints, Mar’s Bar, Milk Duds, Milky Way, Oh Henry, Snickers, Butter Fingers, Tootsie Rolls, Whoppers, Malted Milk, Wrigley’s Gum, Juicy Fruit Gum, Fanny May Chocolates, Cracker Jack, M & M’s, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Before the great fire, there were 46 candy companies in Chicago. After the great fire, there were 69 candy companies that quickly grew to more than 1,000 by the early 1900’s.
“
EVERYONE LOVES CANDY, IT BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN AGES, R ACES, RELIGIONS AND BACKGROUNDS When prohibition (1920-1933) hit and Chicagans could no longer drink, they turned to candy – yeah, they did! Schlitz Brewery quickly converted their taverns into candy and soda shops. Bars closed and ice cream shops and candy parlors opened in their place. They were places to socialize and feed Chicago’s insatiable sweet tooth. Beer companies, unable to manufacture lager, turned to making chocolate and candy. Brewing ingredients like malt
made its way into milk shakes and candy popularizing malted milk balls. Americans turned from liquor and got their fix instead with confections – who would have guessed? Today Chicago is considered the Candy Capital of the World, with new candy companies opening and the preservation of the nostalgic brands as well – thank goodness. There are artisan candy crafters the likes of Margie’s Candy, Garrett Popcorn, Spin Spun and Terry’s Toffee. Small, personal and proud, family run candy companies like Jelly Belly’s – yes, Jelly Belly’s are still family owned and operated boasting six generations still manufacturing in Chicago along with large manufacturers like Bloomers. Bloomers is considered by many to be an American chocolate institution. The factory is downtown Chicago and on production day the streets of Chicago are filled with the mesmerizing aromas of melting chocolate. “It makes you want to jump out of your skin the smells are so exciting,” says Terese Lang McDonald, founder and owner of Candyality. And Terese should know, she is the candy queen of the sweetest place on earth. Candyality prides itself on carrying North Americas greatest collection of retro candy. Inside the 2,000-square foot store are thousands of bulk candy items including 21 colours of M & M’s to 30 flavours of Jelly Belly’s including their newest flavour, Draft Beer. If that wasn’t dizzying enough for a candy lover, they have Chicago’s only Black Licorice Bar. While red licorice is relegated to the bulk bins, Terese claims, “a true licorice lover is only interested in black.” She stocks black licorice from Germany, Australia, America and other far reaches of the world in flavours like anise, molasses, malt and the one she just can’t keep in stock, Dr. Pepper. I walked into Candyality and filled my stash-bag with my favourites. I’m a traditionalist so there was red licorice whips, chunks of thick milk chocolate and squares of chewy caramel; all the things I love most. To my surprise, every purchase comes with a personality profile. That’s right, Candyality is creating personality profiles based on the candy you like to eat giving credibility to the old adage, you are what you eat. So who am I? I have a durable personality and a matter of fact approach to life, I’m a force to be reckoned with and am super loyal. While I thought the assessment is pretty accurate, Terese laughs “We’re more connected to Willy Wonka than Albert Einstein, but people love it and we’re all having fun with it.” Terese talks with passion about the history of candy in Chicago. “Everyone loves candy, it bridges the gap between ages, races, religions and backgrounds. It’s a huge part of Chicago’s DNA, past, present and future.” But when she’s asked about the future of the candy industry she replies, “I’m only a candy personality reader not a fortune teller.” We all agree that Chicago’s candy future is bright and brimming with new levels of sweetness. If you stay at The Ritz Carlton Hotel you can order candy via room-service and it will be delivered by The Candy Man. The Candy Man, dressed in a candystriped jacket, will come to your room with a traveling candy cart stocked full of candy invented in Chicago. If candy is part of Chicago’s DNA, then Frango Mints is embedded into every cell. Frango Mints are a brand of chocolate truffles invented before World War II, widely popularized by the Marshall Field department store and now produced and
distributed by Macy’s, including Chicago’s own historic Macy’s on State Street. It’s a long lineage of quality mint chocolate. Chicago is not only home to retro and historic candy manufacturers but creative and modern candypreneurs as well. Spin-Spun is an all-natural confections company that specializes in one fat-free, gluten-free, nut and dairy free treat: cotton candy. Using organic sugar and either organic or natural flavours, founder Seth Bankier spins the treat in nearly 20 flavours including bacon salt, salted caramel, lemon-coconut, and truffle oil. Because Pin-Spun is all natural, the candy floss is all white, a bit boring if Seth didn’t use brightly colored, nontoxic glow sticks as cones. The glow sticks have strings tied into their ends so that candy lovers can wear them as necklaces after they’ve finished their cotton candy. A Chicago tradition for more than half a century (yet still considered a newby by Chicago’s candy standards) is Garrett Popcorn. This gourmet popcorn is popped in small batches in old-fashioned copper kettles. You can get fresh popcorn from their little shops that are scattered throughout the city and for your convenience, at the airport departure gates. You must try The Chicago Mix. It’s a blend of their crispy caramel and cheese corn. Ask for it and they blend it right in front of you – a scoop of one and a scoop of the other, shake the bag and – you got it! All ingredients are natural, buy it in their collectable tins from small sizes all the way up to a gallon! Yeah, I know what you’re thinking but I guarantee, one bite of this gourmet popcorn and you’ll be going for the gallon! As a chocolate lover I have to say that chocolate is definitely the beating heart of Chicago’s candy culture but don’t take my word for it. Go to Chicago and taste your own delicious experience. Take a tour with Fern Bogot of the Sweet Home Chicago Treats Tour. I did, she’s amazing! Stay at The Peninsula Hotel, they have the city’s only weekend Chocolate Bar (www.chicago.peninsula.com) offering everything chocolate from delicious martinis to truffles, crepes and of course, decadent hot chocolate. There is a hot chocolate list at Hot Chocolate Restaurant the size of some wine lists and the windy city is home to many chocolate tours. Valerie Beck of Chicago Chocolate Tours (www.chicagochocolatetours.com) is the best chocolate tour company. She is full of historical and educational information for every dark morsel you’ll put in your mouth. She is also founder of the Chocolate Travel Club (www.onwardandupwardtravelclub.com), leading groups to other chocolate destinations around the world like Paris, New York and Montreal once you’ve graduated from Chicago. Vosges Haut-Chocolate (www.vosgeschocolate.com) is a premium chocolate company owned by Katrina Markoff. The impressive 64,000 square foot, sterile white, spanking clean, Gold LEEDS certified chocolate temple houses a chocolate innovation laboratory, a flavours apothecary and a production facility crafting 150,000 pieces of chocolate a day by a staff of 200 for nine boutiques. It’s enough to give any chocoholic an attack of the sweet kind. Oh yeah, besides candy and chocolate Chicago has amazing architecture, museums, distinctively different neighbourhoods to explore
and an excitingly delicious food culture. It’s all the great stuff you do in between exploring their sweet side. As I put this story to bed I’m munching on the last Turtle in my bag – and yes, Turtles were also invented in Chicago, the sweetest place on earth. For Lynn Ogryzlo’s food tour of Chicago go to http://www. pinterest.com/ontariotable/food-tour-of-chicago/ Lynn Ogryzlo is a food, wine and travel writer, international award winning author and regular contributor to REV Publications. She can be reached for questions or comments at www.lynnogryzlo.com.
How to Get There DR IVE: 8 hours from Niagara, 9 from Toronto TR AIN: Amtrak: Direct 4-hour train from Toronto to Chicago AIR : Porter Airlines from Billy Bishop Airport: 1 hr 45 min flight. Air Canada from Pearson Airport: 1 hr 30 min flight TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 11
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GRACE RESTAURANT PHOTOS
Curtis Duffy had a troubled childhood, but now is the head chef at Grace Restaurant — perhaps the most celebrated restaurant in the U.S. and one of the top restaurants in the world.
> IF YOU GO
Chicago is a city of bars that have character to spare, but it’s also home to Grace, one of the world’s best restaurants
Take a tour Learn a bit about Chicago through Tales, Taverns and Towns, run by Liz Garibay.
JIM BYERS SPECIAL TO THE STAR
CHICAGO—This city has always been good at the feed-
ing and watering of its locals. It’s a town that’s rife with colourful neighbourhood pubs, such as the Twin Anchors, a regular haunt of Frank Sinatra, a place well known for its ribs. But this also is a culinary destination that has been rocketing up the charts of the trendy restaurant lists put out by the fancy magazines and foodie rating services. Mayor Rahm Emanuel boasts the city is home to 25 Michelin-star restaurants, and some surveys have put Chicago in a firm tie with New York City as one of the very best restaurant cities on the planet. Perhaps no restaurant in the city better typifies that
rise to stardom better than Grace. Located in an up-and-coming area west of downtown, chef Curtis Duffy creates immaculate, wildly inventive works of food art with depths of flavour and style that may be unsurpassed in the world. On my recent visit, the first-course appetizers were served in a hollowed-out trunk of a cork tree. There was a quinoa chip with tarragon on top of the log, a dollop of Meyer lemon custard inside half of a scooped out lemon, a shaving of Iberico ham on a toothpick and a dehydrated, spice-crusted date inside the log. CHICAGO continued on T4
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Poached king crab was served under a “glass” of “neutral” sugar with tiny beads of orange. The dishes were decorated with pieces of fabric that resembled a freeway interchange. Tiny fennel seed rolls with green herbed butter formed their own ribbon on the plate. Dessert was frozen geranium tea served from a chilled cylinder filled with rhubarb and cream cheese in a sort of milky Popsicle. This was all accompanied by unusual wines that manager, Michael Muser, has found in his travels. There are normally 10 or so items on the fixed menu at Grace. You can choose between flora or fauna. Most of which is seafood and a bit of red meat, but in small portions. They ingredients in each dish are listed and the spices or herbs are provided last in bold letters so you know what the dominant flavours are. For example, under Cod you might find the words “Osetra caviar, lychee, CHIVE.” Dinners cost a flat rate of $205. This isn’t dining for the faint of heart. Grace has two Michelin stars and the Robb Report recently named it the number one restaurant in the world. The food is stunning in its presentation and complexity, thanks in part to Duffy’s command of a spotless assembly line of production, with workers dropping tiny flower petals on a dish for the perfect finish. It’s the chef’s story that has captured many hearts. Duffy grew up in Colorado and then lived in Johnstown, Ohio, getting in fights and skirting problems with the law. When he was 12, a teacher of his named Ruth Snider taught him to make an English-muffin pizza. And he enjoyed the experience, which stayed with him. His mother and father fought constantly. When he was 19, his father took his mom hostage, and, during a standoff with police, shot and killed her. He then turned the gun on himself. Duffy retreated into cooking to try to keep his sanity and rose quietly and steadily up the ranks. He toiled under famed Chicago chef Charlie Trotter and worked closely with the celebrated Grant Achatz at Alineamm a former winner of the title of best restaurant in America. Years later, after months of delay and overspending, the first guest walked into Duffy’s first restaurant of his own, Grace. The first reservation was set aside for Ruth Snider, the woman who taught him to toast an English muffin with tomato sauce and mozzarella and sticks of pepperoni. They embraced as she came through the door. Duffy shows off the tattoo scripted on his left arm, which reads “Grace is the beauty of form under the influence of freedom.” A few feet away, over his shoulder, I spot some colourful paintings done by his kids tacked onto a board that reads: “A man lost within his passion is better than a man who is lost with-
> JUST THE FACTS Dining: Grace: 652 W. Randolph St. grace-restaurant.com. The Publican: 837 W. Fulton St. thepublicanrestaurant.com. Twin Anchors: 1655 N. Sedgwick St. twinanchorsribs.com. Old Town Ale House: 219 W. North Ave. theoldtownalehouse.com. Doing: talestavernsandtowns.com Web surfing: choosechicago.com
JIM BYERS FOR TORONTO STAR
Chef Curtis Duffy was only a few doors away when his father shot and killed his mother and then himself. Duffy’s risen to become one of the most celebrated chefs in the world.
out his passion.” Grace is located in what had, for 75 years, been a pickled herring factory in a working class part of town populated by European immigrants. You’ll still find old stockyards and meat-packing places in the area, but also the new Midwestern headquarters for Google. There’s talk of a new Nobu Hotel and restaurant backed by Robert De Niro. There are fancy experiments in molecular gastronomy going on down the road at Moto. (I prefer the fabulous Iowa prosciutto nearby at the Publican, where you’ll also find sustainable shrimp from Indiana and excellent, crispy fries.) Folks interested in learning a bit of Chicago history as they chow down would be advised to hook up with Liz Garibay, who runs a tour called Tales, Taverns and Towns. “I’ve been dismayed for so long that people my age don’t know about history,” she said, explaining why she began her tours. “I think sitting in a bar and sharing a beer is one of our sacred moments. People are so friendly here and saloons play a major role in our city.” At the renowned Twin Anchors Bar on the north side, Garibay tells me about legendary saloons in the area, and where German-speaking people drank and where churches were built and worshipped in and ruined by fire. “This is a classic neighbourhood bar in Chicago,” she says of Twin Anchors. “They’ve been making ribs since 1932.” The bar was a popular spot during Prohibition, and, if you’re lucky, someone will show you the secret door that led to the basement where folks could escape any nosy policemen or feds. There are testimonials on the wall from the likes of The Blues Brothers and Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza in Seinfeld. Frank Sinatra liked a rear booth so much he had a phone installed in a wooden box next to the table, which you can still see. Here, I dine on good, smoky ribs with fries and a giant pickle slice and sip a half-pint of local, craft beer. I walk out just $15 poorer.
Not far away is the Old Town Ale House, where you’ll find a series of risqué paintings that skewer dirty politicians and elected officials, including one where former Illinois Gov. Rob Blagojevich is standing in a jail with his pants down, and another showing a naked Sarah Palin standing on a polar bear skin rug with a semi-automatic rifle in her hand. The eclectic interior includes a gold bust of Darth Vader, a bust of someone who looks like Julius Caesar
with a Burt Reynolds moustache, several signs reading “Cash Only” and odd bottles of this or that. There’s also a jukebox with classic jazz, blues and folk. Film critic Roger Ebert was great friends with the owner, and there’s a photo of Ebert outside and the words “The Best Bar in the World That I Know About.” One of the paintings I spot inside proclaims the tavern as Chicago’s “Premier Dive Bar.”
“It’s not a dive,” says a grizzled veteran at the bar, who’s doubtless seen a few pulls of the draught handle. “Oh, I don’t know,” says the woman behind the bar. “I don’t think anyone here would take at as an insult.” Opposite the bar, high on a wall I spot drawn likenesses of Martin Short, John Belushi, Gilda Radner and more veterans of Second City, which is located just across the street. Nobody’s calling Chicago the Second City any more. Not when it comes to food. Jim Byers appears regularly in Star Travel. Email him at jim@jimbyerstravel.com, follow him on Twitter @jimbyerstravel and check him out on Instagram at jimbyerstravel1. His trip was subsidized by Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism department.
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A Bucket List Destination to be Savored! Known by many names including The Windy City, Chi-Town, the Second City, the City of Big Shoulders, and the City That Works, Chicago was incorporated in 1837 and is the third largest city in the United States. This lakefront metropolis of the greater Midwest offers 237 square miles of urban territory that is home to over 3 million people within 77 community areas, over 100 neighborhoods. Boasting hundreds of museums, theaters and art galleries, not to mention thousands of restaurants, boutiques and other amazing shopping opportunities, an average of 35 million visitors flock to Chicago each year. And it’s no wonder, as this great city has so very much to offer. Home to the Cubs, Wrigley Field, Deep Dish Pizza, and the start of Historic Route 66, Chicago is also known for its impressive architecture. Built from the ashes of The Chicago Fire that destroyed a large portion of the city in 1871, the cityscape is filled with an eclectic array of classic and modern structures. The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), John Hancock Center and the Trump Tower stake claim as some of the tallest buildings in the country, not to mention the state, while classics such as The Wrigley Building, Water Tower and Chicago Board of Trade stand tall in ornate grandeur. Definitely worth exploring, the waterways in Chicago weave through the city and offer unique vantage points of Chi-Town. Take a cruise on the Chicago River for a measure of local history and to marvel at the architecture, or even venture out on to Lake Michigan for unbelievable views of the cityscape. There are also many miles of lakefront to experience including bathing beaches and bicycle paths, as well as various parks that are scattered throughout the city - all ideal settings for any outdoor activity.
Credits: By: Kelly Taggart Photosgraphy: Shutterstock
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/ words Kelly Taggart / Photos Allen Carrasco
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Firsts
The great city of Chicago is home to an abundance of interesting inventions and historic firsts. From the first African-American President of the United States and the world’s first skyscraper to the first successful open heart surgery, this town has been the focal point for many medical, technology, culinary, and other breakthroughs. Here’s a quick rundown of some interesting firsts…
1
Zipper
In 1893 inventor Whitcomb L. Judson revealed his “clasp locker” to the public at the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. Originally designed for shoes, Judson imagined wider horizons for his zipper, which eventually became the fashion stable it still is today.
3
The giant wheel imagined and built by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago is a 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel that now serves as the symbol of Chicago’s Navy Pier. 2
4
Vacum Cleaner
Ives W. McGaffey patented the “Sweeping Machine” in 1868 and offered his invention for public use for a whopping $25 each, a huge amount for the time. With the help of the American Carpet Cleaning Co. of Boston, McGaffey sold models of vacuum cleaners in Chicago and Boston, and the rest is cleaning history. 6
Twinkies
James Dewar invented Twinkies in 1930 when he was working as a Hostess baking manager at their Chicago plant. Looking to make better use of shortcake pans that sat idle outside of the short strawberry season, he baked these tasty little delights, which took hold and have since been served up at a rate of 500 million per year.
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Ferris Wheel
Mc Donald's
McDonald’s, the fast food mega-giant, was franchised first by Ray Kroc in Des Plaines, Illinois, on April 15th, 1955. 31,000 worldwide restaurants later, the site is now a museum with a replica of the original. 5
Heart Surgery
The first successful open-heart surgery took place on Chicago’s South Side on July 9, 1893. The patient was a young man with a knife wound to the chest and the surgeon was Dr. Daniel Hale Williams. Despite lacking X-rays, antibiotics, adequate anesthesia or other modern surgical tools, Williams stepped in and performed the life saving surgery. 7
Mobile Phone
Current cell phones are the technological descendent of Martin Cooper’s invention. This Korean War submariner and Alum of Illinois Institute of Technology was an innovator at Motorola who says that he drew his inspiration for the hand-held telephone from an episode of Star Trek when Captain James T. Kirk whipped open a communicator.
First Lady Cruises
CITY GUIDE
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The Chicago Architecture Foundation has many wonderful tours but the architecture cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is the highlight of the city.
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Set Sail Through History Immerse yourself in the historic and visually stimulating wonder of Chicago by stepping aboard a cruise along the Chicago River. Enjoy a water level look at the amazing sites of the city while you sit back, relax and soak it all in on a leisurely tour. The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is a 90-minute excursion along the waterways of Chi-Town. The illuminating tour highlights more than 50 architecturally significant buildings and structures dating back to 1898 all the way through the present, including a fair amount of current construction. Trained and certified volunteer docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation lead the tours. These well-informed guides provide a heavy dose of history while they showcase the architecture and various points of interest along the way. They reveal how the city grew from a small backcountry outpost into one of the world’s most important crossroads in less than a century. According to Marcia Ross, docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation, “All of the docents for Chicago Architecture Foundation are volunteers. We all share a common passion for Chicago architecture, a love of this city and a fondness for its history, and that’s what we try to impart to our guests.”
Credits: By: Kelly Taggart Photos: Adam Alexander, Choose Chicago & Chicago Architecture Foundation
Marcia Ross continues, “We have so many repeat visitors, including people who live here in Chicago because they know that they are going to see something new, hear something from a different perspective and have a good time on the boat.”
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CITY GUIDE
The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is a “must” for out-of-towners and Chicagoans alike.
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With a fleet of four boats, Chicago's First Lady Cruises is partner with and the official cruise line of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The vessels can accommodate groups of all sizes and are all equipped with indoor and outdoor seating so the tours can run during all types of weather. There are also full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins, and upscale marble and granite facilities to make for a smooth and enjoyable tour.
Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Michigan & Wacker Chicago, Illinois 60601 All tours depart from Riverside Gardens, Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive (Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge). Look for the blue awning on Chicago’s Riverwalk, a scenic 1.3-mile walkway along the Chicago River between downtown and Lake Michigan
cruisechicago.com
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DID YOU KNOW The Chicago River is the only river in the world that flows backwards. Engineers reversed the Chicago River in 1900 for sanitary purposes.
W
hether you’re searching for a gift for someone special or some exclusive duds for yourself, Chicago offers an amazing shopping experience that ranges from designer chic to vintage unique.
For a range of upscale boutiques, stroll through Bucktown, River North, or along Armitage Avenue between Old Town and Lincoln Park for designer wares. There are also ample shopping opportunities along State Street from Randolph Street south to Congress Parkway, or the ultra upscale, socialite-oriented Oak Street area for a more tranquil experience. Between the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Oak Street sits The Magnificent Mile. This area on downtown Michigan Avenue offers everything from major department stores and multi-story megamalls to luxury boutiques and even brand name retail chains – all in a row. Not to be missed, three Magnificent Mile malls offer a gateway to your retail dream:
M2-A North Michigan Shops
An emporium of style and sophistication with over 70 luxury lifestyle shops on seven levels. The exquisite selection includes Gucci, Michael Kors, Lululemon Athletica, Montblanc, Williams-Sonoma, L’Occitane, MaxMara and many more. 900 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 915-3916
M2-B The Shops at North Bridge The shops sprawl six blocks with 50 worldclass specialty shops, 20 restaurants and five hotels. It includes BOSS Hugo Boss, Armani Exchange, Ermenegildo Zegna, Louis Vuitton, Stuart Weitzman, Kiehl’s, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat. 520 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 327-2300
M2-C Water Tower Place
This is where you’ll find everything from Chicago souvenirs at Accent Chicago, artful treasures at Atlas Galleries, handbags at Coach and shoes at Clarks. The eight-level atrium is also home to beloved doll store American Girl Place, The LEGO Store and a candy museum at Candyality. 835 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 440-3166
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If you’d rather walk on the vintage side, Chicago offers an amazing array of retro, thrift and repurposed clothing, accessories, furnishings and collectables. Here’s merely a taste of what the city has to offer: M1-A Broadway Antique Market
A huge showroom with more than a handful of vendors that keep their booths packed with clothing, hats, posters, lamps, glassware, and jewelry. 6130 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60660 (773) 743-5444 bamchicago.com
M1-B Edgewater Antique Mall
Mid-Century Modern design, Art Deco, Modernist, Industrial and everything in between. 6314 N. Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60660 (773) 262-2525 edgewaterantiquemall.com
M2-C Inside Home
With new and vintage-resale designer pieces, this furniture and accessories store specializes in Mid-Century Modern and Hollywood Regency. 1942 W. Chicago Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 227-3100 insidehomechicago.com
M2-D Jugrnaut
A street wear and vintage apparel boutique, this is the go-to spot for fashion kids, hip-hop heads, skaters, and anybody with an interest in any type of culture. 427 S. Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 435-4635 jugrnaut.com
M4-A Knee Deep
Find dresses, electric brights, hats and fascinators, and so much more. 1425 W. 18th Street Chicago, IL 60608 (312) 850-2510 kneedeepvintage.com
M3-E Le Thrift
A mod, upscale Chicago consignment shop in Ukrainian Village. 1821 W. Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 912-9676 LeThrift.com
M3-F Martyn George
A West Town shop serving up vintage culinary treasures from London-born prop stylist and Instagram wonder, Johanna Brannan Lowe. By Appointment: Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 340-4666 martyngeorge.com
M4-B Modern Cooperative
Vintage furniture and home décor with a focus on Mid-Century Modern. 1215 W. 18th Street Chicago, IL 60608 (312) 226-8525 moderncooperative.com
M1-D Rad Vintage
A 1700 square-foot store with a large selection of women’s and men’s vintage clothing and accessories from the 1940s to 1990s, as well as vintage toys, clocks, character glasses, beer glassware, and 80s vintage telephones. 1511 W. Berwyn Avenue Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 907-2225 radvintage.com
M3-B Silver Moon Vintage
Vintage fashions and accessories dating 1980s-1890s including vintage bridal. 1721 West North Avenue #101 Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 235-5797 silvermoonvintage.com
M1-C Sophie’s Closet
High quality designer apparel, fashion accessories and home décor items. 6124 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60660 (773) 313-3614 shopsophiescloset.net
M3-C Store B Vintage
Antique kitchenware, original designer pieces from the 40s and dazzling accessories ensure these finds are unparalleled. 1472 N. Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-4296 storebvintage.com
M1-E The Vintage Garage
A venue for buying and selling vintage and antique merchandise. 5051 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60640 (847) 579-9079 vintagegaragechicago.com
M3-A Vintage Underground
3,500 square feet of vintage costume jewelry, clothing, accessories, and other unique finds. 1834 W. North Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 252-4559 chicagovintageunderground.com
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EDGEWATER & UPTOWN
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MAGNIFICENT MILE & LOOP
WICKER PARK & WEST TOWN
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M2-A M1-A
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M3-F M1-D
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LOWER WESTSIDE M2-D
Remember
to leave room in your suitcase for all of the gifts and fabulous finds while shopping in Chicago.
SHOPPING LEGEND Mall / Department Stores
Women’s Clothing / Accessories
Housewares
Men’s Clothing / Accessories
A Variety Of Vintage Goods
Credits:
By: Kelly Taggart Photos: Shutterstock
M4-A
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The Godfrey Hotel
CITY GUIDE
The Godfrey Hotel Chicago 127 West Huron at LaSalle Chicago, Illinois 60654
WATCH ARTICLE 28 | Health Beauty Life Magazine
The true epicenter of River North, The Godfrey is located mere blocks from the Michigan Avenue shopping district, a few streets from the Loop, and is within the heart of the art gallery district, the largest in Chicago.
godfreyhotelchicago.com
Discover Your Element A new boutique style hotel in the River North neighborhood, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago is all about stylish sophistication with a spark of energy all its own. Designed by Valerio Dewalt Train Architects, the 16-story staggered truss, Cubist-influenced structure is fast-becoming known for offering an unforgettable experience while attending an event or staying in town. Step inside and witness that each detail of this striking 4.5-star hotel has been designed with the guest's experience in mind. From the chic lobby to the beautifully designed guest rooms and suites, The Godfrey clearly pays far more attention to comfort than convention and takes more consideration of style than standards. With views of the Chicago skyline, guest rooms at The Godfrey offer living areas that are stylish and full of amenities. Comfortable beds, large flat screen televisions, plush bathrobes, complimentary bath products, a handy wet bar, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and a large workstation with free Wi-Fi make any stay something to celebrate. You can even download the StayConnect App and control the in-room TV using an interactive guide on your phone. The Godfrey Hotel Chicago also offers techsavvy meeting rooms and rooftop facilities designed for every business or event need. Whether you’re planning a small executive retreat for 10, a training seminar for 100, or a cocktail reception for 700, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago offers a sophisticated alternative to the average business meeting. Along with its 24-hour fitness facilities and invigorating spa services, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago offers designer comforts that appeal to body, mind and soul.
A fun element found throughout the hotel is the play on the periodic table. Details such as Gr for guest room, Am for amenities, Rn for River North, and Zz scribed on the Do Not Disturb signs, just to point out a few. These little nuances whimsically enforce the hotel’s clever “Find Your Element” campaign and fit beautifully with the motif of the hotel design and architecture.
Credits:
By: Kelly Taggart and Kerri-Lynn Swanson Photos: Allen Carrasco, Marian Kraus Photography, Papadakis Photography, & Anthony Tahlier Photography
DID YOU KNOW Godfrey in Gaelic means peace and welcome.
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The Godfrey Hotel Chicago unites unique architecture, design and cutting-edge technology with gourmet cuisine and sensational nightlife offerings. The expansive 15,000 square foot indoor and outdoor space residing on the forth floor includes 10,000 square feet of lounge and event space at I|O Urban Roofscape. Offering an ideal place to savor the day or revel in the night, this chic urban oasis named for its incomparable indoor/outdoor ambiance offers its own unique and always-buzzing atmosphere while overlooking the city. Start off with a drink at the indoor bar with its plush seating and VIP area. As you approach the sliding glass wall, it opens and you find yourself sipping cocktails under the retractable roof. Glimmering fire pits and shimmering water elements reveal a sophisticated urban sanctuary.
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The Godfrey offers the largest indoor / outdoor patio rooftop bar in the city. We’re known for having great small plates, custom kitchen cocktails, two large bars, great staff and beautiful views of the city… and with the retractable roof, it happens during all seasons, all year.
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Roofscape Escape
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To Dine Divine Chicago is known as the mecca for fine food and The Godfrey carries on that tradition from every meal in their signature lounge dining experience to every room service tray and every hors d’oeuvre and entrée served at events. Regardless, guests are assured a culinary experience that’s not to be missed. The chefs and mixologists at The Godfrey's I|O Urban Roofscape use the latest in food technology to enhance the dining and drinking experience for all of their guests by incorporating many new, science-based techniques that have become popular for food-makers in the know. They utilize foams, sous vide preparations as well as liquid-nitrogen preparations to put a unique spin on the classics. In fact, many of the signature cocktails are crafted in the kitchen instead of behind the bar. Chef Riley Huddleston, a culinary expert and resident mixologist, serves up a taste of The Godfrey’s I|O Urban Roofscape’s signature offerings. From a classic margarita that is topped with vegan habanera sea salt foam rather than the traditional salt rim, to a grilled avocado and prawn salad dotted with liquid nitrogen frozen grapefruit pieces, he subtly weaves the elements of science in with the art and creativity of the food.
Chef Riley Huddleston
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Pamper Thyself If you are looking for a little pampering while at The Godfrey, be sure and visit Spa•Boutique. Whether you relax in one of the two private treatment rooms or prefer to be indulged in the privacy of your room or suite, it’s easy to recharge for an evening in Chicago. Spa•Boutique's massage and facial services are delivered by licensed spa therapists and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
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360˚ CHICAGO
CITY GUIDE
Credits: By: Kelly Taggart Photosgraphy: courtesy 360 CHICAGO
360° CHICAGO John Hancock Center
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875 N. Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor Chicago, Illinois 60611 Traveling from Union or Northwestern Stations, take the CTA’s 125 Water Tower Express bus to the John Hancock Center.
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Best Views. All Around. Step off of the express elevator onto the 94th floor of the iconic John Hancock building and find yourself in awe of the breathtaking views of the Windy City.
DID YOU KNOW The John Hancock building offers the fastest express elevators in the world.
The 44th-floor sky lobby features America's highest indoor swimming pool. The antennas on top of the building support three floors of TV, radio and emergency services broadcasting. The new TILT holds up to 8 visitors at a time and offers downward facing views from 1000 feet up.
From 1,000 feet above The Magnificent Mile, 360° CHICAGO delivers a unique perspective of the surrounding area including Lake Michigan and the sprawling Chicago city skyline. With floor to ceiling windows on all sides, the 17,000 square-foot venue offers 50-mile visibility on a clear day and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of four states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Originally known as the John Hancock Observatory (JHO) when it was first opened in 1969, the sky-high observatory has enthralled tens of thousands of visitors each year. After a multi-million dollar renovation in 2014, the venue was re-introduced to the world as 360° CHICAGO along with a vibrant new identity. Presented in rich hues of blue and green, the new look was designed to celebrate the natural land, sky and water elements as seen from above. More than just a cool place to see the city, 360° CHICAGO takes things a step further by providing interactive learning opportunities at every turn, and new technology to enhance the experience. These features elevate how you can view the city, allowing you to take in the sights from a whole new angle. One of the new forms of interactive technology is TILT, the exhilarating angle on Chicago that literally tilts outward 1,000 feet above the city. Using overhead hydraulic cylinders, this sturdy steel and glass structure is tilted forward from the top extending outside of the building at a 30-degree angle. Before you know it, you are looking straight down the face of the building to Michigan Avenue and out over downtown Chicago. It’s a feature not to be missed! According to in-the-know Curator Nichole Williamson, “360° CHICAGO is a great place to start your visit to our great city; to get your bearings, to understand the different neighborhoods, and how Michigan Avenue relates to the river and downtown Chicago. We also have wonderful technology that teaches you about the building and the sights you can see. That way you can plan your time here in Chicago more effectively.”
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By: Kelly Taggart Photography by: Terry Evans, Anne Evens & Chicago Architecture Foundation
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Millennium Park
CITY GUIDE
An Oasis in the Heart of Chicago One of the must-see venues while visiting Chicago is Millennium Park. Having opened in 2004, Millennium Park transformed an industrial wasteland and public eyesore into Chicago’s showplace for cutting-edge art, architecture, landscape design, music, and more. Today, the impressive 24.5-acre park in Chicago’s Loop community is the city’s second-largest tourist attraction, second only to Navy Pier. And it’s easy to see why. Located in a small corner of Grant Park, this area once functioned as a railway station and surface parking. Former Mayor Daley would see the space from his dentist’s office across the street and became inspired to make better use of the land. After discovering that the city, versus the railroads, actually owned the land, funds were raised, designs were drawn up, the space was cleared and building began.
The centerpiece of Millennium Park is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor performing arts venue. The pavilion offers 4,000 fixed seats and lawn seating for 7,000 plus an elaborate sound system with an acoustic design that replicates an indoor concert hall sound experience. Characteristic of the pavilion’s Architect, Frank Gehry, the stage is beautifully framed by curving plates of stainless steel. The Pavilion hosts a wide range of music series and annual performing arts events that are free to the public. Performers ranging from mainstream rock bands to classical musicians and opera singers have appeared at the venue, which also hosts physical fitness activities such as yoga. Whether you’re a local who loves the outdoors and community projects or you are just passing through this great city, be sure to take the time to visit Millennium Park. Snap reflective selfies at “The Bean”, experience the wonder of the fountain, wander the gardens or even catch a show. It’s all an amazing experience not to be missed.
Considered either the largest or one of the largest greenroof projects in the world, Millennium Park sits atop a 4,000-space parking garage and the commuter rail Millennium Station. The project was completed using private funding for everything above ground, while the city granted public funding for the infrastructure and the vast parking underneath the structure. Once complete, the expansive grounds provided attractions such as Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and so much more. The most popular of these features is Cloud Gate, also affectionately known as “The Bean” due to the sculpture’s resemblance to a kidney bean. Designed by Anish Kapoor, an Indian-born British artist, this iconic centerpiece located in AT&T Plaza is made up of 168 pieces of welded stainless steel. The sculpture is highly polished and has a fluid-like look similar to mercury. An interactive work of public art and video sculpture designed by Jaume Plensa, The Crown Fountain is composed of a black granite reflecting pool built between two 50-foot tall transparent glass brick towers. Light-emitting diodes behind the bricks display digital videos of the individual faces of over 1,000 Chicagoans on their inward surfaces. Weather permitting, water intermittently cascades down the two towers and spouts through a nozzle, seemingly from the projections’ mouths, which whimsically emulates gargoyle fountains. Another popular feature is the Lurie Garden, a 5-acre public garden located at the southern end of Millennium Park that offers a combination of over 220 plant species with perennials, bulbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. Lurie Garden is composed of two "plates": The dark plate depicts Chicago's history by presenting shade-loving plants, and the light plate represents the city's future with sun-loving perennials that thrive in heat and light. Designed by Kathryn Gustafson, Piet Oudolf, and Robert Israel, the garden was named after philanthropist Ann Lurie, who donated the $10 million endowment.
CITY GUIDE Millennium Park 201 East Randolf Street Chicago, Illinois 60602 Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph Street to the north, Columbus Drive to the east and Monroe Street to the south. Park at Grant North Park or in the Millennium Park Garage, with entrances on Columbus at Monroe or Randolph.
millenniumpark.org
THE SECOND CITY
CITY GUIDE
Credits:By: Kelly Taggart Photography by Allen Carrasco and The Second City
WATCH ARTICLE 38 | Health Beauty Life Magazine
50 Years of Funny Tickling the funny bone of audiences for over a half century, The Second City is the world's premier comedy theater and school of improvisation. Specializing in sketch comedy, this legendary theater is known as the coveted training ground for a host of famous alumni including none other than John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert. With resident stages in Chicago and Toronto, as well as touring ensembles, The Second City currently entertains over 1,000,000 guests each year. The largest training center for improvisation, sketch, and acting in the world, The Second City also registers 20,000 future professionals at its school locations in Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto.
Comedic History The Second City in Old Town Chicago started in 1959 as a small cabaret theater with its roots firmly planted using the improvisational games of Viola Spolin, an innovator in early improvisational theater. Founded by Spolin’s son and two others, The Second City was experimental and unconventional in its approach to both theatre and comedy. It developed an entirely unique way of creating and performing comedy that has become a popular standard for many venues and comics to this day. The Broadway success of members of The Second City's predecessor, The Compass Players, put attention on the fledgling company. Soon, alumni of The Second City including Alan Arkin, Barbara Harris, Robert Klein, David Steinberg and Fred Willard began to cement the theatre's reputation for developing the finest comedic voices of all generations. With the debut of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, populated by Second City Alums John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Gilda Radner, the theatre became internationally known for its ever-increasing roster of comedy superstars. Soon, The Second City’s sister theater in Canada developed its own television comedy called SCTV, which was hailed as one of the greatest sketch comedy series of all time. It featured an all-star Canadian cast that included Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, Joe Flaherty, and Rick Moranis. Since then, SCTV has produced 185 television episodes and has garnered an ACTRA award, two Emmy awards and over 13 Emmy Award nominations. Today, The Second City continues to produce the premiere comic talent in the industry. From Mike Myers to Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert to Tina Fey, The Second City imprint is felt across every entertainment medium. Additionally, The Second City has grown well beyond a single stage to become a diversified entertainment company. Second City Training Centers in Chicago, Toronto and Los Angeles teach thousands of students every week while four touring companies perform Second City revues all over North America and abroad. Second City Communications has also become an industry leader in bringing improv-based methodologies to the corporate sector and continues to create unique media in television, film and the digital realm.
(Left to Right) Eugene Levy, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Rosemary Radcliffe, and John Candy in 1974
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Format for Funny The Second City format is a primarily scripted, two-act revue that is followed by a third act of improvisation. Written by the cast over a multi-week rehearsal period, most of the material is generated in the improvisational sets where audience members often contribute suggestions for the topics to be performed. If an improvised piece does well, it’s refined, rehearsed and introduced into the scripted show. Themes are developed and the actors and director craft the scenes into a fully realized production. Six to eight months later, the process is repeated and a whole new show takes the stage.
Setting the Stage The Second City dazzles audiences on the resident stages in Chicago and Toronto with performances seven nights a week. The shows consist of short scenes, songs, and improvisations ranging anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes long. There are two primary stages at The Second City where the resident Chicago shows are performed: The Mainstage and the E.T.C. stage. Both shows are equally funny, offering sketches addressing local, national and international issues through social and political satire; however, the Mainstage show provides a more historical experience while the E.T.C. revue is a smaller, more intimate venue.
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Ruth Rudnick and Stephen
The Second City 1616 North Wells Street Chicago, Illinois 60614 From 90/94, take the North Ave exit east a few miles to Wells St. (200 Block) and make a left on Wells. From Lake Shore Drive, take the North Ave/LaSalle exit. Follow LaSalle around until you hit North Ave. Make a right on North, and then make a right on Wells. The Second City is a short cab ride from downtown and is two blocks east of the Brown Line Sedgwick stop on the El. There are always plenty of cabs available outside the theater when the shows let out.
secondcity.com
Colbert in 1993
1973
THE SPICE HOUSE OLD TOWN
CITY GUIDE
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Merchants of Exquisite Spices & Seasonings
We’re the purveyors of fine spices and seasonings, In fact, the best chefs in Chicago come here for their spices.
Open for business since 1957, The Spice House offers a wide variety of hand-selected and custom-prepared spices and herbs. Owned by Tom and Patty Erd, these second-generation spice merchants now offer five retail locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, in this case on Wells and North in the heart of Old Town Chicago. The philosophy of this family run business has always been to sell the freshest spices by offering small, weekly batch grinding for all cooking needs. Offering over 150 blends ground and mixed in house, their spices are imported from various countries with several selections of origin so that subtle variations in taste, scent, texture, and color can be offered.
The Spice House also proudly uses old fashion tools of the trade to ensure the best possible product for their customers. These tools include a series of large stainless-steel scoops, mixing bowls, sifting screens of various mesh sizes, a small vibrating sifter, a collection of old-style stone and shearing mills, and most importantly, the senses of smell and taste – a tool that no machine for mass production can offer. These spice experts are active in various culinary organizations where they often present programs to educate the public about spices. They also work closely with top chefs to create custom blends for their restaurants, and host tasting and book signing events for popular cookbook authors.
Credits: By: Kelly Taggart Photography by Allen Carrasco and courtesy The Spice House
CITY GUIDE
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Once spices are ground, the volatile oils start to evaporate, which then creates a shelf life. The quicker that you can get it to your table from the time it is ground, the better the flavor.
While in Old Town, make your way to The Spice House to experience the fragrant offerings and witness the hand mixing in process. You might even pick up a few fun facts, seasoning tips or find the perfect spices for yourself and loved ones. For those who are located outside of the area, The Spice House website is the ideal option to browse spices, source gifts, learn about the amazing history and lore of spices, and even share spice and food knowledge in the always-evolving recipe collection.
The Spice House 1512 North Wells Street Chicago, Illinois 60610 By public transit: CTA bus 72 stops at Wells and North, head south one block on Wells Street. "L" Subway stops - both the Brown line and the Purple line stop at Sedgwick. Exit train heading north, turn east on North Ave. Walk four blocks to Wells Street, head south one block on Wells Street.
thespicehouse.com/
OLD TOWN OIL OLD TOWN
A Playground for Your Palette CITY GUIDE
In the heart of Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood is a culinary lover’s dream. Located on North Wells Street in the heart of Chicago’s famed historic district sits Old Town Oil. Best described as a playground for your palette, this quaint little store offers a delightful array of premium olive oils and vinegars from around the world. The owners are four brothers from Chicago who have spent years building direct relationships with small batch producers in order to offer tantalizing, not to mention unique, products that are simply not found anywhere else. They proudly import from small family farms from the world's major olive growing regions such as Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Chile, Argentina, Australia, and California. Old Town Oil’s selection of single and mixed varietal extra virgin olive oils satisfies a wide spectrum of flavor profiles, and by sourcing in both the northern and southern hemispheres, it ensures the highest quality oils year round. In addition, the pressing process occurs within 24 hours of harvest and is done without the use of heat or chemicals, which delivers rich, strong flavors in all of their offerings. Whether you favor the spicy bite of Italian olive oils or the buttery sweetness of the Spanish varieties, Old Town Oil’s cold pressed, 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oils are healthy components in all types of cuisines. Pair them with premium balsamic vinegars for delicious vinaigrettes, add them to sauces and marinades, or simply drizzle them over favorite pasta dishes. When in Old Town, wander in and witness a very hands-on culinary experience for yourself. Sample, mix, and match premium olive oils and vinegars to find flavors you’ll love, or discover the perfect individual gift or boxed set for your favorite foodie.
Credits:
By: Kay Harris-Ross Photography by Allen Carrasco
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Old Town Oil 1520 North Wells Street Chicago, Illinois 60610 Located between W. North Avenue and W. Division Street in the heart of Old Town. For public transit, take the CTA Brown line train to Sedwick stop or CTA Red line train to Clark/Division stop.
oldtownoil.com
Credits: By: Kelly Taggart and Photos: Shutterstock
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Mecca of Food
Chicagoans are very proud of their food. Evident by the world's largest free annual outdoor food festival and ever-evolving array of highly diverse restaurants, sidewalk cafes and even food truck offerings, the city truly is a haven for foodies. In recent years, The Windy City has pushed past the boundaries tying them to the invention of the deep dish pizza and the classic Chicago-style hot dog, and ventured into a whole new realm of sensory tapping dining experiences. Today, the current food scene is all about the molecular-gastronomy movement, which is based upon multi-sensory cooking. This modern style of food preparation takes advantage of various technical innovations from the scientific disciplines, using tools from the science lab with ingredients from the food industry. This blending of physics and chemistry transforms the tastes and textures of food and offers unique dining experiences.
Moto
A leader in the postmodern gastronomy movement, this Michelin-starred restaurant creates delicious “high-tech” dishes by Executive Chef Homaro Cantu. 1710 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60607 (773) 227-8411 motorestaurant.com $$$$
I|O Urban Roofscape
Located in The Godfrey Hotel, this posh rooftop lounge offers a gorgeous Chicago skyline view. 127 W. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 649-2000 godfreyhotelchicago.com $$$
Tru
Upscale Mediterranean-influenced French food set in a whimsical setting for the serious diner. 676 N. Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 202-0001 trurestaurant.com $$$$
Photo: Anjali Pinto for TRU
For other cultural experiences, consider sampling delicious tortas, progressive French cuisine, authentic Asian fare or creative Italian dishes at any number of Chicago’s fine eateries.
XOCO
A quick-service café offering contemporary expressions of Mexico’s most beloved street food including flaky empanadas, churros, crusty tortas and meal-in-a-bowl caldos. 449 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654 rickbayless.com/ restaurants/xoco $$
Urbanbelly
Award-winning Chef Bill Kim re-imagines Korean noodles, dumplings and rice using authentic ingredients. 1400 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607 (773) 583-0500 urbanbellychicago.com $ If you’re in the mood for seafood, look to Chicago’s fine array of new and traditional restaurants for fish and shellfish.
GT Fish & Oyster
Photo: Anthony Tahlier for I|O Urban Roofscape
Classic American seafood restaurant offering a menu that’s half-traditional, half modern, in an ever-changing small plate format. 531 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 929-3501 gtoyster.com $$$
L2O There’s also an influx of ethnically diverse dining options in Chicago, many fusing together two or more somewhat uncommon parings for a truly unique experience.
Chef Laurent Gras’ high-end, unconventional multi-course dining with a focus on seafood. 2300 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 868-0002 l2orestaurant.com $$$$
NAHA
Imaginative dishes with American and Mediterranean influences. 500 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 321-6242 naha-chicago.com $$$ Page 38
Mexique
An exclusive tasting event featuring unique French influenced Mexican cuisine. 1529 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642 (312) 850-0288 jbandala.mx/mexique $$$
Photo: Anjali Pinto for L2O
Regardless of your culinary preference, be sure to bring your appetite and taste for adventure when visiting the great city of Chicago - THE mecca of food!
The Smoke Daddy Rhythm & Barbecue
In a city where Chicago dogs rule and pizza making is sacred, Owner Josh Rutherford and the crew at “The Daddy” are bringing a bit of barbecue charm to the Windy City, with the help of the lil’ red smoker (of course)! Born and raised on a farm in the Midwest, Josh has been smoking meat his entire life. When the opportunity arose to acquire a barbecue restaurant in Chicago, he jumped at the chance. Even though the city’s roots are in the stockyards, the southern charm, flair and smoke (lots of smoke) of traditional barbecue was just beginning to find a home in restaurants and kitchens throughout the city. Since the success of The Smoke Daddy, there has been a barbecue boom of sorts in the city. Josh states, “It’s been interesting and it’s been really great for the barbecue industry. The more there are, the more people want to go out and eat barbecue.” Not only is The Smoke Daddy a great place to eat with its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, they are one of the few restaurants left in the country that offer free live music seven days a week. This makes them influential in the local music scene as well. And of course, any sports bar worth its weight in salt in Chi-town supports the local sports team. Since The Smoke Daddy is an official Chicago Blackhawks bar, you can come here any game night and find fellow Blackhawk brethren chowing down on pulled pork and brisket (maybe even some burnt ends) in between the cheering and goal-scoring. So the next time you are strolling through the neighborhood, stop by and have a Bloody Mary with a beer back on their large sidewalk patio and enjoy the views – and the people – of the great city of Chicago before digging in to some of the best barbecue this side of the Navy Pier.
Credits:
WATCH ARTICLE 46 | Health Beauty Life Magazine
By: Kerri-Lynn Swanson Photos: Allen Carrasco
Almost-Mojo Rub Although the restaurant’s signature rub is a secret (shhhh!), Josh has prepared a version of their famous rub so you can enjoy a bit of The Smoke Daddy wherever you grill.
Ingredients ¼ c.
Kosher salt
1 tbs. Cinnamon 2 tbs. Garlic powder ¼ c.
Brown sugar
¼ c.
White sugar
1 tbs. Smoked paprika 1 tbs. Black pepper, fresh cracked
Preparation Add all ingredients in a bowl and mix with a fork until well distributed. Rub generously on both sides of preferred cut of meat (think ribs, rotisserie chicken, and brisket) and allow meat to cure for at least 24 hours. Hankering for the taste of The Smoke Daddy but have no plans to visit Chicago in the near future? Worry not, my friends – the restaurant features their barbecue sauces, the famous Mojo Rub and even their Bloody Mary mix online. For reservations, information or to order a taste of “The Daddy”, check them out at www.thesmokedaddy.com.
The Smoke Daddy 1804 West Division Street Chicago, Illinois 60622 773-772-6656 (MOJO) thesmokedaddy.com
Windy City Travel Essentials If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, be sure and pack appropriately for the season and your activities. Weather wise anything can happen, including unexpected dipping temperatures in the middle of summer and warming trends in the traditionally cold winters. So be sure you’re ready with this handy guide.
Layer, Layer, Layer
Even for typically warmer months, be sure to pack with layering in mind. Consider lighter layers during the warmer months and bulking up for the cooler months. A sweater and light jacket are always a good idea, as is a travel umbrella because you never know when a rain shower might hit.
Winter Wear
Winter weather in Chicago can be severe with temperatures below freezing from December through February. Non-slip boots, hats, scarves, a winter coat and gloves are absolutely essential.
Foot First
Since most sightseeing is done on foot in Chicago, be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.
Summer Sizzle
The weather in summer can be hot and humid, often reaching into the 90s from June through September. You’ll want shorts and tank tops in the hottest months, but be sure and bring light layers, as the weather can turn quickly.
Sun Essentials
Bring a sun hat in fair weather months and wear sunglasses year round, even in winter to lessen snow glare. Sunscreen is also vital no matter the time of year.
Dress it up
If you plan on dining in any of the city’s fabulous upscale restaurants, either downtown or in the neighborhoods, be sure and pack appropriate attire. If in doubt check their website to find out about the dress code.
Credits:
48 | Health Beauty Life Magazine
by Kay Harris-Ross Photos: Shutterstock.com
Wicker Park & Bucktown
CITY GUIDE
DID YOU KNOW Bucktown gets its name from the large number of goats raised in the neighborhood during the 19th century when it was an integral part of the city's famed Polish Downtown.
Credits:By: Kay Harris-Ross Photography by Allen Carrasco, City of Chicago and Zoom Photography
Wicker Park and Bucktown
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The Wicker Park neighborhood starts at 1600 West North Avenue or 1800 North Bloomingdale Avenue to the north and the Chicago River south of North Avenue. It continues to 1200 North Division to the south and 2400 West Western Avenue to the west. Directly north of Wicker Park, and northwest of the Loop, Bucktown starts at Fullerton Avenue to the north, Western Avenue to the west, Bloomingdale Avenue to the south, and the Kennedy Expressway to the east. wickerparkbucktown.org
Chicago’s Historic Charm While in town, be sure to visit both Wicker Park and Bucktown, two of Chicago’s most eclectic and historic neighborhoods. Here you will discover a cool blend of personalities, culture and Midwest charisma that come together to create a very hip experience with an innate sense of international flavor. Look for that special something in one of the area’s many independent boutiques or vintage shops or enjoy the local hospitality, choosing from an array of upscale eateries, cozy lounges and chic nightclubs. You can also experience the area’s specialty galleries, artists’ lofts and quaint theaters that offer a dynamic arts and entertainment scene.
Wicker Park Located within the West Town community, Wicker Park is an exciting mix of popular pastimes with the influence of the surrounding German, Scandinavian and Eastern European communities. Historic mansions built for Chicago’s wealthy 19th century merchants and German beer brewers provide some of the best examples of Victorian architecture anywhere in the city. A result of expansion after Chicago’s Great Conflagration (Fire) in 1871, many of the structures in this area are designated as historic landmarks and are definitely worth a look.
Bucktown
Although Wicker Park and Bucktown tend to be one and the same to visitors and locals alike, Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood to the north of Wicker Park actually offers an abundance of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and fun activities in its own right. In addition to restaurants, stores and fun destinations that pepper the landscape, Bucktown is also known for its unique residential offerings. Look for a mix of older single-family homes and new builds with edgy architecture and converted industrial loft spaces while exploring this vibrant and historic Chicago neighborhood.
Quartino Ristorante Service, Food & Hospitality the Italian Way
In the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood is one of the city’s best eateries with a Chef whose personality is as big and welcoming as his restaurant’s reputation. Locals and tourists alike agree that the dishes that roll out of the Quartino kitchen offer some of the most authentic Italian food this side of the Atlantic. And that is something to be said in a city where Italian food is king! For Chef John Coletta and his crew, it is all about the ingredients. Their seasonal menus highlight the best finds and their focus is on enhancing the natural beauty and flavor of the individual ingredients instead of hiding behind fancy sauces and preparations. As Chef Coletta perfectly puts it, “We are reliant on the integrity of the ingredient. (Our dishes) allow the product to stand on its own.” The shaved vegetable salad at Quartino is simply dressed with lemon juice and ahh-mazing and authentic Italian extra-virgin olive oil. Bite after bite, the bright, crisp flavors of the vegetables shine through without being overwhelmed, because after all, a good salad should be about the vegetables and not the dressing.
The restaurant also offers an amazing selection of wines by the glass. From light whites and sparkling wines to full-bodied reds, there is a wine for every palate and plate. They also feature several specialty cocktails, including house-made Bellini and Sangrias. For those interested in staying away from adult beverages, the restaurant also offers a huge selection of Italian sodas made to order.
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Credits: By: Kerri-Lynn Swanson Photos: Allen Carrasco, Quartino, Veronica LePinske
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Although Italian food and gluten have always gone together like Fred and Ginger (Astair and Roders) or PB&J, Chef Coletta has worked hard to ensure that everyone can get a true taste of Italy regardless of dietary restrictions. His menu features an extensive selection of gluten-free items that are prepared in the restaurant’s signature style. There is even a wide array of menu items to meet the needs of your vegetarian and vegan friends and family. And with family-style portions, there is sure to be enough to go around.
The table is a meeting place. If you want to learn about the culture of an area, spend time at the table.
Quartino begins serving lunch at 11:30 am and they offer a fantastic three-course meal for only $25 a person. Their dinner service goes into the wee hours of the night with the kitchen staff pushing out pizzas until 2:00 am on Saturday nights. What better way to finish a night downtown than with a fresh, hot, authentic margharita pizza…and maybe another glass of wine!
Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar 626 North State Street Chicago, Illinois 60654 (312) 698-5000 quartinochicago.com
Goose Island Wrigleyville Brew Pub Fun at the Old Ball Park
On your way to or from a game at Wrigley Field? Be sure and stop by a true Northside destination at Goose Island Wrigleyville Brew Pub. It's THE place in town for pre and post-game food, fun, and of course, beer! Even if you don’t have a ticket to the game, you can catch the action on any one of the 20 TVs, including three giant projection screens – so there's no reason to miss a pitch.
Goose Island Wrigleyville Brew Pub
With comfortable accommodations for up to 500 people, fresh house-brewed beers, and great food, the Brew Pub is the perfect place for a group outing, event, or social occasion. There’s also live music every Friday and Saturday, and brewery tours and beer tasting that happens three times a day on Saturdays. Enjoy a tasting of six current beer selections and even take home a souvenir pint glass. On non-game days, go for brews-to-go with six packs, 650ml bottles and 64oz growlers to enjoy at home.
Credits: By: Kay Harris-Ross Photos: Allen Carrasco and Ken Hunnemeder
3535 North Clark Street Chicago, Illinois 60657 (773) 832-9040 gooseisland.com
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Choose Chicago Michael Samm Chicago Architectural Foundation Nikki Snodgrass Chicago's First Lady Cruises Anita Pedersen · Marcia Ross Bob & Holly Agra · Melanie Mapes
Now that your tour of Chicago comes to a close, we hope that you enjoyed your experience and will consider a visit to this wonderful city in the very near future. Just remember to come hungry, with proper walking shoes and ready for a sightseeing, shopping and dining adventure!
360 Chicago Nichole Williamson · Sarah Sackett Laura Windt Collins
Health Beauty Life would like to offer thanks to the good folks of Chicago and these fine venues for their help and hospitality while completing this production.
Old Town Oil Matt Dine
Goose Island Wrigleyville Brew Pub Ana Serafin · Mike Siegel Little Goat Diner / Girl & the Goat Stephanie Izard · Katy Darnaby Katie Johnson
Quartino Chef John Coletta · Dana Pontarelli The Godfrey Hotel Adam Schomaker · Riley Huddleston Carissa Remitz The Smoke Daddy Josh Rutherford · Colleen Ryan Jody Grimaldi The Second City Abby Mager · Robin Hammond · Jana Liles The Spice House Tom & Patty Erd Wicker Park/Bucktown Adam Burck · Jessica Wobbekind Millennium Park Mary May · Jamey Lundblad · Ed Uhlir Nora Zboril
W
hen Stephanie Izard came out from the sea of culinary powerhouses and won the first elimination challenge on Season 4 of Top Chef, you knew that you were watching something special in the making. Her twist on Duck a L’orange won over the taste buds of the judges but it was her consistency and skill that pushed her forward, catapulting her to the final elimination challenge and allowing her to conquer it all. Her passion for food and her engaging personality made you feel like you were at home cheering on your best friend to victory. Week after week, millions of Top Chef Fans tuned in to watch this curly-haired food maven move from challenge to challenge with a warmth and honesty that fans could relate to. Although the competition was stiff, it really came as no surprise when Stephanie walked away with the coveted title of Top Chef. It is what Stephanie has accomplished since then that makes her story truly remarkable and reflects what we all believe is the American Dream - the sentiment that hard work, passion and dedication really do pay off. Since leaving the show in 2008, Stephanie has become a staple in the Chicago food scene. What began with one amazing concept, Girl & the Goat has evolved into an amazing trio of restaurants that cater to a variety of appetites. The original restaurant features small plates, which are not only perfect for sharing, but also allow you to enjoy a bit of everything. As Stephanie explains, “We have a lot of different flavors in each dish. I just want to put out a small portion so you can taste it without committing to a whole entrée." Across the street at The Little Goat Diner, you will find comfort food and “Cereal Killers” at their best and its next door neighbor, Little Goat Bakery, is a perfect place to stop and have a fresh bagel and an amazing cup of coffee or maybe a glass of chocolate goat milk (lactose intolerant chocolate lovers rejoice!). 70 | Health Beauty Life Magazine
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A Girl and Her Goat To those that are familiar with zoology, it comes as no surprise that Stephanie found her calling with the goat. Her last name, Izard, is actually a type of goat that lives in the French Pyrenees. These days you can find goat weaved throughout the menus at each restaurant, from goat milk at the coffee bar and goat burgers for lunch, to the temporary goat tattoos and t-shirts in the gift shop. You can even pre-order a goat leg directly from the restaurant for your next gathering. For those expecting dishes overloaded with strong spices and curries, you are in for quite a surprise. Their goats are locally sourced and the meat is tender and delicious. For a true taste of the quality of meat we suggest trying the goat loin seared medium rare (if you are lucky enough to catch it on the restaurant’s ever-changing menu).
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We just like to go crazy with goat!
As anyone who has had the pleasure of dining at any of her restaurants will tell you, Stephanie is a hands-on restaurant owner. She can frequently be seen with her eager and delighted diners any night of the week. As she spent time answering questions from excited patrons, she began to notice that she was frequently being asked how she made items like her vegetables, potatoes and house-made chips so delectable and perfectly seasoned. Being a smart and savvy businesswoman in addition to an amazing chef, she quickly realized that there was a demand for her tantalizing sauces and spices. Since then, she has launched The Flavors, her own line of sauces and spices for sale at her restaurants and online at www.stephanieizard.com.
Credits:
By: Kerri-Lynn Swanson Photography by Allen Carrasco & Stephanie Izard
Stephanie’s three spice blends come directly from the restaurant kitchens and are inspired by some of Stephanie’s favorite international cuisines and her bottled sauces, such as Saute and The Chee, are flavorful and flexible and not designed for any specific purpose or recipe. They encourage you to be creative, but if you are feeling a little stumped, Stephanie and her crew are constantly adding recipes online to inspire the at-home chef to try something familiar in a new way! But, if you are more of a recipe traditionalist who likes the comfort and feel of a cookbook on the counter while you prepare your creations, you can also snag yourself a copy of Stephanie’s first cookbook, Girl in the Kitchen. When Stephanie is not spending her time running back and forth from Girl & The Goat and Little Goat Diner or Little Goat Bakery, you can find her participating in Chef’s demos at the Green City Market or sitting at home enjoying a fabulous taco bar with her husband, Gary Valentine. For more information on her Chef’s events, head on over to girlandthegoat.com.
A Commom Thread Stephanie also spends time volunteering at Common Threads, where she spends time with children in underserved communities and teaches them how to cook fresh, wholesome and healthy foods. Started by Art Smith in 2003, it is a curriculum based after-school program that teaches kids about different ingredients and cooking techniques to make healthy and affordable meals at home. To learn more about Common Threads and how you can help bring workshops to your community, check out their website at commonthreads.com
Girl & the Goat 809 W. Randolph Street Chicago, Illinois 60607 (312) 492-6262 girlandthegoat.com
Little Goat Diner / Little Goat Bakery 820 W. Randolf Street Chicago, Illinois 60607 (312) 888-3455
littlegoatchicago.com
Travel
Chicago’s skyline reflects from Chicago’s Cloud Gate Sculpture at Millennium Park Credit: © Cesar Russ Photography
QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO
There’s just as much culture as there are skyscrapers to be enjoyed in Chicago, says HELLO! on a recent visit Chicago’s Millennium Park, Credit: © Choose Chicago
oasting some of the world’s best architecture, Chicago is one of B America’s great cities. From Art Deco-
The Chicago flag waved by Emirates on landing at O’Hare Airport
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inspired and Neo-Gothic detailing on its buildings, to architectural feats such as the Willis Tower, the Hancock Tower and the new Trump Tower, the city’s skyline is an ode to style, structure and imagination. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have their home in the affluent Kenwood/Hyde Park neighbourhood in Chicago; Harrison Ford, Tina Fey, Cindy Crawford, John
Cusack, Vince Vaughn are from this city; it is home to media mogul Oprah Winfrey, is the hub of aviation giant Boeing and home of the Chicago White Sox. Heard of Wrigley Field? It’s the second oldest home of baseball and of the Chicago Cubs. I flew into the ‘Windy City’ on the Emirates inaugural flight to Chicago in August, the airline’s brand new destination, ninth in the USA. Chicago is also the ninth most popular destination in the USA, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
‘I flew into the ‘Windy City’ in August on the Emirates inaugural flight to Chicago, the airline’s brand new destination, ninth in the USA’ wants to enhance its status as an international tourist destination and boost its number of annual visitors. Here is an inspirational run through of a number of wonderful things to do and see that will have you planning a visit to Chicago very soon. Millennium Park In the heart of downtown, this verdant cultural oasis celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It is home to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, one of Chicago’s contemporary architectural feats designed by Frank Gehry. The Grant Park Orchestra plays here – with Carlos Kalmar as conductor; summertime and music in the park is a simultaneous Chicago pleasure. Set in 25 acres, the park trails Navy Pier as the Chicago’s most visited attraction. The Bean, officially called ‘Cloud Gate’, designed by British-born Indian artist Anish Kapoor is also here and The Crown Fountain Towers, a favourite water area for kids, shows the digitised faces of 960 Chicagoans from the city. Adjacent, the 5-acre Lurie Gardens reminds one of an English garden, a gentle landscape of seasonal flowers, sensitively planted and ecologically balanced. Navy Pier My evening at the Navy Pier included a private Lionel Richie concert – everyone joined the retro icon on stage as he sang ‘All Night Long’ and ‘Hello’ in the massive ballroom. Perched on Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier is a leisure destination with rides, activities, restaurants, entertainment, cruises and tour boats. Set in 50 acres of park, it boasts a 15-story tall Ferris wheel. Enjoyment galore! Art Institute of Chicago More than 130-years old, this museum has 18th century porcelain, American art, furniture, sculpture and decorative arts, European masterpieces, impressionist and postimpressionist art, and renowned modern art. Walk through the brightlit halls to enjoy a global collection under one roof – this November the Institute’s new Islamic art galleries will open. Have lunch at Terzo Piano, with stunning all-white minimalistic décor and a grand downtown view, than step outside to be photographed with the lion statues that flank the building entrance. The work of art that made my day: George Seurat’s ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte’ (1884).
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Chicago Board of Trade building This skyscraper built in 1930 is a prime example early 20th century Art Deco architecture. Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and grain crops, stands atop the building’s copper pyramid. The CBOT established in 1848, is the world’s oldest futures and options exchange, which is now in this
Lurie Gardens
Navy Pier
The Art Institute of Chicago. North View of Michigan Avenue Façade. Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
CBOT Building
Grant Park Orchestra
The entrance to Chicago’s Navy Pier, Credit: © Choose Chicago
Dining room at Terzo Piano. Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
The trading floor
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Burberry Building, Credit: ©Adam Alexander Photography
Michigan Ave. Shopping Fall, Credit: © City of Chicago
‘Chicago is one of America’s great cities and the city’s award-winning skyline is a dramatic ode to style, structure and imagination’ building. In 2007 the CBOT merged with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) to form the CME Group. Tour and see the trading floors as members’ trade through open outcry and electronic trading. This building was one of the filming locations for The Dark Knight (2008), Batman Begins (2005) and Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (1986).
Ikram interior: Courtesy Josh Goldman @Ikram
The Ledge at Willis Tower
Magnificent Mile Shopping The best American brands; Ann Taylor, Banana Republic (you know them all) as well as iconic department stores; Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus, are here on this beautiful stretch in downtown Chicago. Also, the city’s best hotels: The Ritz Carlton, The Four Seasons, The Drake and more. I loved British brand Burberry’s shiny, trendy fivestory store, with its signature plaid façade, and also enjoyed wandering a large Apple store on the Mag Mile. Ikram Chicago-based fashion guru Ikram Goldman’s chic stamp on the city is her high-end multi-brand boutique, with that trendy red façade that caters to the rich and famous, including First Lady Michelle Obama. From handpicked home goods to exclusive original European and Japanese brands; Manolo Blahnik, Peter Pilotto, Azzedine Alaïa, Yohji Yamamoto – the list is long – Ikram sets the tone for style in power circles in Chicago and beyond. Visit this store and its adjoining café to witness that personal touch that sets it apart. The Ledge at Willis Tower If you want to look 1,353 feet straight down to the street through a glass floor, from the 103rd floor than head to The Ledge at Willis Tower, the tallest building in North America at 110 stories high – this is the steelframed skyscraper that was previously called the Sears Tower. The Ledge, made in 2009, is a new addition to the Skydeck at Willis Tower, a series of glass floors and windows with unobstructed views of Chicago. Not for the faint-hearted!
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) Credit: © Choose Chicago
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The Chicago River and surrounding buildings, including the Trump International Hotel & Tower, Credit: ©City of Chicago
The Architecture River Cruise Once titled the Paris of the Prairie, cruising down Lake Chicago in an open-air boat with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is quite the
experience as the city’s high rises roll by, bridge after bridge – sometimes you get that certain European déjà vu. On the 90-minute cruise, an expert of the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) introduces the city and most of its famous buildings – what excited me most was all the Art Deco and the lavish ornamentation that adorns so many of Chicago’s skyscrapers. This is an absolute must-do! The Tribune Tower An exciting event space is The Crown on top of the Tribune Tower. Home to The Chicago Tribune, the building is the iconic gatekeeper of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile at the south end. Neo-Gothic design in the shape of gargoyles, buttresses and spires adorn the top of this majestic skyscraper and sitting at The Crown you can truly enjoy this masterpiece of design and the views beyond. John Hancock Tower and 360 Chicago/ TILT! At the top you can hover over the northern tip of the Mag Mile at a 30-degree angle on 360/Chicago TILT! a glass enclosure that tilts you down at an angle towards the street – 94 stories above Michigan Avenue. Sights are often sweeter hundreds of feet above the city – in fact, a 1,000 feet! You go up on the fastest elevators in North America to the observation deck at the Hancock Tower to get grand views of Lake Michigan, its beaches and North Chicago.
The Tribune Tower with The Crown on top
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati’s: ©Adam Alexander Photography
A Chicago Culinary Journey Chicago is a top gourmet destination and your culinary journey can be vast and exciting. Mine was! If you want American cuisine, try Lou Malnati’s famous deep dish pizza – Malnati’s is considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza. Or have an all American burger at Howell’s and Hood – named after the famed architects of the Tribune Tower. Enjoy fine dining at Spiaggia – spirited, imaginative Italian food with famed Chicago Chef Tony Mantuano. Or get a fresh perspective on fine dining at L2O – in the famous Lincoln Park neighbourhood of North Chicago – for a meal where innovation and attention to detail is mindboggling. So Much To Do In The Windy City… Discover the story behind city skyscrapers on the river cruise ; check out luxury brands on Oak Street; visit the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium; visit the 300-acre large Grant Park; wander around famous downtown localities like Old Town and Gold Coast and further afield to check out diverse neighbourhoods: Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Humboldt Park; see acclaimed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s home in Oak Park, visit the desi corridor at Devon Street for a ‘Little Pakistan’ experience, there is so much to do in Chicago!
Text: Amna R. Ali Photos: Courtesy Choose Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, Ikram, Emirates Airline & Amna R. Ali
John Hancock Center (Hancock building looking north) Credit: ©Choose Chicago
North Chicago from the Hancock Tower
The famous Lou Malnati
At L2O, mussel tart, lemon, parsley
At L2O, melon, yogurt, tapioca, apricot
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