A New Place To Shop: Aritzia

Always one to stumble upon the new without really trying, gratefully this past week I discovered a great place to drop a few bucks on affordable style.

Aritzia, a Vancouver based women's clothing store, has just opened in Water Tower place and is really worth checking out.  The majority of the pieces are by Wilfred, their in-house brand of clothing that is best described as young, urban pieces that could easily be layered and the kind that you grab over and over again because they just feel right.  Interspersed throughout you will discover some carefully selected Marc Jacobs or Dolce & Gabbana just to add a little spice.  Lots of great jeans to pick from as well.  

For those of you in the suburbs, another location is opening at Old Orchard later this month. No excuses for not getting in on some of this very fun fashion.  

Aritzia

Water Tower Place

3rd Level 

Additional Information:  Aritzia

Photo credit:  Aritzia

 

The Original Pancake House

Today I have to salute an institution in the Gold Coast area that has withstood the test of time, rebelling against selling out and being torn down to become some brand new, upscale dining establishment. Those of us living here are grateful for its presence.

The Original Pancake House on Bellevue is a traditional mom and pop place if there ever was one.  Started back in 1953 out in Portland, Oregon, the company was based on creating authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes with quality that garnered them national attention.  Currently, there over 100 Pancake Houses throughout the country, all with simple down home charm serving stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts.  

What is  most amusing about this one in particular is its location.  Right at the merging of Rush and State, this humble house is surrounded by slick dining establishments such as Hugo's Frog Bar, Tavern On Rush and Lux Bar.  The seen and be seen crowd dropping off luxury cars at valet parking and taking up residence at outdoor tables to talk on their cell phones instead of the people at their table is more in keeping with this area as opposed to down on the farm cooking. 

You have to love the fact that while other buildings have come and gone to make room for newer, more modern versions of themselves, the Pancake House continues to be exactly what it is--a great place to have breakfast.   

The Original Pancake House

22 East Bellvue

Photo credit:  Personal Collection

Which "W" Is Which?

Last night, my husband asked me to Map Quest the W Hotel here in Chicago as he had an early morning meeting there today.  I did and discovered something that I never knew--there are two distinctly different W's in the city.  

The one I know and would always recommend to friends is on Lake Shore Drive, overlooking Lake Michigan.  When I walk past it on my morning fitness jaunts,  guests are mulling about outside with cups of coffee, working hard to snag one of the teak deck chairs set up in the sun to catch a few rays and watch the world go by.  Think boardwalk on the east coast--maybe Ocean City or Cape May, where old hotels with big verandas invite guests to pass the time with ocean breezes keeping them cool.  It's a tiny bit busier and noisier here in Chicago, but in a big city way, captures that same feeling.  

Another great feature is this property is home to Bliss Spa, that fabulous oasis catering to all things that pamper and rejuvenate weary skin and souls.  Voted the best spa in Chicago in 2008, it provides not only guests, but us Chicagoans as well, with some TLC every now and then.  The services they provide are endless and speaking from experience, fabulous.  

Moving "inland" a few blocks gets us to the W-Center City.  While the spa is missing, luxury is still plentiful, as is access to all the shopping and museums on Michigan Avenue.  The location is perfectly suited for those coming in for business who want to be in the middle of everything.

Both properties are first class, offering luxurious comfort to call your home away from home. 

W Chicago-Lakeshore  

644 North Lake Shore Drive

W Chicago-Center City  

172 West Adams Street

Photo credit:  W Hotels

The Chicago Public Library

I have a confession to make, one that perhaps I shouldn't be admitting so early on in my blogging career, since I will surely be pegged as a nerd, but, here it is: I tear up in libraries. Yes, the thought of all that knowledge moves me that much - and it's not because I am simply standing around, bored in a library. I just love books, knowledge, research; and, for the record, it's not just any old library that gets the waterworks flowing. No, it has to be a pretty impressive library. I teared up in the British Museum Library, and when I said goodbye to the nationally-ranked research library at my alma mater... (there is an implied etcetera, etcetera there...) Similarly, when I made my way to the 7th floor of the downtown Chicago Public Library, I got a little misty-eyed.

The Harold Washington Public Library, built in 1989, was the third to house the city's collection of books. After the Great Fire of 1871, about 8,000 books, donated by the English as a gesture of sympathy, were housed in a water tank that had survived the fire. In 1897 the library moved more permanently to a beautiful building on Michigan Avenue, between Washington and Randolph streets. That building, now the Chicago Cultural Center, was designed by the renowned firm of Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge (fun fact: these three guys, both products and main characters of one of the most storied architectural lineages any city can boast of, were later commissioned to design the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as the campus of Stanford!)

The library system expanded for the next 100 years or so, adding branch after branch in the city proper and flinging beautiful, stately branches out in the suburbs - like the Blackstone Memorial Library {1904}, which still stands and is shared by the Hyde Park/Kenwood neighborhoods.

The central branch eventually outgrew its home and was relocated to the first building pictured, a nine-floor and one-and-a-half-block haven of knowledge on South State Street. It is dedicated to Mayor Harold Washington, who passed away the year the library was authorized to be built, and has everything a good library should: an immense foreign-language section, tons of world newspapers, acres of fiction and non-fiction, medical texts, business tomes, art books, even an 11,000 square foot "Popular Library," which offers only books published within the last two years. It's easy for anyone with a penchant toward books to get lost in there...

The Harold Washington Public Library
400 South State Street
M-Th : 9AM to 9PM
Fr & Sat : 9AM to 5PM
Sun : 1PM to 5PM

Photo credits:
1) Carol M. Highsmith at http://blog.aia.org/favorites/2007/02/85_harold_washington_library_c.html
2) http://chicagopc.info/misc_buildings.htm

PIE: They're All Good

Simple yet says everything.  PIE is a great sweetshop that creates some of the most amazing desserts.  Yes, clearly pies are involved as the name implies.  Both whole and mini, these mouth watering gourmet creations come in traditional flavors; Apple Crumble, Mixed Berry, Key Lime to name a few and each are works of art.  Their bar cookies are big enough for two to share--or not--I HIGHLY recommend the Maple Pecan.  Other members of my family fought over the Paradise Brownie.  Both were amazing as were all the other flavors they offer. 

Only the freshest ingredients are used and all are baked daily.  The shop is a beautiful space with a few tables in the back where one can sit and order a cup of coffee and a sweet treat or slice of quiche.  It's a great spot to bring a book or journal and spend some quiet time in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city. 

PIE

615 N. State Street

Additional information:  PIE 

Photo credit:  PIE, personal collection

A Perfect Sunday

Today was one of those days in Chicago that are few and far between--the sky a bright blue, the temperature, just perfect and while having no plans as I woke up, the day unfolded in the most delightful way.  

Friends came in unexpectedly from Milwaukee and called to meet for brunch.  Got ready in no time and met them at Bistrot Zinc, a French café that gets you as close to Paris as you can get here in Chicago.  The menu, as you would expect is traditional fare for lunch and dinner--Poulet Grand Mère (roasted chicken) or Steak Frites.  Lunch features omelettes and quiche du jour that literally melt in your mouth.  Try their cheese plate--almost as good as actually being in Paris--almost.  If weather permits, as it did today, they throw open the windows which is wonderful.  

The rest of the day was spent on family things but the evening had me walking north along the lake on an evening that was as magnificent as the rest of the day.  Luck was with me as the sun was setting and the lake was amazingly calm--almost like a mirror which is rare. Aqua and navy blue along with baby pink and mauve were reflected in the surface, colors you don't normally see out on its usually choppy waters.  There wasn't much traffic along the bike paths and those of us lucky enough to be out there knew that this was one of those magical nights that happen at the end of summer.  The air was cooler, darkness was settling in earlier and the tree frogs were out in full force making their music.  I LOVE nights like these yet know that summer is fading away and always lament having to let it go.  

Ah well, after a day like today, there is no complaining, only gratitude. 

Photo credit:  bistrotzinc@flickr, DavyRocket@flickr      

Chciago Luxury Chocolate Salon

Chocolate Lovers.....hello, are you reading?  I hope so because have we got the event for you!

This Sunday, you can explore and taste your way through some of the world's best chocolates at the Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon being held at Grainger Hall at Symphony Center. How absolutely decadent to be able to indulge so many senses so luxuriously.....artisanal and gourmet chocolates available for tastings in one of the most elegant settings in Chicago. Certainly an event not to be missed.  

This is the first of its kind here in the Windy City; organizers have worked their magic predominately on the west coast but happily for us Chicagoans, they are taking their show on the road.  Let's give them a warm mid-western welcome and spend Sunday afternoon in the lap of gourmet chocolate luxury. 

A little video to get you ready! 

Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon

Sunday, September 7th

11:00 to 5:00pm

Tickets at the door:  $20, kids 6-12--$10, under 6--free

Grainger Ballroom at Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Avenue

Additional information:  Chicago Chocolate Salon

Photo credit:  Chicago Chocolate Salon

Classical Mondays

Sadly, or happily, summer in Chicago is coming to a close. Classes are starting, fall clothes have appeared in stores, and hopefully the weather will start getting cooler soon? But luckily one thing hasn't changed: Classical Mondays!



This, the stunning Preston Bradley Hall, is the space where Classical Mondays happen. Lunch hour, free music, a gorgeous space: how could one possibly go wrong? Preston Bradley Hall is located on the top floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, across the street from Millennium Park and a few blocks north of the Art Institute. In and of itself, the Cultural Center is a wealth of, well, cultural goings-on for the city, and it's well worth visiting their website before coming to visit.

But let's shift back to any given Monday at 12.15. Find your way up the beautiful mosaic-covered staircase to the room at the top of the stairs. In another life, the Cultural Center was the Chicago Public Library, and Preston Bradley Hall was its reading room. Recently, the PBH underwent an incredibly thorough renovation to both reposition the Cultural Center as a work of art in and of itself (which it truly is) as well as to showcase the room's ceiling. This exquisite ceiling boasts the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world, which for the last 70 years has been covered from the outside by a very ugly green iron shell. The shell was thought to be constructed during WWII, when blackouts were required of everyone, but during the renovation this past summer it was discovered that the shell was actually constructed in the late 30's, before the war technically began. Since there was no good historical excuse that the shell stay, it was removed.

And thank goodness! During the Ugly Iron Shell Period, the room was lit from the inside by wall sconces, the beautiful parchment-colored Tiffany chandeliers, and other artificial light. But now the room is awash in natural light. The walls and floor are covered in glinting, twinkling greenish-gold mosaics, creating an effect not unlike an amazing, greenish-blue aquarium. Just imagine listening to something by Saint-Saëns or, as I did the other day, a violin-piano duo playing Massenet's Méditation de Thaïs. The concerts themselves are top-notch, espresso shots of beautiful music played by some of Chicago's most talented artists. Whether you go to hear the music or visit the space, a trip to the Cultural Center should definitely be at the top of your list.

Classical Mondays
Mondays, 12.15pm, ongoing
78 East Washington (also accessible at Randolph Street)
Free!

Windy City Wine Festival

Grab some friends, a designated driver and head down to Grant Park this weekned for the Windy City Wine Festival.  Two days of sipping samples of over 250 wines from around the world (some good and some not so great, sorry to have to say that) wines, along with food and cooking demonstrations prepared by a variety of chefs and caterers in the Chicagoland area.  Seminars are being held both days that cover a variety of topics from understanding French wines to the art of the wine cocktail.....didn't know that existed.  Where have I been?

Lots more information at the website:  

Windy City Wine Festival  

Friday, September 5th,  4:00 to 10:00pm

Saturday, September 6th,  3:00 to 10:00pm

Tickets:  $30 at the gate, $10 designated driver

Daley Bicentennial Plaza

Flugtag: Because You Can

A number of years ago, my family got caught up in a televised event that we found a tiny bit odd right out of the gate but as we watched, it hooked us in and we haven't been the same since.  We are "Flugtag Fans"--observers of the craziest, dare I say sport, out there.  

For the uninitiated, Flugtag is the brainchild of Dietrich Mateschitz, owner of Red Bull.  (a carbonated energy drink).  Flugtag is a competition if you will, between homemade human flying machines that are launched off a pier about 30 feet high with contestants ending up in an appropriate depth of water in order to avoid as much personal injury as possible.  I say this because experience has shown that as wonderful and crazy and zany as these men and their flying machines are, none have actually gone airborne.  Surprising, I know.  

The first Flugtag (which by the way means flying day in German), was held way back in 1991 in Vienna, Austria.  Its early success has made it a yearly event with competitions in 35 cities around the world.  Teams that enter Flugtag are judged in three catagories:  distance, creativity and showmanship.  Notice, actually flying is not a requirement but would be an added bonus.   Each flying machine must have a wingspan of 30 feet and a maximum weight of 450lbs including the pilot.  It must be powered by muscle, gravity and imagination.  Since the aircraft and competitors land in water, it must float and be constructed from environmentally friendly materials.  

I bring this to your attention as on my walk this morning, I saw the beginnings of the launching pier being built up at North Street Beach.  Yes, Chicago is one of the cities lucky enough to have its very own Flugtag event which is this Saturday, September 6th, with gates opening at 11:00am.  Seriously, you should try to come out as it looks like so much fun. I have never seen it live so will be parking my rear on the beach early enough to get a good seat.  Hope to see you there.  

One last thought:  Red Bull has nothing on this idea.  Leonardo da Vinci was all over it years ago!!

Red Bull Flugtag Competition

Saturday, September 6, 2008

North Street Beach

Gates open at 11:00am

Additional information:  redbullflugtagusa.com

Photo credits:  creativemag.com, allposters.com

Fox & Obel: Gourmet Goodies and an Epiphany

I have to start this blog by honoring the gourmet grocery here in Chicago, Fox & Obel, that in my mind is the BEST gourmet food shop in the city.  Cheese, baked goods, meats, veggies and a selection of wines that will have your head spinning without having taken a sip is what you will find here and they will be awesome.  Small but mighty, they do their best at keeping all foodies here in the Windy City happy.  

In addition to all the great groceries to take home with you, they have a great little café where my husband and I end up on Sunday mornings after a long walk along Lake Michigan.  On this most recent Sunday, over one of their delicious yogurt parfaits, I mapped out what a blog about getting around in Chicago might be like.  Having experience writing about the ins and outs of Paris, my favorite city of all, I thought it would be fun to take that concept and apply it to my "new" hometown.  Living right in the thick of it all, I come across things on a daily basis--events, restaurants, shops, that may or may not be on your radar but should.  Basically, in an attempt to make your life easier once you get yourself in the city, I am going to eat, shop and sight see my way through this fabulous town to let you know what's worth doing.  Hey, someone has to do it.  So far, I am loving the task.  

In addition to my posts, my daughter Taylor, will be keeping us up to speed on the cultural events taking place here.  Working at one of the best museums in the world, The Art Institute of Chicago, her finger is on the pulse of the art, as well as music world.  Between the two of us, we will dish the dirt to make traveling here--whether from many miles away or just a trip in from the suburbs--interesting, easier and lots more fun.  

The pictures on the right hand side will take you to websites that offer hotel and dining ideas that go beyond what I can give you as well as links to places that you just shouldn't miss on a visit to Chicago.  It will keep growing as we grow and unearth new places worth the effort to get to.  We will keep you up to speed with upcoming events and even throw in little bits and pieces of historical information since the city is filled with an interesting past.  

We hope you join us in discovering this great city and all it has to offer.  It is going to be a fun journey and we wouldn't want you to miss out.