Concierge Tips for Exploring Chicago
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Archive for March, 2010
Easter on the Water
Posted on March 31st, 2010 by Erika Medina
Everybody has holiday traditions, but maybe this year you should try something different. How about an Easter boat cruise?
Weather is supposed to be fantastic this weekend, so seize the day and hop aboard the special sailing from Odyssey and Spirit of Chicago.
Both boats offer excellent meals, visits with the Easter Bunny, and live entertainment, so book today! Brunch trips board at 12:00 and sail from 12:30 -2:30. Dinner cruises board at 4:00 and sail from 4:30 – 7:00. Reservations are required.
Odyssey Cruises: (866) 305-2469
Spirit of Chicago Cruises: (866) 273-2469
Tags: Boat Cruise, Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Entertainment and Attractions, Downtown Chicago, Easter, Navy Pier
Easter Eats: Brunches and More
Posted on March 30th, 2010 by Adam Marks
Easter may be associated with chocolate bunnies and egg hunts, but it’s also a big day to put on your Sunday best and head out for a good meal. And if you only have a buffet on the brain, it’s time you stopped putting all your eggs into one basket.
Custom House Tavern is featuring an assortment of brunch entrees, desserts, and more from 10:30 AM-2:30 PM. Create your own three course combination from items such as she crab bisque, wild mushroom Benedict and chocolate brioche pain perdue. The cost is $38 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under (exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity).
Sepia is serving a special Easter Brunch from 10 AM-3 PM that’s best enjoyed with a group. To start, you’ll receive a selection of delicious appetizers (like a sweet onion tart and house-made granola) served family style. Choose your own entrée and finish with a selection of sweets, also served family style. The cost is $39 for adults and $20 for children (exclusive of tax and gratuity).
At Sixteen, adults can enjoy the sweeping views of the cityscape (see picture), while the kids are entertained by an appearance from the Easter bunny, who will be handing out baskets of goodies for the 11:30 egg and candy hunt. From 10:30 AM-3:00PM, enjoy made-t0-order sushi and omelets, carvings stations, salads and more. The cost is $115 for adults and $25 for children (exclusive of tax and gratuity).
Easter comes a bit early to the Chicago French Market. On Saturday, kids can enjoy an candy Easter egg hunt, face painting and coloring contest from 1PM-3PM. Pick up a few goodies fromVanille Patisserie, such as:
-Individual Carrot Cakes – $5.95
- Easter Petit Fours – $1.20 each or $12 per dozen
- Individual Black Forest Cakes* – $5.95
- French Macarons* – $3 each/box of 4 for $10
- 8″ Candy-filled Chocolate Egg – $40
- Candy-filled Chocolate Eggs & Chocolate Figurines $12-$15
* Flourless for Passover (not Kosher)
Tags: Chicago French Market, Chicago Restaurants, Custom House, Easter, Easter Brunch Chicago, Holdiay, Sepia, Sixteen
Look Better Naked: Victoria’s Secret Launches New Line
Posted on March 26th, 2010 by Adam Marks
With a jaw-dropping ad campaign in the windows on Michigan Avenue and current slogan “Love My Body,” it’s hard to imagine Victoria’s Secret could get any hotter. Well, they can. The lingerie super-store is getting ready to introduce its sexiest collection yet – The Nakeds, and it’s definitely all in the name. The bras and panties provide all the support you need, but ultra lightweight and airy fabric will make you forget you’re wearing anything at all.
It was back in October that I blogged about the new store opening that brought the VS Angels into town, and now in celebration of the new collection’s launch, shoppers will get the unique opportunity to meet VS spokesmodel and South African beauty, Candice Swanepoel, on Wednesday, March 31. The Angel will be taking pictures with customers at the Victoria’s Secret Michigan Avenue store from 11 AM to 1 PM. The first 200 shoppers to get their picture taken with Candice will receive a limited edition nude-colored “I got Naked with Victoria’s Secret” t-shirt. The Nakeds will be available for purchase on March 30 in all Victoria’s Secret stores, website and catalogue.
Tags: Candice Swaepole, Lingere Stores Chicago, Lingerie Shopping, Michigan Avenue Shopping, The Mag Mile, Victoria's Secret, Victoria's Secret Angels
Chicago’s Chef Week!
Posted on March 24th, 2010 by Erika Medina
It’s that time again. Chicago Chef Week is here! Now through March 28 (Sunday), some of Chicago’s best restaurants are offering special prix fixe menus at special reduced prices. Below are some of my picks for a scrumptious treat.
Elate
Offerings include the skirt steak baguette and Maine scallops, but don’t even think of leaving without trying the stellar Reese’s Peanut Butter Pot de Creme. Wow.
Kith and Kin
This new Lincoln Park establishment has been getting raves for its shrimp and grits and succulent curried mussels.
The Gage
In the mood for some rustic goodness? Head downtown and snag the roasted beets and goat cheese salad before tackling the wood-grilled Kobe sirloin.
Anyway you cut it, Chef Week is choc full of specials that should not be missed. Get out there and eat! I know I will.
Chicago Chef Week runs March 22-28, 2010
Tags: Chef Week, Chicago Restaurants, Downtown Chicago, eating
The New Lincoln Hall
Posted on March 24th, 2010 by Erika Medina
One of the best parts of Chicago is the fact that there is always a new spot to check out. This season it is the Lincoln Hall, located right next to DePaul University in Lincoln Park.
Opened by Mike and Chris Schuba (of Schubas Tavern), Lincoln Hall is a venue that puts music first. There is an open floor for dancing, but there is also a full restaurant and bar. You can settle into a comfy booth, or get your groove on, as you please.
The program lineup at Lincoln Hall is diverse and exciting. This Friday night you can check out The Assembly, one of the best bands around. Think Radiohead meets The Smiths, and you can imagine the innovative sounds and polished performances this quartet brings to the stage.
Sunday brings a completely different experience: The Show ‘n Tell Show. Local designers, artists, and photographers share their work in a lively evening of artistic exchange and cocktail consumption.
Regardless of what gets you there, you’ll enjoy the wonderfully renovated Lincoln Hall.
The Assembly at Lincoln Hall, Friday March 26 at 10:00p.m. ($10 at door, 18+)
The Show ‘n Tell Show at Lincoln Hall, Sunday, March 28 at 8:00p.m. (free, but 21+)
This post was sponsored by the Navy Pier IMAX Theatre. http://www.imax.com/chicago/
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, live music
Coming Up Roses: Macy’s Annual Flower Show
Posted on March 24th, 2010 by Adam Marks
We’ve forwarded our clocks and spring has officially arrived. It still may be too chilly outside to see any new buds popping to the surface, but it’s time for Macy’s Annual Flower Show and nothing beats the mix of nature and a spring wardrobe shopping spree.
It’s almost hard to believe, but there are more than 15,000 individual potted plants covering pretty much every flat elevated surface on the store’s first floor! But the Macy’s Flower Show is much more than gawking at a few bulbs. There will also be several cooking demonstrations by local chefs, guided tours from University of Illinois’ Master Gardeners, kids activities, floral demonstrations, floral tablescapes and more. Some new things for this year’s event include:
At least six vertical gardens
16-foot tall bird cage in the Walnut Room restaurant
Real hot-air balloon in the 1st floor atrium
A hanging mobile made from 5,000 balsa wood toy airplanes
A custom-printed carpet that runs an entire city block
The Flower Show is free to the public and open during regular store hours, Monday through Friday 10AM to 8PM, Saturdays 10AM-6PM and Sundays 11AM-6PM (closed on Easter). For additional information, guests contact Macy’s Express Desk at (312) 781-4884. Brochures for Flower Show are available at the Macy’s Express Desk near the Middle Atrium during the run of the show.
Tags: Event, Flower Show, Macy's, Spring Events
Fleurotica: A Fashion Event Like No Other
Posted on March 22nd, 2010 by Adam Marks
Bolts of fabric, trim, buttons….when it comes to a good fashion show, you may have never thought that these “details” could be seriously overrated. Of course, wer’re joking, but the upcoming Fleurotica show taking place Friday, March 26 at the Garfield Park Conservatory throws (what else) flowers into the mix – and we’re not talking about runway decor.
Heralded as the “botanical fashion show of the century,” artistic floral interpretations are presented in the form of wraps, clothing, hats and more, all handmade from flowers and various botanicals. Throw in catered food and drinkies and you’ve got the perfect way to welcome spring through the door. Tickets are $100 for the reception only and $175 for the reception and reserved seating at the show, reservations required. 773.638.1766 Extension 28.
Tags: Chicago Fashon Events, Fashion Events Chicago, Flowers, Garfield Park Conservatory, Spring Fashion
Meet Barneys Creative Director and Shop Spring Shoes
Posted on March 20th, 2010 by Adam Marks
Simon Doonan got his start as a window dresser in merry old England before he became the creative director for Barneys New York in 1986. On Wednesday, March 24th from 2-4pm, you’ll have a chance to meet the master himself, while checking out the seasons hottest styles in shoes.
Take a late lunch break. There will be treats in the form of cookies and cocktails. RSVP required. 312.587.1700.
Tags: Barneys, Chicago Shopping, Shoe Shopping Chicago, Shoes, Simon Doonan
Test Your Luck: Spin the Wheel of Fashion at Fix Boutique
Posted on March 19th, 2010 by Adam Marks
Who says that luck was left with the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day? Fix Boutique founders Maggie and Jennifer Gelber are inviting you to spin the “Wheel of Fashion,” through March 31st, 2010. The best part? Everyone gets lucky.
The wheel is loaded up with a variety of discounts to help cushion the blow that stems from your retail therapy. Winners that land on the “Fix” slice will receive a special discount (and they promise – it’s good!)
Tags: Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, Fix Boutique, Local Designers Chicago
Basketball Hoopla
Posted on March 17th, 2010 by Erika Medina
Okay, it’s bracket madness time out there. So many games, so little time, right?
Hammond Horseshoe Casino has thought of it all. This Thursday and Friday, they are hosting a special event with a 60-foot screen to capture all the action. Doors open at 9:30a.m. and you can do a picks sheet for free.
Did I mention the cash prizes? $100 awarded for each individual game, $200 for each game set, and a whopping $2,500 cash prize for the full day bracket. That’s pretty impressive.
To boot, they have a free breakfast buffet from 10 a.m. till noon, and good and drink specials all day long. $2 drafts are calling you!
Head out to Hammond where there is tons of free parking, or hop on the free shuttle from downtown. Either way, it is a great way to spend a weekday.
Tags: Basketball, Casino, Chicago Entertainment and Attractions, Guys, Sports
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The Chicago Travel Blog covers all things of interest for the visitor to Chicago, whether here for work or pleasure. Restaurants, shopping, nightlife, accommodations, transportation, and entertainment & attractions are what you’ll find out about here.
