Concierge Tips for Exploring Chicago
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Posts Tagged ‘Millennium Park’
Concierge of the Week: Anthony Gates
Posted on January 11th, 2012 by Amber Holst
Concierge at the Hotel Allegro – A Kimpton Hotel, located in the heart of Chicago’s theater district, Anthony Gates is a lifelong Chicagoan who loves to keep himself informed on the best happenings around town in order to tailor his guests’ experiences accordingly.
“I love helping to create a great experience in Chicago,” he says. “Helping to organize guests’ sightseeing itineraries so they get the most out of their visit in a specific time frame is incredibly rewarding, challenging and fun.”
And when those guests return to the hotel and have nothing but positive feedback on their experiences? Well, that’s just icing in the cake for Anthony. “It’s what makes me feel especially passionate about my job,” he adds.
So, how did he get his start as a concierge? “I was working at the Westin Hotel on Michigan Avenue as a night auditor and when I would leave at 7 a.m., I noticed that there would be a line at the concierge desk,” he says. “I took the initiative of going over there and helping with basic questions and really discovered my passion for hospitality and the profession.”
Anthony Gates’ MyChiGuide
When it comes to helping his guests explore all that Chicago has to offer, Anthony excels at staying current on what’s happening in Chicago. Whether it’s street closures due to construction and giving his guests’ directions to avoid the hassles to knowing the top places to see and be seen.
“As a concierge, it is so important to be on top of the timely events that are taking place around town,” he says. “From watching the news and reading the newspapers, keeping yourself informed is a necessary—and fun—part of the job.”
What tops his list of things to do and see in Chicago right now? “Ice skating outdoors at Millennium Park or indoors at the John Hancock Observatory is an absolute-must,” he says. “I also encourage my guests to catch Buddy Guy when he performs at his eponymous club.”
When it comes to dining options, Anthony is passionate about our hometown eats. “You can’t be in Chicago without trying some of our specialties like a Chicago-style hot dog, deep-dish pizza or indulging in a steak,” he adds.
Looking for more of tips and advice from Anthony? Make sure to check out his MyChiGuide.
Tags: Anthony Gates, Buddy Guy's Legends, Chicago Events, Chicago Steakhouses, Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Concierge of the Week, concierge picks, Deep Dish Pizza, Hotel Allegro-A Kimpton Hotel, ice skating in Chicago, John Hancock Observatory, live music, Millennium Park
Landon’s List
Posted on December 14th, 2011 by Amber Holst
Concierge Correspondent Landon Moore offers up his top things to do in Chicago this weekend. From skating under the magnificent skyline to ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ at the Bank of America Theater, there’s no reason to be bored be this weekend. What are you waiting for? Start planning!
Tags: bank of america chicago theater, Chicago Events, Downtown Chicago, ice skating, la cage au folles, Landon Moore Concierge Picks, Millennium Park, w city center hotel, winter in chicago
Afternoon Tea for a Good Cause
Posted on November 8th, 2011 by Cecilia Ehlenbach
November 12th has been declared “Get Steeped Day” by the Fairmont Hotel & Resorts chain. Get steeped? What’s this all about? It’s the Fairmont Hotel’s international celebration of tea day!
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th, guests can partake in an Asian Tea Time featuring a variety of Asian teas and dim sum and a special children’s menu. The event will take place at the Aria Bar, a contemporary Asian-fusion cocktail lounge, within the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park (200 N. Columbus Dr.) The event costs $35 per person and reservations can be made by calling 312-444-9494.
Additionally, some of the proceeds from the tea will go towards the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Grand Chefs Gala, an annual event that raises money for the Foundation’s research for a cure. So not only will you be steeping in style, you’ll also be steeping towards a good cause—seems like the perfect way to spend the afternoon every way that you look at it.
Tags: Aria Restaurant and Bar, Asian Tea Time, Chicago Events, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Grand Chefs Gala, Fairmont Chicago, Family Friendly, Millennium Park
Chicago Gourmet Returns to Millennium Park
Posted on September 16th, 2011 by Mike Chamernik
Phenomenal food is coming to Millennium Park on Sept. 24 and 25 for the fourth annual Chicago Gourmet, presented by Bon Appétit.
The event will be in the park on Saturday the 24th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday the 25th from noon to 5 p.m. It will be a celebration of Chicago’s culinary community, with two days of food, wine, spirits and beer tastings. Also scheduled are celebrity chef demos, educational seminars, book signings and more.
Chicago Gourmet Schedule
More than 100 chefs will be there, preparing dishes that guests can taste, and a number of local chefs from Chicago restaurants will offer cooking demonstrations. Local chefs include Rick Bayless, John Hogan, Dirk Flanigan, Tony Mantuano, and Stephanie Izard. National chefs include Jonathan Waxman and Mary Sue Milliken, both fresh from appearances on Bravo’s “Top Chef”. Internationally, Michelin-starred chef Stefan Karlsson from Sweden’s Fond restaurant will also participate, leading both a cooking demonstration and a seminar on traditional Swedish fare.
Grand Cru Tasting at Chicago Gourmet
Grand Cru Tasting at Chicago Gourmet will let visitors taste some of the finest wines in the world as selected by a number of the nation’s master sommeliers, like Eric Hemer, Joe Spellman and Serafin Alvarado. Some of Chicago’s wine experts, like Ryan Steins, Jason Carlen, Michael Muser and Aaron Sherman, will be there as well, sharing their knowledge.
Hamburger Hop at Chicago Gourmet
In a related event, Hamburger Hop will kick off the Chicago Gourmet. It will be held at the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over a dozen area chefs will compete to make the city’s best burger, as a celebrity panel of judges will deem who wins. Guests will enjoy gourmet hamburgers, beer, wine, and spectacular city views.
Unfortunately, Saturday is sold out for Chicago Gourmet, but tickets are still on sale for Sunday. Tickets for the Chicago Gourmet main event are going for around $165, and tickets for the Grand Cru are going for about $190. Hamburger hop tickets are around $95. Get your tickets now at the Chicago Gourmet website.
Tags: Bon Appetit, Celebrity Chefs, Chicago Chefs, chicago dining, Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Restaurants, culinary event, Illinois Restaurant Association, Millennium Park, Wine Tastings
Hop to it: Tix now available for ‘Hamburger Hop’
Posted on August 1st, 2011 by Elizabeth Pierson
It August, and for anyone under 18, that means preparing to start kissing sweet summer goodbye: jamming in a few more water balloon fights, campfires and backyard barbeques. But summer doesn’t have to end just yet, and neither do those delicious, burger-filled cookouts.
To kick off Bon Appetit presents Chicago Gourmet, get your burger fix at the second annual Hamburger Hop. On Sept. 23rd, 15 of Chicago’s top chefs will fire up their grills to compete in the Hamburger Hop, a friendly competition to create the city’s best burger.
An ideal launch to a gourmet weekend, this interactive event will feature a panel of celebrity judges to evaluate these juicy creations. Enjoy the entries (and be able to say you tasted the winner!) along with beer, wine and spectacular city views.
The event will be held in the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park (205 E. Randolph St.) from 6-9 p.m. Guests must be 21 and the all-inclusive cost is $89.
Love the Hop? Then check out the rest of the weekend with Chicago Gourmet, a epicurean event showcasing over 100 of Chicago’s finest restaurants and chefs. The event in Millennium Park and includes tastings, seminars and demonstrations devoted to everyone’s favorite topic: good-tasting food.
But kick off your feeding frenzy at the Hamburger Hop and savor the last summer evenings in style.
Tickets to the Hamburger Hop are now available online.
Tags: Best Burgers, Bon Appetit, Chicago Chefs, Chicago Culinary Events, Chicago Foodies, Chicago Gourmet, Hamburger Hop, Harris Theater for Dance, Millennium Park
Eye on India Festival
Posted on June 30th, 2011 by Rayvon Shelton
Have you ever wanted to travel to a luxurious destination outside of the United States, but your bank account would not allow such an elaborate getaway? Well, get ready to fasten your seatbelt because an opportunity to take a voyage to India has arrived and you have been chosen as its well-deserving recipient.
Beginning on July 8 and running through July 17, the city of Chicago will be transformed into an oasis of unique happenings and surreal opportunities with the first annual Eye on India Festival.
Presented by Indian-based Teamwork Films in partnership with Chicago-based Anookul Incorporated, the Eye on India Festival will honor India’s cultural heritage by showcasing the very best of what India has to offer including its rich music, dynamic theatre, unique literature, profound films, traditional health and wellness and visual arts. It will be held at a variety of Chicago locations including Millennium Park, Harris Theater, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Center.
Although some of the Eye on India Festival events are ticketed, such as a stellar performance by the acclaimed Dr. L. Subramaniam featuring the Chicago Children’s Choir, Natya Dance Theatre, as well as a sensational performance by one of India’s most prominent puppet groups, Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, majority of the events are free of charge. Visitors and natives alike are welcome to enjoy literature sessions, a film retrospective which features the acclaimed Indian actress, Tabu, an intriguing performance by British musician Susheela Raman, yoga in the park as well as an art exhibit creatively entitled, “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
Be sure to come out and enjoy the naturally rich history and intriguing talent of Indian culture. It is sure to be an amazing, sensational, and historical event! For specific locations and times for events, please visit eyeonindia.com.
Tags: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Events, Chicago Festivals, Eye on India Festival, Harris Theater, Millennium Park, Navy Pier
Things to do in Chicago
Posted on June 14th, 2011 by Amber Holst
This week’s Concierge Correspondent Kaitlyn Lawlor of the Wyndham Chicago hotel offers her tips for things to do and see this weekend in Chicago. From the iconic Maxwell Street market in Chicago’s South Loop and the Bike to Work Rally to family fun in Millennium Park, there’s a lot going on around town. Fortunately, our Concierge Correspondent offers her tips to help you chart your course.
Tags: Bike to Work Rally, Chicago Events, concierge picks, Daley Plaza, Family Events, Family Friendly, Family Fun Festival, Free Chicago Events, Kaitlyn Lawlor, Kaitlyn Lawlor Concierge Picks, Maxwell Street Market, Millennium Park, South Loop
Park Grill’s Burger Fest 2011
Posted on May 31st, 2011 by Amber Holst
Celebrate everyone’s favorite grilled sandwich – the burger! – at Park Grill now through Monday, June 6th. Devoting an entire week to the delicious concoction, their Burger Fest menu includes an assortment of burgers to suit anyone’s palate. Available during both lunch and dinner, the lineup includes:
PG Burger: 8 oz black angus patty, lettuce, tomato, red onion, seeded brioche bun ($11) herkimer cheddar, swiss, amish bleu, butter kasse cheese, balsamic onions, mushrooms, ancho cured bacon ($2 ea.)
American Kobe Burger: peppercorn crusted, gorgonzola, balsamic grilled onions, grain mustard on a pretzel bun ($17)
Marcotte Farm Butter Burger: sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, wisconsin mustard, butter kasse cheese, butter bun ($13)
Heartland Farm Piedmontese Burger: smoked gouda, bread and butter pickles, house made steak sauce on a potato bun ($12)
Faith’s Farm Berkshire Pork Burger: pickled ramp relish , buratta cheese, tomato conserva on a foccacia roll ($13)
Grilled Turkey Burger: cranberry chipotle ketchup, brie cheese on a brioche bun ($12)
Black Bean and Farro Burger: horseradish cheddar, smoked pepper aioli, onion crisps, potato bun ($13)
Wild Alaskan Salmon Burger: ginger pineapple relish, napa cabbage kimchi salad ($14)
For reservations, please call Park Grill at 312-521-PARK.
Tags: Burger Fest 2011, Chicago Burger Fest, Millennium Park, Millennium Park Chicago, Millennium Park dining, park grill, Park Grill Chicago
Here Come the Hawks
Posted on February 15th, 2011 by Amber Holst
Sport your favorite Blackhawks gear and head to the Park Grill this Saturday, Feb. 19, as your favorite Hawks players will take to the ice in front of the restaurant beginning at 3 p.m. The rink opens to the public at 8 a.m. with a “Meet & Greet” with Blackhawks players taking place from 3 to 4 p.m. Representatives from the Blackhawks organization will be passing out 200 wristbands on a first-come-first-serve basis to those who want to meet a player and get an autograph. Afterward, cozy up inside and enjoy specials including the Blackhawk Burger (lettuce, tomato, Herkimer cheddar, and ancho cured bacon on a seeded bun).
On Sunday, Feb. 20, the Park Grill offers patrons a chance to watch the live broadcast of the Blackhawks/Penguins game on the big screen while enjoying food and drink specials from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Added bonus? Captain Morgan himself will be on-hand for photos while servers mix up specialty cocktails like the Ginger Mojito (Captain Morgan, Gosling’s ginger beer, mint, lime and ginger) and Pirates Brew (Captain Morgan, macerated cranberries, Granny Smith apple puree, cider, cinnamon bark simple syrup and Gosling’s ginger beer).
Tags: blackhawks events, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Events, ice skating, mccormick tribune ice rink, Millennium Park, park grill
Video Picks of the Week
Posted on December 2nd, 2010 by Amber Holst
Each week, our Chicago Concierge Correspondents give readers an insider’s tip on what to do this weekend in a short video clip. This week, Gail Walker of the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park hotel tells us about a holiday shopping extravaganza at the Merchandise Mart and that something wicked this way comes… again
This week’s picks:
- Broadway in Chicago’s “Wicked” at the Cadillac Palace Theatre
- The Merchandise Mart’s One of a Kind Show & Sale Chicago
- The Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park Hotel
Tags: Cadiallac Palace Theatre, Chicago Events, Concierge Preferred Picks, Merchandise Mart, Millennium Park, Weekender, Wicked
