I began visiting Chicago frequently after school, when my closest associates moved there. We went to the previous Bistro 110 and felt very proud after we graduated to drinks on the Violet Hour and the Aviary, after which dinner on the Publican and Woman & the Goat (nonetheless favorites). There are issues on this listing I’ve liked for 30 years. Others grew to become musts extra just lately. I additionally get just a little assist from my extremely opinionated family and friends. Let’s name them the HOFs.
1. Verify into the just lately refreshed and completely positioned Park Hyatt Chicago. Ask for a lakeside room (on an higher flooring). The Lake Michigan and Park Suites really feel as if you’re really on the water.
2. “Walker Bros. for breakfast!” HOF and Chicago native Brooke Garber Neidich advises. “49ers pancakes, very crispy bacon, fresh-squeezed OJ.”
3. Take an structure cruise. I just like the Chicago Structure Middle River Cruise. I do that each time.
A Chicago River structure cruise.
4. Have lunch at RL. Earlier than Polo Bar in New York, earlier than Ralph’s in Paris, there was RL in Chicago. It’s the OG.
5. Verify into the Peninsula Chicago. Additionally proper there on the Magnificent Mile. Have afternoon tea within the foyer and dumplings on the Shanghai Terrace. In winter ask concerning the skating rink!
6. The Langham (and its large, attractive rooms) can also be a favourite.
One of many Langham’s large, attractive rooms.
7. Stroll alongside Michigan Avenue to the Artwork Institute. (On the best way, take your Kapoor Bean selfie.) The Thorne Miniature Rooms are a should, as is the Seurat that impressed Sondheim and Grant Wooden’s American Gothic. The museum web site has an important “what to see in an hour” information.
8. ”The Subject Museum of Pure Historical past can also be fabulous,” interjects HOF William Li. “The Corridor of Jades! Go.”
9. “And the Fairy Citadel on the Museum of Science and Trade!” Brooke says.
10. Riverwalk? Sure, says HOF Kate Chappell, information anchor for NBC Chicago. “Finish with sundown views at Tiny Tapp.”
11. Do the Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio tour in Oak Park. Ice cream at Petersen’s (round since 1919) afterward.
12. “Go see Robie Home,” says my HOF niece and Chicago undergrad, Cayla, of Wright’s landmark. Reservations required. Afterward “get a Mediterranean omelet cafeteria-style at Valois, and attempt to sit at President Obama’s desk, or have wonderful Southern-inspired meals at Roux.”
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie Home.
13. See a present on the Goodman Theatre. The new ticket for 2024 shall be Taylor Mac and Rob Ashford’s Midnight within the Backyard of Good and Evil (June 25–August 4).
14. And on the Steppenwolf. Laurie Metcalf will star in an as but untitled present. It doesn’t get extra Chicago than that.
15. And something on the Lyric Opera.
16. “The chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped medjool dates at Avec,” I say.
17. “A steak and a martini at Gene & Georgetti!” Brooke says.
18. “The tuna crudo and stracciatella appetizer at Rose Mary,” Cayla says. (I second this, and likewise a stroll across the Fulton Market District.)
19. “The Hong Kong–fashion roast meats at Solar Wah BBQ,” William says.
20. “The rooster pot pie, truffle bucatini, and the burger at Armitage Ale Home,” Cayla says.
21. “Pasta at Monteverde. Any of them,” says principally everybody you’ll ever discuss to.
22. “The skinny crust pizza at Nancy’s in West Loop,” Kate says. That’s all I’ll say on the pizza matter.
23. The Kalamata rooster on the Athenian Room. It’s how Chicago theater royalty Carrie Coon and Tracie Letts rejoice their anniversary. (If that doesn’t matter to you, the remainder of this listing may not both.)
24. Wait in line for the Au Cheval burger. It’s a ceremony of passage. Similar goes for dinner at Alinea. I’ve by no means been, and am ashamed.
25. Go to a Garrett Popcorn store earlier than you allow. Get tubs of the cheddar-and-caramel. Carry me some.
This story seems within the October 2023 situation of City & Nation. SUBSCRIBE NOW
Editor In Chief
Editor-in-Chief Stellene Volandes is a jewellery skilled, and the creator of Jeweler: Masters and Mavericks of Fashionable Design (Rizzoli).
