Tag Archives: Michigan Avenue

Spiaggia: Killer Clientele, Killer Food

5It has been said that Spiaggia has the best Italian food in all of America by notables for Travel & Leisure and Esquire. Yep, read it and weep Northeast coasters who think you’re the only people to recreate Italian masterpieces.

Going strong since 1984, chef and partner Tony Mantuano is a name to be reckoned with in the world of cuisine. Everyone knows he’s a master, no contests necessary. Just take a look at the crowd that eats here: Michelle Obama, Sir Elton John, the late Princess Diana, Sir Mick Jagger, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel, Paul Newman, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Wolfgang Puck and Joel Robuchon.

En sum, “Il mio sogno realizzato” says Spiaggia owner and founder Larry Levy, his dream come true.

Hancock – No, Not Will Smith

Usually people think about the Sears Tower when talking about the Chicago skyline (and that’s now passe since it has changed its name to the Willis Tower), but the John Hancock Tower & Observatory is probably the second most recognizable within the incredibly tall array of Windy City skyscrapers.

Like a black dagger, the John Hancock is recognizable as the tallest building from the east end of Michigan Avenue, signifying the beginning of the Gold Coast neighborhood. If waiting in a long line to get to the Skydeck doesn’t seem worth it to you, the Hancock is definitely the way to go. Plus, all the fun lies in having a cocktail or dinner at The Signature Room at the 95th. You may recognize the restaurant as its been the star in plenty of movies. Rene Zelweger once awaited her proposal here in The Bachelor with Chris O’Donnell. This building is also the last place to host Chris Farley, who died within in his apartment on a lower level.

Celebs aside, take in the view, it’s worth the wait. The line, the elevator and the service atop move quickly in order to get the most people in to see the sights. At the first level, shop away like any other ol’ block on Michigan Ave.

Simply Divine at Devon Seafood

In the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and two blocks of the Magnificent Mile, Devon Seafood is the Devon3MidWest’s answer to the freshest daily catches, delicate flavors and all the wine you could want. With over 600 wines and Champagnes on the menu, including plenty of rare boast-worthy bottles, there’s absolutely no risk of not finding the perfect accompaniment.

Whether it’s Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes, ahi tartare with fresh asparagus and herbs or scrumptious Georges Bank scallops, Devon Seafood has been mastering its changing menus since opening in 2006.

The chic interior competes with the “oohs” and “ahhs” gushing about over the cuisine. Looking like it could very well be an interior design boutique or hipster furniture shop with its lush velvet chairs, feather covered lamps, stone covered walls and perfectly colored wood floors, guests work up an appetite just by checking out the place’s digs.

When the plates arrive, however, it’s all about the catch of the day and yet, you’ll probably be back for the catch of tomorrow as well. For that, one has to thank executive chef, Scott Barrows. Thank you, thank you very much.

Raffaello Hotel’s Menage-a-Trois

Boutique hotel. Four Stars. Non-smoking. Raffaello Hotel proudly boasts being the only hotel in Chicago to hold down that menage-a-trois. Thankfully, their location is also a major perk, just off Michigan Avenue and surrounded by the Theater District, where perfect shopping oPicture 47pportunities and dining options galore. But we all know that means jack if the service sucks — and worry not. It doesn’t. The service is personalized and sincere; phew!

Next question: amenities of course! Here’s their bragging list:

breakfast room service, massage treatments, manicure and pedicure by Windy City Massage, concierge services, 24-hour business center, PC computer kiosks, 24-hour fitness center, valet parking, valet laundry, mini-bars, microwaves, rain forest showerheads, flat screen LCD TV’s, DVD players, electric shoe shine machines, in room safes, luxurious bathrobes, all cotton terry bath towels, 350 thread count sheets overlaying goose down duvets. 18th floor meetings and convention center; restaurant and bar with outdoor terrace seating

If all this doesn’t talk to you, maybe money will. The Raffaello Hotel recently threw $25 million to their space in refurbishment upgrades. So if checking out this space is on your radar, see if a package would suit your fancy. They’ve got one for practically every occasion (hot cars, bridal getaways, shopping sprees and many more).

It’s “Fromage” at Pastoral

Ooh la la!  At the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, you’re sure to hear plenty of French speaking voices coming from the France tourism office. Perhaps it’s no coincidence then that the best cheese in the city is found in a petite shop across the intersection at Pastoral. Orvieteo002

What may be the norm in France certainly isn’t here in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean we can’t have our cheese and eat it too. Pastoral focuses on small amounts of high quality cheeses from across the globe and if you want a taste, by all means ask! The fromagers are always happy to dig up bites of heaven for visitors to try. Those who become obsessed with their selection can go on to join the Cheese of the Month Club.

Aside from the cheese, Pastoral has freshly baked breads, plenty of charcuterie, and an antipasti bar. At this point the only thing one needs for a party is the vino- and they’ve got plenty of it.

There’s a reason Pastoral keeps swiping all the awards in Chi-town so stop by and taste why.

Allerton Hotel

Leave a reply

Picture 30Sophistication and style collide at this high rise hotel on Chicago’s ritzy Michigan Avenue. All 443 guestrooms are so beautifully furnished you’ll find yourself opting for a permanent stay. If you’re hankering for a cocktail, try M Avenue Lounge, where you can sip your drink by the fireplace in the center of the room. Now, here’s a hot spot.

Sutton Place Hotel

Leave a reply

Centrally located in the heart of Chicago’s exclusive Gold Coast neighborhood, the Sutton Place Hotel is the original luxury boutique “lifestyle” hotel when it opened as Hotel 21 East in 1988. This 4 Star, 4 Diamond property launched as The Sutton Place Hotel in 1995, where style meets personalized service and attention to detail. It is just steps away from Michigan Avenue, the exclusive boutiques on Oak Street, as well as Chicago’s finest dining and night life district. The spectacular setting allows guests to experience the cosmopolitan ambiance of the city set against a majestic backdrop in the heart of one of Chicago’s most affluent residential communities.

Westin Michigan Avenue

Leave a reply

Westin Hotel Michigan Avenue provides unparalleled service for business and leisure travelers with elegant function space for all types of events. At day’s end, unwind in the WestinWORKOUT Powered by Reebok Gym or join the Unwind, a Westin evening ritual from 5:30 pm to 7:00pm in the lobby, then try rejuvenating favorites at The Grill on the Alley.