Our guest blogger, Nikki Kanter from Add Bubbles To Taste is sharing some of her insider tips on how to spend a weekend in Chicago, taking us around three neighbourhoods with three outfits…
One of my favorite neighborhoods in Chicago is Streeterville, just steps away from the famous Magnificent Mile. Of course, there is over a mile of non-stop fabulous shopping but you will find several great attractions, eateries, and live entertainment as well. I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art in the morning, which is like an oasis of calm amongst city noise and commotion.
Beautiful floral gate, situated just outside the MCA.
Once you have strolled the MCA galleries (and the fantastic views on the fourth floor), world class shopping is only a few blocks away. I adore the Ralph Lauren flagship on the corner of Michigan Ave. and Chicago Ave., which carries everything from Polo to Ralph Lauren Collection. The attached restaurant, RL, is insanely delicious and an outside seat allows for some very interesting people watching!
The fabulous view from the MCA… Chicago’s skyscrapers!
If you want to take in another experience between shops, just head a few blocks north to the John Hancock Observatory to view the entire city through their glass ledge. It is almost impossible to leave the John Hancock building without some great photos.
When it’s time for dinner and a show, there’s no better all-in-one entertainment than Rush St., also known by Chicagoans as the “Viagra Triangle.” I recommend taking in dinner and drinks at Gibson’s, Carmine’s, Tavern, or Luxbar. If you do decide to try Tavern (the bar always draws a crowd), I highly recommend their lobster bisque soup, it’s quite heavenly!
Nikki’s outfit for a stroll around Streetville…
Just in Case cotton checked dress £169; Bloch two tone ballet pumps £105; Prada retro round acetate sunnies £195; Cetuem red nail polish £10.
The West Loop is a foodie’s heaven. We have Restaurant Row, Greektown, Little Italy, and a peppering of great restaurants along Madison Street as you head towards the United Center. For a quick coffee and pastry on a Saturday morning, I highly recommend La Colombe on Randolph Street. This is the real deal, but if coffee isn’t your thing they also offer bitter hot chocolate, made with no sugar, of course you can always add sugar if a sweet chocolate is more your thing. As for West Loop attractions, you will want to stop by Oprah’s famous Harpo Studios, the National Hellenic Museum in Greektown, the Jane Addams Hull House Museum, or possibly a Bulls or Blackhawks game at the United Center. When you want t o have a break from exploring, I recommend Artopolis in Greektown for lunch, they have the best fresh sandwiches, side salads, and Greek desserts.
Nikki taking a stroll through the loop.
The Loop is pretty quiet after 7 pm, but for a lively dinner, I strongly recommend hitting Restaurant Row on Randolph St. If you are planning your trip to Chicago far in advance, try to score a reservation at Chicago’s hottest restaurant, Girl & The Goat. Or you can arrive when they open to try and reserve two seats at the bar! Other great options include Au Cheval, Jaipur (Michelin-recognized Indian cuisine), Sawtooth (Michelin-recognized Vietnamese cuisine), and Grange Hall Burger Bar. Grange Hall only serves locally sourced food and it is a great way to learn more about local farms in the area. If you or your companion is vegan, you also might want to try Karyn’s on Green.
What to wear in the loop…
MiH Jeans £143; American Vintage diamond print silk top £91; IRO alessia wool smoking jacket £300.
Sweetlime tibetan gau amulet necklace £325; Ash roxy cork sandal, £139.
On Sunday I’d take a cab or the L train south into the Ukrainian Village, it boasts my favorite place for brunch in the entire city: The Bleeding Heart Bakery. Whether you order the micro herb omelet, pumpkin waffles, eggs benedict or vegan s’mores pancakes, you really cannot go wrong. I also recommend picking up pastries at their carryout counter to go for a pick me up treat later on in the day. If you can’t make it to the Ukrainian Village during breakfast time, just head next door to Roots for some seriously good pizzeria fare. I highly recommend the fried mozzarella sticks. If you’re looking for some entertainment then head to Empty Bottle. A great venue for the afternoon as well as in the evening, so whenever you’re in the area there’ll be something on for you to enjoy, check out their site for listings before your trip to see if anything in particular takes your fancy.
Once you’ve enjoyed brunch in the Ukarinian Village I’d head to Wicker Park where there is plenty to do from galleries, crafty goods and shops to dining, and bars. You’ll know it when you see it… especially the Flat Iron Arts Building with the giant Michael Jackson painting in one of its windows. This is a very lively neighborhood, especially at night! Try to get into The Violet Hour on N. Damen for an artisan cocktail or two before heading over to Double Door. You can also see avante garde performances in various gallery loft spaces, like Enemy.
Sunday’s outfit…
Matthew Williamson peacock print smock shirt £349; J Brand skinny nightwash jeans £240; Ash nina cuban ankle boot £179; Matthew Williamson by Linda Farrow aviator sunglasses £230; Vida Vida mini explorer tan bag £50.
