Chicago Chic
Your guide to a cool weekend in the Windy City
They call Chicago Second City, but when it comes to producing folks who end up at the absolute top of their game, it's second to none: a certain media mogul and the leader of the free world come to mind.
Maybe that's why you’ve decided on the Windy City for a weekend jaunt. Or perhaps you actually live there and need to rekindle that magic. The only catch is there’s just three days to do it. Where to stay, what to eat, what to do? We have just the itinerary. One that follows the 10 minute rule - everything listed is within 10 minutes of home base. You only have 72 hours so you gotta make the most of it.
Stay/Eat: One of the city’s most celebrated boutique hotels, The James Chicago, opened in 2006, but it got even better over the summer with a style refresh. Intended to resemble a great residential building and not a hotel, The James Chicago is the perfect way to pay homage to Chicago’s great architectural legacy. Of the 297 rooms, choose from four categories: guestrooms, studios and lofts, one-bedroom apartments, and penthouse lofts. Comfy platform beds, bathroom towels neatly folded over a slanted ladder, and a cozy sitting area are just a few of the homey, loft-living touches. Amenities such as slate-tiled marble bathrooms, plasma screens, complimentary Wi-Fi, and stereos with iPod/MP3 docks make The James a perfect example of the best of both worlds.
Its top-notch offerings extend throughout the hotel. At $12, The James Mixing Glass at the mini-bar is like a drinking measuring cup of sorts and includes recipes for such cocktail concoctions as the Moscow Mule and a shaker. An on-site gym and spa help to ensure optimum fitness and wellness. Meanwhile, David Burke’s Primehouse takes care of guests’ gastronomic needs in-room or in-restaurant. Best of all, The James’ central location makes walking a breeze, and there are even complimentary PUBLIC bikes to journey faster. www.jameshotels.com, 55 East Ontario, 312.337.1000
Shop: Fighting that style demon is hard with London’s Topshop/Topman a mere ten-minute stroll away. At its new Chicago home--just its second international location--find exclusive items including a rainbow shag vest as well as the signature British style that has made Topshop/Topman a style destination for trendsetters of all genders around the world. Given the temptations, we think your angel will forgive a slip-up. facebook.com/topshop, 830 N. Michigan Avenue, 312.280.6834
Eat/Drink: Mercat a la Planxa is definitely worth the five-to-ten-minute cab ride from The James, especially since the culinary journey travels back to Spain--Catalonia specifically. “A la Planxa” basically means “grilled,” so expect lots of charred goodness that even spills over into inventive drinks such as the Charred Pineapple Mojito, made with charred pineapple-infused rum. For the first-timer, the chef’s tasting menus are the best way to go. With offerings like seared scallops (Veneras), garlic shrimp (Gambas Al Ajillo), and the most divine olives (Olives), there won’t be much that you won’t like at Mercat. Just remember to make a reservation on the weekend. www.mercatchicago.com, 638 S. Michigan Avenue, 312.765.0524
Lounge/Drink: Our new fave spot, Studio Paris, is just a 10-minute walk from The James. Ascend the stairs next door to Paris Club and enter a world created for Chicago’s hip and beautiful. After all, it is a functioning photographer’s space. Champagne is a specialty so get bubbly with Veuve, Ace of Spades, and Dom, among others. Do plan to stand though, or better yet, just dance www.parisclubchicago.com , 59 W. Hubbard, 312.595.0800
Tip from US: Jump over to UPTOWN for their round up of Chicago's best options for posh pampering.
