Perspective

In the words of Anton Ego from the movie Ratatouille, “…That’s it. I’d like some fresh, clear, well seasoned perspective. Can you suggest a good wine to go with that?”

Oddly enough, the position of a concierge is to do just that – and on occasion that also involves wine. I would like to cast some perspective on the most common questions I am asked.

Taxis – There are many cab companies operating in the downtown area. They are pretty much the same expect I have found that the purple ones have more leg room, which is important to taller people such as myself. Ninety Nine percent of them take credit cards; although cash is always nice…

Coffee – The closest Starbucks is on Walton and Rush, just two blocks away. After that they repeat every two blocks, and if you don’t believe me, I will place them all on a map. For a more local flare head to Sarah’s Pastries on Oak Street and get a cup of Intelligentsia coffee, a locally roasted coffee.

Food - We have plenty of it. This is where a lot of my perspective goes into play – whether it is a fun place, interesting cuisine, atmosphere, your favorite dish or drink. The Chicago Style deep dish pizza is an excellent choice. If you have leftovers, stick them in the refrigerator and have them for breakfast.

Music – Chicago has a diverse music scene. Close to the hotel you have places like jazz clubs such as Jilly’s, Backroom, and Andy’s, plus the Underground Wonder Bar which has a mix of rock/blues/jazz. Otherwise clubs in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and the South Loop are just a short taxi ride away.

Popcorn – The famed Garrett’s Popcorn has relocated their Michigan Ave. store to Ontario Street next to the Coach store. It is worth the wait and try the warm caramel corn – good stuff.

Weather – It is always windy.

Hotel History – The hotel was originally built in 1927 as the Davis Hotel. There is a rich history behind the hotel, the meaning of “Knickerbocker”, the secret staircase, the Playboy years, and other intriguing aspects. Stop by the desk and I would be more than happy to take you around.

Area Maps – We have them available to the Concierge Desk. We have maps for shopping, eating, walking, jogging, transportation and every other thing that takes a map. You can also scroll down on our blog and view our Google map. It is loaded with restaurants, bars, nightlife, movie theatres, stage theatres, tours, links and more.

Hotel Features – The hotel has three different options for dining. Our main restaurant, NIX, is open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for lunch. After 2 p.m. our famed Martini Bar opens and offers a small menu of seasonal faire and over 50 different martinis. They also have live music Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Our room service department is open Sunday – Thursday from 6:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; 5:30p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; and 10:45 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Friday’s and Saturdays it will be open 24 hours. Also, the hotel offers complimentary shoe shine, valet laundry service, and a fitness center with cardio equipment that is available 24 hrs. Unfortunately, our hotel does not have a pool/hot tub, but our concierge team can offer alternative choices – I have heard Lake Michigan is wonderful this time of year…

That covers the basics. As you might expect, I have a lot to say, so just ask. It will be well seasoned, and if you’re nice it might include a glass of wine.

The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel’s
Holiday Celebrations, 2009


The historic Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel welcomes you to the best destination in downtown Chicago for the holidays. Located in the gateway to the Magnificent Mile, the Knickerbocker is near Water Tower Place, John Hancock Tower and Navy Pier and offers accessibility to all the city’s landmarks and attractions to make your holiday season memorable.

We invite you to kick off the official holiday season with us on November 21, 2009. Before attending Chicago’s 18th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, join us in the hotel lobby which will be transformed in to a magical holiday setting complete with Charles Dickens carolers from 2:00pm-5:00pm along with complimentary hot apple cider, eggnog, and assorted petit fours. The hotel’s culinary team will showcase a gingerbread replica of the Knickerbocker Hotel made environmentally friendly with green roof and solar panels and roof-top herb gardens.


Thanksgiving Dining in Nix
Thursday, November 26, 2009 12:00pm-4:00pm

Choice of one from each course:

Starter
Baby Mixed Greens Tossed with Roasted Pear Wedges, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Roasted Yellow Beets and Dried Cranberries with a Sherry Walnut Vinaigrette
-or-
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Sage

Entree
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast Sliced with Traditional Gravy, Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Shallots and Chicken Broth alongside Homestyle Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes
-or-
Dijon and Rosemary Crusted Pork Loin with Sauce Robert,
Roasted Root Vegetables Finished with Parsley and Thyme
Whipped Sweet Potatoes Drizzled with Brown Sugar, Pecans and Butter

Dessert
Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake or Caramel Apple Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Amaretto Cream
Assorted Dinner Rolls with Butter Roses

Adults $45.00
Children 3 to 12 $22.00


Christmas Day Brunch in Nix
Friday, December 25, 2009 9:00am-2:00pm

Freshly Baked Breakfast Breads Including Croissants, Muffins, Danishes & Assorted Bagels with Cream Cheese

Fresh Seasonal Melons & Berries

Oatmeal with Dried Cranberries, Cinnamon & Brown Sugar

Traditional Eggs Benedict
Seared Canadian Bacon & Toasted English Muffins Topped with Hollandaise Sauce

Farm Fresh Scrambled eggs

Omelet Station
Diced Tomato, Onions, Peppers, Spinach, Mushrooms, Cheddar, Swiss or Goat Cheese, Brown Sugar Cured Bacon, Maple Syrup Sausage, Ham, Chicken Sausage or Fresh Chopped Herbs

Classic Belgian Waffles

Orange Granola Pancakes
Accompanied with Maple Butter, Whipped Butter, Whipped Cream,
Sliced Strawberries & Hot Maple Syrup

Fresh Herbed Breakfast Potatoes

Brown Sugar Cured Bacon Strips

Maple Syrup Sausage Links

Juice:Cranberry, Fresh Squeezed Orange & Grapefruit

Fresh Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee & Teas

Adults $25.00
Children 3 to 12 $13.00


New Year’s Eve
Thursday, December 31, 2009 5:00pm – 2:00am

Join us in the Martini Bar on New Years Eve where we will feature live jazz piano from 5:00pm-7:00pm and the Chad Willets Trio from 10:00pm-1:00am. At midnight we will welcome 2010 with a balloon drop, party favors and a Champaign toast.

New Year’s Day
Friday, January 1, 2010 8:00am-1:30pm

Join us for breakfast in Nix Restaurant and enjoy a breakfast buffet with Assorted Juices, Cereal, Seasonal Fruit, Flavor yogurt, Fresh Baked Breads, Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage & a Specialty Entrée, Includes Coffee, Tea or Decaf
Adult $18.00 Children 3 to 12 $9.00