Ok, so the title is alittle weird but I promise this won’t stink.
Whether you want to pamper yourself or relax your feet after a long day of exploring our wonderful city, here are a few options from off-the-beaten path spas that will make you smell and possibly act a bit fruity.
Allyu Spa located at 600 W. Chicago Ave., just 5 minutes via taxi from the hotel. This spa provides massage, skin, sauna, acupuncture, and most importantly (to this posting) manicures and pedicures. Their signature manicure and pedicure treatments draw upon the wisdom of earth-honoring cultures from around the world and incorporate natural ingredients to beautify, nourish and detoxify your hands and feet. A few options are: Andean - honey powder, Bolivian pink salts, quinoa meal, lemon verbena, pumpkin and avocado butter. Indian - coconut milk, garbanzo bean, ginger, herbal clays, yogurt, and kokum butter. Indonesian -coconut milk, brown sugar, honey, kaolin clay, yogurt, honey, and mango butter. Mediterranean - Dead Sea salts, aloe, couscous, orange peel, yogurt, mint, and shea butter
Think of it as a cultural experience for your fingers and toes.
Spa Space, located at 161 N. Canal Street just 10 minutes via taxi from the hotel, has quickly become one of the innovators of spa services in Chicago. Their services have been covered in Shape, InStyle, and Red Streak magazines. For fingers and toes, they have a few options. First, the Rose Petal Pedicure, which includes a rose bath salt soak, grapeseed scrub and a massage with hydrating rose oil. Second, the Citrus Salt Glow (Mani or Pedi) which includes a citrus sorbet soak, intense salt glow scrub, orange blossom cream, and citrus sorbet paraffin treatment. Lastly, is the Mango-Pineapple Enzyme (Mani or Pedi)– mango fizz soak, pineapple papaya sugar scrub, pineapple papaya enzyme cream and mango paraffin treatment for deep hydration – very fruity. Not only can you get a spa service, but they also offer appetizers, soups, sandwiches, and entrees – plus you can bring your own wine (they’ll supply the glasses) for an even more relaxing experience.
Lastly is Mojo Spa in Wicker Park at 1468 N. Milwaukee, just 10 minutes from the hotel via taxi. Mojo Spa began as a quest for the perfect lip balm. Amanda Kezios, a personal chef turned beauty product innovator, made use of her talents in the kitchen to concoct a unique, natural lip balm that could cure her dry chapped lips. Mojo Spa creates over 200 innovative bath & beauty products inspired by comfort foods & nostalgic treats. All their products are handmade in small batches and utilize natural food ingredients, aromatherapy blends, positive affirmations, healing crystals and sound therapy. Their services have also been featured in magazines such as Allure, InStyle, Chicago Social, and Time Out Chicago. Any service can be either a manicure, pedicure or combo.
The “Hot Mama,” is a treatment utilizing warming Shanti Spice Scrub and Shanti Spicy Body Lotion. Each is made with a blend of apple puree, clove, cinnamon, and ginger. This service also includes a mineral rich hand and foot soak, exfoliation, arm and leg massage, nail care and polish.
The “Dr. Feelgood,” is an arm and leg massage with Dr. Feelgood Energized Body Relief Cream, a homemade cream consisting of a special essential oil blend, and sound therapy to help relieve tension. This is then followed by a mineral rich hand and foot soak, a Vitamin C packed hand and foot exfoliation with their Lemon Lust Scrub, an enzyme rich hand and foot mask, nail care and polish.
If that isn’t enough, check out either the “Sugar Daddy”, “Queen for a Day”, or “Diva Deluxe”. You won’t be disappointed and it will definitely increase your mojo.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts
Opaa!
The Taste of Greece Celebration takes place Saturday August 29th and Sunday August 30th. For two days Halsted Street will be bursting with food, music and fun from Monroe to Van Buren – everything Greek minus the big wooden horse.
The Taste of Greece is an adventure that offers the sights, sounds and taste that is all Greece. Walk Halsted Street, the center of Greektown – approx. 10 minutes via taxi from the hotel - and sample the fine Greek delicacies that we locals have come to love. Food such as gyros, lamb chops, shish-ka-bobs, grilled octopus and saganaki (the popular flaming goat cheese) are all available to taste. Just make sure you leave room for the baklava.
Besides, the gastronomic adventure, festivities include two live music stages, featuring the music of the acclaimed Hellas 2000 and Hellenic Five Greek bands. You can also learn the sirtaki, tsamiko, kalamatiano and other Greek dances. See the beautiful costumes of both mainland and the islands of Greece as three of Illinois' favorite Greek dance troupes will perform. Other Entertainment includes Belly Dancers, Greek Acrobats and plenty of Children's games, face painting and prizes each afternoon.
Spend a great afternoon educating yourself on the Hellenic culture and foods; don’t worry there are no large wooden horses or viruses that will crash your computer involved in this festival.
The Taste of Greece Celebration takes place Saturday August 29th and Sunday August 30th. For two days Halsted Street will be bursting with food, music and fun from Monroe to Van Buren – everything Greek minus the big wooden horse.
The Taste of Greece is an adventure that offers the sights, sounds and taste that is all Greece. Walk Halsted Street, the center of Greektown – approx. 10 minutes via taxi from the hotel - and sample the fine Greek delicacies that we locals have come to love. Food such as gyros, lamb chops, shish-ka-bobs, grilled octopus and saganaki (the popular flaming goat cheese) are all available to taste. Just make sure you leave room for the baklava.
Besides, the gastronomic adventure, festivities include two live music stages, featuring the music of the acclaimed Hellas 2000 and Hellenic Five Greek bands. You can also learn the sirtaki, tsamiko, kalamatiano and other Greek dances. See the beautiful costumes of both mainland and the islands of Greece as three of Illinois' favorite Greek dance troupes will perform. Other Entertainment includes Belly Dancers, Greek Acrobats and plenty of Children's games, face painting and prizes each afternoon.
Spend a great afternoon educating yourself on the Hellenic culture and foods; don’t worry there are no large wooden horses or viruses that will crash your computer involved in this festival.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Glamorous
The word of the week is: FASHION. Since Macy’s Glamorama 2009 is coming to the Chicago Theatre on Friday, here are a few ideas on how to spend a weekend with fun, fashion and food.
Start your weekend on Thursday night at Enclave Nightclub, one of the swankiest, trendy clubs in downtown. Located just a short taxi from the hotel, every Thursday night they hold a “F.A.M.E.” event – Fashion + Art + Music + Entertainment. Each week, different designers will model their clothing line right on the dance floor while the DJ pounds the music. They have hosted such designers as Ed Hardy and Chicago’s own Akira. Models, fashion, drinks, dancing, and music make it a great time – at least until they close at 2 a.m.
On Friday, the Chicago Theatre will host Macy’s Glamorama 2009, a night of fashion and music benefiting Ronald Mc Donald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Macy's will once again set the stage in style with a fashion and entertainment extravaganza that fuses famed musical headliners, such as Ne-Yo, New Standard and Jadyn Maria, with the latest in fashion from American, European and Contemporary Designers. You can keep the party going by purchasing a ticket package that allows access to the elaborate post party on the 7th floor of the Macy’s State Street store.
After two nights of partying, let our Concierge Desk arrange a variety of spa services – such as manicure, pedicure, massage and facial. We can arrange any service in room or at one of the area spas. Once you’re finished, let us arrange a private shopping tour at one of the shops on Michigan Ave. – places such as Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus or Banana Republic have designers on staff to help with every fashion question or suggestion.
Lastly, after a day of shopping on the Magnificent Mile, finish your weekend with dinner at Follia in the West Loop. Follia is a contemporary Italian restaurant serving everything from thin crust pizza to homemade pastas made fresh daily. The food is complemented by their monthly showcase of up and coming designers displayed in the front windows – making it feel like you’re truly in Milan. This month’s designer is Tel Aviv Couture – a talented, innovated and stylish display of Israeli fashion designers. If you like what you see, we can always arrange an appointment at their downtown showroom.
Start your weekend on Thursday night at Enclave Nightclub, one of the swankiest, trendy clubs in downtown. Located just a short taxi from the hotel, every Thursday night they hold a “F.A.M.E.” event – Fashion + Art + Music + Entertainment. Each week, different designers will model their clothing line right on the dance floor while the DJ pounds the music. They have hosted such designers as Ed Hardy and Chicago’s own Akira. Models, fashion, drinks, dancing, and music make it a great time – at least until they close at 2 a.m.
On Friday, the Chicago Theatre will host Macy’s Glamorama 2009, a night of fashion and music benefiting Ronald Mc Donald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Macy's will once again set the stage in style with a fashion and entertainment extravaganza that fuses famed musical headliners, such as Ne-Yo, New Standard and Jadyn Maria, with the latest in fashion from American, European and Contemporary Designers. You can keep the party going by purchasing a ticket package that allows access to the elaborate post party on the 7th floor of the Macy’s State Street store.
After two nights of partying, let our Concierge Desk arrange a variety of spa services – such as manicure, pedicure, massage and facial. We can arrange any service in room or at one of the area spas. Once you’re finished, let us arrange a private shopping tour at one of the shops on Michigan Ave. – places such as Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus or Banana Republic have designers on staff to help with every fashion question or suggestion.
Lastly, after a day of shopping on the Magnificent Mile, finish your weekend with dinner at Follia in the West Loop. Follia is a contemporary Italian restaurant serving everything from thin crust pizza to homemade pastas made fresh daily. The food is complemented by their monthly showcase of up and coming designers displayed in the front windows – making it feel like you’re truly in Milan. This month’s designer is Tel Aviv Couture – a talented, innovated and stylish display of Israeli fashion designers. If you like what you see, we can always arrange an appointment at their downtown showroom.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Micro Brew Me
I can honestly say I was not a drinker when I first moved to Chicago - that changed quickly. Not because of the stress or any negative reason, but because of a new found fondness of microbrews and craft beers. Too often people slam beer after beer and don’t appreciate the finer qualities such as color, head, aroma, and bouquet (the multiple favors, after taste, etc.). I know that I now sound like a beer snob, but going to a neighborhood bar and sitting outside in the warm summertime air, enjoying a great local brew is a fantastic experience. There are countless neighborhood pubs that make this experience possible – here are a few of my favorites that have taught me to drink less by drinking better.
The Map Room is a traveler’s themed tavern located in Bucktown, about a 15 minute taxi from the hotel. They take beer seriously and offer over 200 unique brands representing 36 different brewing styles from the U.S. and all over the world. You can choose from 26 beers on tap, cask-conditioned ale on handpump or one of their bottled beers. And if that isn’t enough, they have free Wi-Fi. The staff here is very knowledgeable and polite and will assist with any recommendations for the amateur and ignorant (as I am both). Try the Arcadia India Pale Ale - a well-balanced English-style IPA with a biscuity, nutty malt character, firm bitterness, and a floral hop aroma (dry-hopped with Columbus hops).
In layman’s terms, it’s really good stuff.
Goose Island Brewery is located in Lincoln Park along the North/Clybourn shopping area. This pub was started by brewmaster John Hall in May of 1988 and has quickly dominated the local scene and spread to over 15 states. Goose Island’s brewers craft a diverse selection of unique beers, seasonal brews, and have over 10 drafts to choose from every day. Besides the beers, they also serve outstanding lunch and dinner selections including their famous Stilton Burger. As you enter the restaurant, you can view the brewery equipment used to create each craft beer. On Sundays they also hold a tour that will take you inside the brewing process and allow you to sample six of their beers. My two favorite beers are the Summertime, colored just like sunshine with a light fruit taste, and 312 (Urban Wheat Ale), with aroma of Cascade hops is followed by a crisp; fruity ale flavor delivered in a smooth, creamy body.
Again, it’s really good stuff.
Lastly, the Matchbox in River West holds the title of most intimate bar in Chicago. Not in the romantic sense but because it is a bar with a dozen stools and that’s it. The building itself is unbelievably tight, with only a few inches separating the stools from the wall. If you are claustrophobic, sit outside on their large outdoor patio – which is the choice by many locals. The scene is incredibly diverse, you could be wedged next to a yuppie, an artist, a truck driver, an architect, a concierge or one of those lawyer types. This was my first experience at a microbrew. They serve over 35 different beers and are the main reason I got me hooked in the first place. If you get a little tipsy, head across the street to D’Agostino’s and get a slice of pizza.
So, remember to stop and enjoy each drink as if it was a cultural experience.
Drink less by drinking better.
The Map Room is a traveler’s themed tavern located in Bucktown, about a 15 minute taxi from the hotel. They take beer seriously and offer over 200 unique brands representing 36 different brewing styles from the U.S. and all over the world. You can choose from 26 beers on tap, cask-conditioned ale on handpump or one of their bottled beers. And if that isn’t enough, they have free Wi-Fi. The staff here is very knowledgeable and polite and will assist with any recommendations for the amateur and ignorant (as I am both). Try the Arcadia India Pale Ale - a well-balanced English-style IPA with a biscuity, nutty malt character, firm bitterness, and a floral hop aroma (dry-hopped with Columbus hops).
In layman’s terms, it’s really good stuff.
Goose Island Brewery is located in Lincoln Park along the North/Clybourn shopping area. This pub was started by brewmaster John Hall in May of 1988 and has quickly dominated the local scene and spread to over 15 states. Goose Island’s brewers craft a diverse selection of unique beers, seasonal brews, and have over 10 drafts to choose from every day. Besides the beers, they also serve outstanding lunch and dinner selections including their famous Stilton Burger. As you enter the restaurant, you can view the brewery equipment used to create each craft beer. On Sundays they also hold a tour that will take you inside the brewing process and allow you to sample six of their beers. My two favorite beers are the Summertime, colored just like sunshine with a light fruit taste, and 312 (Urban Wheat Ale), with aroma of Cascade hops is followed by a crisp; fruity ale flavor delivered in a smooth, creamy body.
Again, it’s really good stuff.
Lastly, the Matchbox in River West holds the title of most intimate bar in Chicago. Not in the romantic sense but because it is a bar with a dozen stools and that’s it. The building itself is unbelievably tight, with only a few inches separating the stools from the wall. If you are claustrophobic, sit outside on their large outdoor patio – which is the choice by many locals. The scene is incredibly diverse, you could be wedged next to a yuppie, an artist, a truck driver, an architect, a concierge or one of those lawyer types. This was my first experience at a microbrew. They serve over 35 different beers and are the main reason I got me hooked in the first place. If you get a little tipsy, head across the street to D’Agostino’s and get a slice of pizza.
So, remember to stop and enjoy each drink as if it was a cultural experience.
Drink less by drinking better.
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