Millennium Knickerbocker Concierge Corner

February is filled with Autos, Art and the Circus!

2012-02-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

Come one, come all, the edition of the Chicago Auto Show has commenced!

The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto expo on the continent.

Put on your walking shoes and plan on spending the day checking out the newest models available by a plethora of automakers. If you are a serious car shopper there are multitudes of cars that you are able to climb in and out of all in one place. There are economy cars, family sedans, minivans, SUV’s, hybrids, convertibles, sports and luxury cars etc.

However, the biggest draw for visitors to the show is the concept cars, maybe one day we will see a car that actually flies and avoid some of Chicago’s traffic congestion!! In addition to the concept cars, many of the companies use the show to reveal new production models, talk about a brilliant marketing plan.

There are some interactive activities for the attendees to do: some of the motor companies are offering driving simulations and test driving tracks (although patrons are only allowed to be passengers).

If you are looking for a way to escape the cold, come and enjoy the warmth and wonder of the Chicago Auto Show!

The show runs -- Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 19 (February 10-18: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., February 19: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Located: McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive

Entrance Fees: $11 for adults, $7 for seniors aged 62 and older, $7 for children 7-12 and free admission for children 6 and younger when they accompany a paying adult.
Advance tickets may be purchased at DriveChicago.com

Chicago is very excited to present a new but temporary (February 10-20) art exhibit located in Millennium Park called Luminous Field. This is a video and sound installation (dramatic images and colors set to music) that was created specifically for Millennium Park and will illuminate Cloud Gate which is more widely known by many Chicagoans as “The Bean”.

A local theater company called Collaboration will be performing at Cloud Gate inspired by Luminous Field. The crowd can dance along with Collaboration and participate in interactive games, all synchronized with Luminous Field's videos and music.

Luminous Field will be on view on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 - 10 PM, and Sunday - Thursday evenings from 6 - 9 PM.
Last but not least, The Windy City Circus (a not-for-profit touring circus) comes to town February 17 – 26. The circus is comprised of aerial and trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers, Miniature Champion White Horse act and dog acts.

Ticketholders can arrive an hour prior to each performance and nosh on circus food while being entertained by strolling performers portraying historic Chicago characters. There will also be caricature artists and a “money box” in which guests have 20 seconds to grab as much “funny money” (coupons, etc.) as possible.

80% of the proceeds go to charities such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, and Special Olympics Chicago.

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave in Festival Hall. Tickets: $17.50-$45.00 for weekday performance and $20.50-$60.00 for weekend performances Call for tickets: 312-803-0096

Enjoy your stay at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago where there is always something to do in the winter, spring, summer or fall!

New Year, New Fun in Chicago

2012-01-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2012 and the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago!!!!

So far we are waiting for the dreaded Chicago winter to kick in but so far we have been very, very lucky with almost spring-like weather as we enter the second week of January! We are bracing ourselves for the wintry weather to kick in, although we would not mind it bypassing us altogether…

Thinking warm thoughts, the Chicago Boat, Sports & RV show takes place Thursday, January 12 – Monday, January 16 at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive).
Cost is $10 for adults and free for kids 15 and younger.

Whether you enjoy fishing or sailing, or being a road warrior, spend the day checking out hundreds of boats and RV’s as well as all of the gear that goes along with your hobby.

If you have always wanted to try to scuba dive, this is the place to be. Learn about the equipment, some basic diving skills and then hop into the heated pool to embark on a new adventure. No need to bring anything but yourself, this is free and the necessary equipment for the dive is provided.

Not a fan of swimming below the water? Make your way over to Paddlefest where you can try kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddleboards in the pool.

Feeling competitive? The Power Boat Docking Challenge has you steering your radio controlled boat while standing at the real helm of a full size boat. This is a race against time, as you drive your “boat” from the lake towards the marina and into a slip. Best times will win a prize!

There is also the Huck Finn Trout Pond for kids 12 years and younger. Random fish are tagged and if your child hooks one, they can win a prize.

The show is full of all types of activities so make sure to plan on spending the day at the show!

Once the snow starts to fly there are some family fun winter events happening in the city.
Come out for some fun at the 7th Annual Polar Adventure Days, which take place on both Saturday, January 21 and Saturday, February 18 from 12 - 4 p.m.

Activities will include ice sculptors, snowshoeing (free snowshoe rental available), discussions with participants of Iditarod dog sled races with Siberian Huskies on hand, storytelling, live music from the Old Town School of Folk Music and an area for arts and crafts.

Polar Adventure Days takes place at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Dr. (on the Museum Campus). Call to confirm scheduled activities for Polar Adventure Days as activities are subject to change (312-742-7529).

Another family themed event that should not be missed is Snow Days Chicago at Navy Pier. Snow Days starts on Friday, January 27 and ends on Sunday, January 29 at (600 E. Grand Ave).

There will be a snow sculpting competition made up of teams to from around the country, the world, and even Chicago high school students. There is also a snowboarding rail and dog sled demonstrations.

If you are looking to take in some of Chicago’s Culture, head to Chicago’s famed Chinatown on January 29th to watch the Chinese New Year Parade. This celebrates the Lunar New Year ("Year of the Dragon 4710") and the parade marches right through the middle of Chinatown. The parade features marching bands, intricate floats, lion dance teams, and a 100 foot long paper dragon made out of silk, paper, and bamboo.

The parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. (check start times closer to parade date), and the route runs along Wentworth from 24th Street to Cermak Road.

Enjoy your visit to Chicago, we cannot guarantee the warm temperatures we have had are going to stick around, but there is plenty to do once winter arrives!

Visions of Sugar-Plums

2011-12-23T17:17:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is in full swing and Chicago is abuzz with events happening all around the city!

One of the most traditional ways to enjoy the season is by attending The Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the Auditorium Theatre - located at 500 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. The show runs as a limited engagement (Dec. 9 – 27), so make sure to get your tickets now.

If you are looking for a more interactive experience you must take a trip to the world famous Museum of Science and Industry to see the 70th annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. Over 50 trees are decorated symbolizing local customs and traditions from places like Austria, Japan and Wales. Volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities take the time each year to showcase how the rest of the world celebrates the holidays.

While you are at the Museum, there is a phenomenal new exhibit called There’s Fun to be Done! Dr. Seuss & The Art of Invention. The exhibit focuses on the life and works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss. He is the creator of The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, and the forever popular How The Grinch Stole Christmas. There are drawings from the early days, sculptures and activities for the family to take part in.

You will also notice that the area where the Grand Tree is located will offer some Dr. Seuss flair. The tree is in the middle of the museum and there are ornaments and decorations representing his work.

The exhibit will be in Chicago until January 8, 2012.

The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637

If you are looking for a day of indoor fun, head to Navy Pier for the 11th Annual Winter Wonder Fest presented by Bank of America. There is fun for all ages - games, rides, music, the Reindeer Express Train, Blackhawks Indoor Ice Skating Rink, cookie decorating and a beer garden (for some adult fun!).

There are so many activities and attractions at Navy Pier, make sure to check them ahead of time to plan your day - http://winterwonderfest.com/.
The festival ends on January 8, 2012 and is close on Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25, 2011).

Best wishes to you and yours on behalf of the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, as you celebrate this joyous season!!!

Turkey Day, Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights

2011-11-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, have you made plans for your holiday meal during your Chicago visit??

If not, look no further the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel and our very own chef Krista Lotesto! We are offering a $48/per person Thanksgiving 2011 Prix Fixe Menu at our very own NIX restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended so do not hesitate to call today. (312) 751-8100.

Start your day at 9am on Thanksgiving morning by taking part in the 34th Annual Turkey Trot 8K Run/Walk in Lincoln Park. Make sure you Sign up to register at http://turkeytrotchicago.com. In the spirit of the season, bring a couple cans of food to the race to donate to Greater Chicago Food Depository to help feed Chicago’s less Fortunate

After your delicious meal, work off those calories by heading over to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, which is located at Michigan Ave and Washington St. The rink officially opens on Friday November 18th and does not close until Sunday March 11, 2012. There is a $10 charge for skate rental however there is no charge for admission, so bring you camera and bring your best ice dancing moves.

Travelers from near and far enjoy a tradition takes that place from November 23rd-December 24th at Daley Plaza – 15th year of Christkindlmarket Chicago. This is a German market where you can find a variety of authentic fare such as potato pancakes, sausages, pretzels, beer and the hot spiced wine called “Gluhwein” which will warm the cockles of your heart on a chilly winter’s day. If you have a sweet tooth there is a standalone building filled with hundreds of German candies and bakery treats!

After a little noshing, you can do a little holiday shopping; there are numerous vendors that sell favorites such as the ever popular nutcrackers, as well as ornaments, clothing and beer steins. Tables are set up outside if you are hearty enough to brave some of those winter days, but there are also tents set up if you need a place to thaw out with some hot wine! Hours are: Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm, Friday & Saturday: 11Am – 9pm. Holiday hours for Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011 and Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011 is 11am – 4pm.

If you are looking for more outdoor adventure head north to Lincoln Park Zoo (LPZ) to see the Zoo Lights – where you can visit the animals at the zoo while enjoying almost 2 million twinkling lights. You can drive (paid Parking lot) but it is much easier to take public transportation to LPZ. The zoo is open 365 days a year and is FREE every day; something very few zoos around the country can offer. Zoo Lights start on November 25th every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night through December 11th. After that, in the spirit of the holiday season, the lights can be viewed every night from 5pm – 9pm, December 16th – January 1, 2012

Warm wishes to you and yours this Thanksgiving and enjoy your visit to Chicago!

Scenery, Shopping and Santa, OH My!

2011-11-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

Make the most of you visit to Chicago by taking in some of the best of the city has to offer!

Just steps away from you stay at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago; there is an endless array of shops and boutiques as well as world class restaurants on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile. Day or night there are breathtaking view from the 95th and 96th floors of the John Hancock Tower, the Signature Room and Lounge, or if you make your way to Navy Pier, check out the Chicago Skyline by taking a ride on the 150 foot-high Ferris wheel.

One of the biggest events of the holiday season takes place on November 19th – The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. A family favorite, Mickey and Minnie lead the parade to light up Michigan Avenue while Santa makes a surprise appearance at the end to kick off the holiday celebration!

Now for those of you that are sports minded, you have come to the right city!
Chicagoans are fiercely loyal to their sports teams, especially when it comes to football and the Monsters of the Midway… aka... The Chicago Bears.
So far we have been very lucky with our fall weather; however the Bears could use some of that luck to improve their record from 3-3. The Bears will be back at home to rumble with the Detroit Lions on November 13th at noon. There is no bigger thrill than to watch punt and kickoff returner Devin Hester zigzag down the field for a touchdown.

You can also catch the Bears at Soldier Field on November 20th when they play the San Diego Chargers. We take pride in our winter games, especially against warm weather teams… and we do not have a dome, so bundle up.

If hockey is your sport of choice, you must get to the United Center on West Madison to see the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. You need to experience the National Anthem being sung by Jim Cornelison at the United Center – his rendition is second to none.

Then to the main event to watch as Team Captain Jonathan Toews leads superstars Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and “the man who Lost 7 Teeth” Duncan Keith, to Victory. Their Schedule of home games for November are 11th (Flames), 13th (Oilers), and 29th (Coyotes).

Make the most of your stay in Chicago at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel!

Food, Food and More Food!

2011-09-14T17:05:00.001-07:00

This latter part of summer and fall there seems to be more new and highly anticipated restaurants opening than usual, everything from small names to BIG names.

Let’s start first with and oldie but goody back in the day. The Pump Room, the hotel which it occupied was sold and remodeled which was badly needed. But, the name will remain the same for the Pump Room. With a new fancy chef from NYC named Jean Georges Vongerichten, they will relive the staples of the Roasted Lobster and Wiener Schnitzel along with some trendy fare as well. Oh, and a local guy named Billy Dec, who has his hands in some of the best ‘to be seen’ places will be assisting as a consultant. Sure to be the place to be.

Another is the Slurping Turtle, I just love the name. This Chef comes with BIG accolades, Chef Yagihashi. This Japanese restaurant in the River North area will be worth the short cab ride, opening in October and serving your standard fare along with small plate to pick. Hmmm!

BLT American Brasserie, is going into the defunked Ruhlman space which is beautiful. So, no doubt this place will be beautiful and yet another NYC guy bringing his wares to Chicago. I really liked the NY location and I will be going here for sure. BLT will have a raw bar and will serve grilled meats and pizzettas. Sounds odd but this too will be a good one!

Tavernita, opening in my old favorite spot, Martini Park, hails a local chef, Ryan Poli, I like this idea! He will be doing an American Contemporary Restaurant with a European/Latin influence. Hope that makes sense?

Oh and last but not least! Our chef here at the Knickerbocker at NiX, Chef Krista Lotesto. She does great American Contemporary fare. She just changed our Breakfast Menu and it is for sure worth a look and the prices are the same as the neighborhood places. Though our restaurant is closed for dinner, the bar has a great menu from a jumbo crab cake to hummus and everything between. Worth a look!

So, you can check out our restaurant and bar……. Or wait till October for the others to open.

Hope to see you soon and if you need assistance please call Paul, Henry or myself, Sheryl and we will be happy to assist you with your requests.

End of Summer? Or not!

2011-08-25T14:25:00.001-07:00

While Labor Day is the official end of summer, to us Chicagoans, the end of summer is when the weather starts to get too cold to sit outside and dine and dance. Though several of the public parks free activities end as well as fireworks, it does not end the weekend festivals and fun. This Labor Day weekend Chicago will host the 33rd annual Jazz Festival in Grant Park, always a hit with locals and tourists alike. It begins Thursday, September 1st through September 4th. There is also a new festival, called North Coast Music Festival, which will have 50 different bands playing September 2nd through 4th. These 2 fests do not put an end to the weekend fun however. All through the month of September you will find things to do.

Last but not least are our baseball teams. Not, that either one has played well. At least for the Cubs, they too will play another 3 weeks of painful baseball if that is what you can call it….. Now on the other side of the City, on the Southside, we have our White Sox. They are in 5th place caused by a wild losing streak a few weeks back, darn! Anyway, it is still a great time catching a game at either park. Mainly because either park host tons of local Chicago food and tons of beer of course.

So, hopefully we’ll see you soon here at the Knickerbocker Hotel and just in case you need assistance or have any questions, you can reach Paul or me, Sheryl at the Concierge Desk. 312-867-7552
While Labor Day is the official end of summer, to us Chicagoans, the end of summer is when the weather starts to get too cold to sit outside and dine and dance. Though several of the public parks free activities end as well as fireworks, it does not end the weekend festivals and fun. This Labor Day weekend Chicago will host the 33rd annual Jazz Festival in Grant Park, always a hit with locals and tourists alike. It begins Thursday, September 1st through September 4th. There is also a new festival, called North Coast Music Festival, which will have 50 different bands playing September 2nd through 4th. These 2 fests do not put an end to the weekend fun however. All through the month of September you will find things to do.

Last but not least are our baseball teams. Not, that either one has played well. At least for the Cubs, they too will play another 3 weeks of painful baseball if that is what you can call it….. Now on the other side of the City, on the Southside, we have our White Sox. They are in 5th place caused by a wild losing streak a few weeks back, darn! Anyway, it is still a great time catching a game at either park. Mainly because either park host tons of local Chicago food and tons of beer of course.

So, hopefully we’ll see you soon here at the Knickerbocker Hotel and just in case you need assistance or have any questions, you can reach Paul or me, Sheryl at the Concierge Desk. 312-867-7552

Summer Fun!

2011-07-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather has graced us with sun, it is time to really enjoy what a wonderful city we have. There are so many activities around that it would take me several pages just to list them, so I will just mention a few that I love and should be experienced if given the chance.

It is neighborhood festival season and with that comes the opportunity to enjoy some of the diversity this city has to offer not to mention the incredibly talented creative community Chicago. There are so many food, music and arts festivals to mention. From ribs to pierogi, there is something for everyone to eat. Blues, Jazz, and Gospel music are all showcased in their individual festivals. There are several art festivals in different neighborhoods that help local and other artists promote and display their various forms of paintings, sculpture and jewelry.

Millenium and Grant Parks are full of all of the above during the summer. Almost every night, concerts can be heard in the incredibly designed Pritzker Pavillion. Summer dance is very popular with different types of dance being performed, taught and enjoyed on the weekend nights. There are several places to grab a bite to eat and sit and enjoy the kids (and a few adults) playing in the fountain or people watching near the bean. Buckingham fountain erupts every hour on the hour from 9:00am until 10:00pm with a light show accompanying the fountain after dark.

The beach is just a five minutes away by foot. There are several companies that rent everything from bicycles to beach chairs for the day. Day trips to Oak Park and Hyde Park allow visitors to enjoy the wonderful architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wicker Park has an eclectic mix of Bohemia and Designer Boutiques. Wrigleyville is a mixture of bars, restaurants and shopping not to mention one of the oldest baseball fields still being used (daily tours are available).

This is such a small sample of the wonderful things to do around the city during the next couple of months. The city is always full of activities, festivals, and events. Please see the concierge for tour information, rental information and times and directions to any of the many happenings during summer 2011.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Taste of Chicago

2011-06-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

One of the most popular festivals in the city of Chicago starts this weekend. The Taste of Chicago takes place in Grant Park and features food from local restaurants as well as music and entertainment. Grant Park is located about 1 ½ to 2 miles south of the hotel and is accessible by taxi (approx. $10), bus or by walking (around 30 minutes). The festivities begin at 11:00am and run until around 8:30pm (6:00pm on the last day). The best part is that the festival is free!!! Tickets may be purchased at several booths in order to sample some of the local fare. Having been several times, I find the best time to go is early as the crowds will be slightly less than later in the day.

There are over 50 local food vendors that range from ribs to dessert. Ely’s cheesecake is one of the most popular attractions and believe me, there is a reason. Of course there is the traditional Chicago style pizza and hot dogs, but don’t miss out on the variety of international delights as well like the Star of Siam and Lao Sze Chuan.

Music ranges from country, rock and rock and roll to Celtic. Natalie Cole will be performing as well as the young Greyson Chance. One very popular evening includes highlights from some of the Broadway style shows playing in Chicago or coming soon. There is a Latino music themed evening as well as a Celtic themed night. Two stages will house all of these diverse acts.

I hope you can enjoy one of the most popular events in the city. Remember that it does get crowded and to keep hydrated (water, not beer!).

Enjoy!

Jeff

Let’s Talk Food

2011-05-26T17:40:00.001-07:00

I thought since the restaurant show was in town, I would tell you about some of my favorite foods around town. I am not a picky eater and will try almost everything once. There are so many amazing foods in this city and I am continually surprised by the taste and creativity throughout the entire city.

I am going to get the appetizers out first, just like the restaurants. For outstanding nachos, Hub 51 has the best I have had. Try the crab or the chicken, you won’t be disappointed. No one does Calamari like the Capital Grill with a mixture of lightly breaded calamari and banana peppers sautéed in garlic butter. EPIC has an amazing gnocchi appetizer that is indescribable. RL does a buttery lobster bisque perfect for an afternoon lunch. No place like Shaw’s for oysters. I will talk about Macaroni and Cheese in a bit, but Sweetwater has a fried Mac N Cheese appetizer that is incredibly good.

Let’s take a look at some of the side dishes that I have enjoyed. I am a huge Macaroni and Cheese fan, if you couldn’t tell from the last paragraph and there are several places that do it amazingly. Rosebud Steakhouse across the street, Chicago Q, Wilde’s (it is actually a whole meal) are a few of my favorites. David Burke’s deconstructs the baked potato by mixing gnocchi and all of the wonderful toppings. Any of the potato or vegetable choice at Joe’s Stone Crab is great additions to a steak or seafood meal.

I have enjoyed the pleasure of many main courses throughout the area and there are a few that I thoroughly enjoy. It is hard to narrow down the steaks in town, but I love the filet at Benny’s Chop House and the 55 day aged steak at David Burke’s. For prime rib, you can’t beat the Saloon Steakhouse for quality and price. I dream about the crab cakes at Hugo’s Frog Bar and Ria not only prefers a beautiful halibut, but the presentation is art. The brisket at Q is “melt in your mouth” delicious. I absolutely love the tortellini at Carmine’s and any pasta Piccolo Sogno. I am torn between Oysy and Kamehachi for sushi. Lou Malnati’s is my choice for deep dish pizza, but a little place in Andersonville called Antica Pizzeria makes a mean thin crust wood fired pizza.

Surpisingly, I am not going to touch on dessert, because there are just too many to name (but try the espresso ice cream cake covered in home-made peanut brittle at Q)

Again, there is so much food in Chicago, it was hard to narrow down just a few favorites. I love to hear guests give me what they find is their favorite, so stop by and let us help you make a reservation and then come back and tell us of your food escapades.

Enjoy!

Jeff

Chicago: A Walking City

2011-05-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

A great way to get to know the wonderful neighborhoods is to jump on a bus or train, end up in one of the unique neighborhoods and start exploring. This was how I was able to acquaint myself with the distinctiveness and diversity of the various areas around Chicagoland.

One neighborhood that I call “Upscale Bohemia” is the WickerPark, Bucktown Area. Everything from specialized boutiques to resale stores line the streets along Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenue. Breakfast at the Bongo Room or a little lounging at the Velvet Lounge. There is plenty of shopping for everyone from resale stores to upscale boutiques. On the first Friday of each month, the Flat Iron Arts Building located right smack dab in the middle of everything opens its artists’ studios to the public for three floors worth of amazing local art.

The Southport Corridor is also a nice way to stroll one of my favorite neighborhoods. You can find all sorts of restaurants, bars and shopping along this one street, just off the Southport Brown Line El stop. The Austrian coffee shop Julius Meinl is a great way to escape to Europe with savory coffee and some of my favorite desserts. You can also try sushi at Sushi Mura or for something unique, Tango Sur is one of the only Argentinean Steakhouses in town. One of the only independent movie theaters, the Music Box is located here with live organ music played on the weekends.

I am always drawn to the Swedish neighborhood of Andersonville because it is one of the up and coming parts of Chicago with a unique amount of upscale resale furniture stores. While wandering Clark street, check out Scout, Four-sided framing and the White Attic. You will not go wrong by eating at Big Jones for Southern food, Antica Pizzeria for oven cooked Sicilian fare or Reza’s for Middle eastern. Hamburger Mary’s is a campy burger place right across the street from Byron’s Hot Dogs if you are craving a good old Chicago style hot dog. Make sure to save room for George’s Ice Cream or any of the wonderful pies or cakes at a Taste of Heaven.

There are so many other wonderful neighborhoods and if you don’t feel like exploring on your own, there are a few companies that provide neighborhood tours not to mention the variety of walking tours available throughout the downtown and loop area.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Passionate Chicago

2011-04-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

When I moved here years ago, I learned that Chicagoans have a passion about them that is unbeatable. Sports, politics, art, food and theater. Just ask anyone from here and they will tell you their favorite show, team or restaurant and there are many to choose.

Baseball season brings on the cross town rivalry between Sox fans and Cubs fans. I have learned that you are either one or the other, and which ever one you are, you’re a fan until the end. Last year, when the Blackhawks won the Stanley cup, the parade was attended by thousands and thousands of locals who were there to cheer on the champs. We are hoping to do the same for the Bulls this year as well!

When a show like “Wicked” or “Billy Elliott” stays for years, you know a lot of it is due to the support of local patrons. Why should it not? With local theater like Steppenwolf and the Goodman being so well respected in the theater community, it makes sense that Chicago can maintain great theater for a very long time. Let’s not forget about all of the other great and diverse local theaters. I have to mention the incredibly important presence of Second City, the improv theater that boasts many alumni of Saturday Night Live!

Let’s talk about my passion. Food. Chicago can now brag about having the seventh best restaurant in the world, Alinea. If waiting a couple of months to enjoy one of the best meals in the world is not your thing, there are plenty of other choices from traditional steakhouses to every type of ethnic food imaginable. And there are as many opinions about which Chicago style pizza is the best, as there are people. Luckily, between Paul, Sheryl and myself, we have sampled many of the local cuisines and can share some of our favorites.

There isn’t enough space here to talk about Chicago’s love/hate relationship with politics or the incredibly supportive art and music community in the area, so come find out what your passion is in this wonderfully, passionate city.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Shopping the Magnificent Mile

2011-04-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

How lucky are we to be so close to all of the major shopping in
Chicago? Right around the corner is one of the most notable and well represented shipping areas in the country. Being on the north end of the Mile, we are fortunate to be surrounded with the likes of Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Why not take advantage of one of our shopping packages to get your summer wardrobe. A wonderful stay in a beautiful hotel along with a $50 Amex gift card can jump start the warm weather season.

With three large shopping areas on Michigan Avenue, it is easy for men, women, and children to find something they may or may not need. Niketown, the Apple store, Garmin, the Crate and Barrel flag store, Tiffany’s, American Girl Doll Store are all within a few minute walk. There are several floors of shopping at The Shops at 900, Watertower Place and The Shops at Northbridge.

If you are more a boutique shopper, Lincoln Park, the Southport Corridor and Wicker Park are just a cab or train ride away to some unique areas of shopping. Andersonville has some very unique refurbished furniture stores as well as being part of the local Swedish community. Pilsen is an artist’s paradise and Randolph Street has a great weekend antique market.

Once you’ve settled into your room and unpacked, make sure to stop by the concierge desk for a shopping map and coupons to some of the local shopping.

Bye!
Jeff

Spring has arrived

2011-03-23T08:51:00.001-07:00

With the arrival of the first day of spring, many blooming activities will be arriving including the beautiful display of tulips up and down Michigan Avenue. In just a few weeks, a colorful display will line Michigan Avenue with various colors of tulips and daffodils. Besides Michigan Avenue, there are several different blooming places to see flora.

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a short bus or taxi ride from the hotel and is open daily from 9am – 5pm. There are four different display houses full of ferns, orchids and other various floral displays. Admission is free and adjacent to the Zoo which is free as well.

The Garfield Park Observatory is west of the hotel a few short miles and has a variety of spring floral displays through May. Azaleas and hydrangeas are plentiful with lilies starting to bloom right before Mother’s Day. The Conservatory is also free, open every day and was recently seen in Vince Vaughan’s newest movie, “The Dilemma”.

Further north is the amazingly beautiful Chicago Botanic Gardens. Witch Hazel, aconite and snowdrops are all in bloom and with the milder weather, there is more time to linger outside. With the recent occurrences in Japan, there is a “wish” tree where visitors can express their hopes and wishes for the people of Japan by writing a note and placing on a branch of the tree near the rose garden. Admission is also free and the park is open daily at 8:00am and stays open until sunset.

The various gardens around the city will be coming alive in the next few weeks, so make sure and get out with camera in tow and enjoy the beauty of Chicago.

Enjoy!
Jeff

It’s that time of year again!

2011-03-10T17:06:00.001-08:00

Chicago is positively obsessed with St. Patrick’s Day and with the weekend coming up, here are some of many activities surrounding the holiday. Besides the wide assortment of Irish pubs in town there are many activities going on, so pull out your shamrock covered shirts and get ready to drink some green beer.

One of the most popular if not THE most popular events of the day, which is celebrated on Saturday, March 12 this year, is the dyeing of the river. Each year, green dye is placed in the river to start the festivities. At 10:00 am the dyeing begins between Columbus and Wabash. It is quite a sight, but remember, there is no standing on the bridges, so make sure and claim a space along the river walk on either side of the river.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade starts shortly after at noon. The beginning of the parade is at Balbo and Columbus with a viewing stand near Buckingham Fountain. The parade is the largest in Chicago with numerous floats, bands, politicians and bag-pipers.

If you want to stick with the green theme after the dyeing of the river, check out a couple of local restaurants for some good old Irish fare. Corn beef and cabbage can be had at the Mity Nice Grill just three blocks from us. Although it’s known for its German food, the Berghoff will be serving up all sorts of Irish specials as well as music. For something different, try Chen’s up on N. Clark for a twist on eating Irish.

Of course, if you want to join in on the drinking festivities, there are several Irish pubs within walking distance including Dublin’s, Timothy O’Toole’s, The Kerryman, and D4 just to name a few.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Working!

2011-03-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

A new musical has opened in Chicago in the New Broadway Playhouse which is just three blocks from the hotel. Locals and previous visitors will know the Playhouse as the former Drury Lane Theater located in the Watertower Place. With plenty of eating options around the theater, it would make a nice outing for someone looking for something a little different.

Working is a musical based of the writings of Chicago’s own Studs Terkel. It is based on interviews he held with everyday working people from a flight attendant to a construction manager. Although most of the interviews were done several years ago, the production has been updated for a more current feel. Almost everyone will be able to connect with one of the many characters portrayed throughout the one act show.

The talent is some of the best Chicago has to offer with three men and three women playing all the parts. The production is such that all of the crew members “working” are involved and shown throughout the scene and costume changes.

This show may not be for everyone and the language depicts several of the working class members. The music is a mixture of well-known song writers from “Wicked”s own Stephen Schwartz to James Taylor. The theater is one of my favorites because it is a little smaller and there is not really a bad seat in the house.

Enjoy!

Jeff

Chicago Winter Dance 2011

2011-02-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite places in Chicago would be Millennium Park. The sculptures, the ice skating rink and the yearly events make it a great destination for any age visitor. This year, the Pritzker Pavillion is offering dancing every weekend with lessons first followed by open dancing during the month of February.

Basically running from 1pm – 7:30pm every Saturday and Sunday, anyone can enjoy a free hour lesson followed by an hour and a half of free dancing to live music and DJ sets. Classes are led by professional instructors. Every week, two different styles of dance will be offered from Swing to the Cha-Cha. Space is limited so get there early!

Refreshments will be available for purchase from the Park Grill.

Enjoy!

Jeff

Snow in Chicago

2011-01-31T16:52:00.000-08:00

It is said that the storm of the century is coming to Chicago! We are all anticipating and preparing for the worst. Some of the tours are already sending out cancelations and some flights are being canceled as well.

In case you do spend some more days in Chicago, there will still be many things to do! The Shedd Aquarium is having free days on the 1st and the 7th and the Adler Planetarium is having free days on the 1st and 2nd. Les Miserables is in town for 4 weeks only from February 2nd until the 28th so grab your chance to go and see them too!

The Knickerbocker is even offering a special rate for all that get stuck in the snow the next few days! Call the hotel and ask for the "Snow Special"!

We hope to welcome you to the hotel soon and until then, Stay Warm!

Skating in the Sky

2011-01-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

As you might have heard, the John Hancock Building has now a skating rink on their 94th floor Observation Deck. For $5.00 on top of your entrance ticket, you can put on the skates and glide with views over Chicago. If you don't have skates, not to worry as they rent out skates for $1.00 as well.

It was quite the experience. The rink is not big but for somebody like me, who hasn't skated in a while, it is just right. The ice is not actual ice but something that is ice-like. After a few rounds, you'll manage to find your balance and maybe even try a few extra moves. The sides will break your fall if needed.

The view from the Observatory and the skating while enjoying that view is something that you simply must try. They have a nice cafe now as well which serves Lavazza coffee and an assortment of pastries. Mmmmm...

The Millennium Knickerbocker is currently offering some excellent packages for overnight accommodations including tickets for Skating in the Sky, the Hancock Observatory, Knickerbocker mugs and hot chocolate and chapsticks!!

So for your next trip, consider putting on some skates and Skate in the Sky!

Have a great week!

A Bavarian Christmas

2010-12-17T16:32:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite holiday traditions in Chicago is a visit to the ChriskindleMarket in Daley plaza. This International market place is full of shopping, food and drinks. Mostly German in concept, several other nationalities have popped up with wares for sale from all over the world.

Potato pancakes, bratwurst and mulled wine are a few of the wonderfully seasonal foods offered at the market. A yearly collector’s mug in the shape of a boot filled with the mulled wine is extremely popular.

Shops filled with handcrafted goods such as nutcrackers, traditional smokers and glass ornaments are staffed with natives of the countries they represent. There are tree ornaments in the shape of almost everything imaginable. For those of you not familiar with the “pickle” tradition, ask one of the employees, my family has observed that tradition for years.

Since most of the market is outdoors, make sure and bundle up and take a camera for a picture in front of the beautifully lit Christmas tree or Santa’s workshop. The hours are between 11 and 8 every day until Christmas Eve and until 9 on the weekends. Daley Center in located right in the middle of the loop about 1 ½ miles from the Knickerbocker. A cab should run about $10.

Enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition!

Jeff

Wicked Holiday!

2010-12-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

A Chicago favorite has returned just in time for the holidays! Wicked, the thoroughly enchanting musical is playing for a limited time at the Cadillac Palace. Even in a venue different from where it played for years in town, the musical brings the magical story of the witches of Oz to life. It feels right at home in the Cadillac Palace Theater just a short taxi ride from the Knickerbocker Hotel.

For those who have not seen the show, it is a re-telling of the Wizard of Oz from a different point of view, that of the wicked witch of the west. It includes everything from childhood, schooling and the bonds she creates throughout her life. If you have ever seen the movie (and let’s face it, most of us have), the musical brings back childhood memories and mixes them with amazing music, enchanting sets and flying monkeys!

With such a short time scheduled in Chicago this run, you may want to get your tickets before it flies to its next destination. Let the concierge find you premium seats and a pre-show meal to go with it!

Chicago DeTours

2010-11-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

With the cold weather upon us, there are less and less options for good guided tours. One young lady has come up with a solution. Amanda Scotese, who has worked for the past few years with the well-known travel expert, Rick Steves, has begun Chicago DeTours, an architectural and historical tour that is mostly indoors. Thanks to the plentiful underground pedways, many of the grand and architecturally significant buildings of the loop are hooked by a series of passageways.

The two hour tour takes you to a variety of buildings in the loop from modern to historical, merchant to religious. It is a great way to get to know a lot about why Chicago is so internationally known for its architecture. One of the unique aspects of the tour is the use of modern technology in the form of the iPad. Historical videos and photos are integrated to give a little more background on what is and what was. Amanda has really researched the tour and provides little known facts about the locations visited. There is even an integration of local businesses.

The $20 tour is a great way to spend the morning in our incredibly historical city and can be scheduled through the concierge desk or on-line and is currently offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 about a mile and a half away from the hotel.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Q

2010-11-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

One of the most memorable meals I have eaten in a long time has to be a good old BBQ dinner at Chicago’s Q restaurant located just about a mile northwest of the hotel. Recently opened, Q has a relaxing atmosphere and amazing service. This restaurant is not going to break anyone’s bank as it is as affordable as tasty.

The server starts you out with bottomless homemade potato chips and bread and butter pickles. Although no one beats Mom’s pickles, these are a very close second. For appetizers we tried the calamari and the cheddar bacon hush puppies. Both came with delicious sauces, which are tasty but not really necessary as the dishes are good on their own.

Entrees include a variety of in house smoked meat including Competition ribs and half a chicken plus another choice of meat for only $25! Very affordable and filling!! I opted for the brisket with coleslaw and a side of Macaroni and Cheese. The brisket melted in my mouth it was so moist and the bruleed Macaroni and Cheese was some of the best homemade I have ever tasted.

Now let’s talk about dessert. The manager wanted me to taste a few of the desserts (he must know me!). First was a moist piece of carrot cake……second came a dairy pie, in other words, chocolate pecan….my favorite was the espresso ice cream cake covered in homemade peanut brittle. Fantastic!!!

All in all the meal, service and price were right. I look forward to my next visit.

Enjoy!

Jeff

Shows Taping in Chicago

2010-10-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

With the last season of Oprah currently taping here in Chicago, it is almost impossible to get tickets. But there are a few other shows that tape here that might be easier to get tickets to.

One of the most popular radio shows on NPR, Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me is taped here in Chicago at the Chase Auditorium, 10 S. Dearborn Street, right in the heart of the loop. The show is a humorous quiz show that mixes local, national and world events. Each week you can test your knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what's real news and what's made up. Shows are taped on Thursdays and tickets are available on-line but only six weeks before the actual show is taped. It is very popular so get your tickets as soon as you know when you are going to be in the Chicago area.

Two popular TV Judges tape in the area as well. Judge Mathis and Judge Pirro both tape locally and are always looking for people to fill the courtroom. Tickets are available by going on-line and filling out your information as well as dates you are available to attend. Tapings for Judge Mathis (http://judgemathistv.warnerbros.com/tickets/) are usually done on Thursday and Fridays. Judge Pirro (http://www.judgejp.com/tickets/) schedule is not available on-line. You can also get information on bringing a case to one of the two judges.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Frightful Events

2010-10-08T20:04:00.001-07:00

October brings about a large number of spooky events and venues to get in the Halloween spirit. Everything from scary movie showings to haunted tours can help you celebrate the frightening weeks ahead.

Navy Pier hosts its Haunted House “The Fear” almost every night and is touted as Chicago’s #1 Haunted House. The cost is $20 with students receiving discounts on Thursday nights. Check with the concierge for tickets.

Chicago Hauntings tour leaves every night Tuesday through Sunday and for $30, you can visit some of the creepy crawly locations throughout the city including some of the cemeteries.

Absolute Segway tours will take you on a spooky ride of a different type, guiding you by ghouls through the haunted locations downtown. The ride is $65 and leaves nightly at 6:30 and 8:45. See the concierge for a reservation.

An hour away is Great America’s Fright Fest which includes haunted houses, haunted rides and trick or treat activities for kids. The prices start around $32 and the park is only open Friday night, Saturday all day and Sunday all day.

There are plenty of other scary events to keep you in the Halloween spirit throughout the month. Check with the concierge for event schedules and prices.

Enjoy!

Jeff

The Lion King Arrives

2010-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

For the first time, the Lion King has arrived in Chicago for a limited time. Having been a part of opening night, I can tell you that from beginning to end, the show will keep you entertained and is well worth the price.

Known for its spectacular costumes and choreography, the show is a re-telling of Disney’s classic animated movie. The opening number is so involving and really pulls everyone into the show. The cast is incredibly talented from the young actors to the main leads. I can’t say enough about the creativity used to create an African jungle setting and the transition of landscape and use of puppetry really enhance the show.

Appropriate for both adults and children, the show runs just over 2 hours with one intermission and is playing at the Cadillac Theater over in the loop, about a ten minute cab ride from the hotel.

With its popularity, tickets may be hard to come by, so stop by the concierge desk and let us find you the best seats available as well as before or after show dinner plans.

Shedd Aquarium

2010-09-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautifully located museums in Chicago is also one of the most popular as well. The Shedd Aquarium, located on museum campus, is one of my favorite places to visit in Chicago because of the incredible diversity of exhibits and displays as well as the view of the city and lake. Having just celebrated its 80th birthday, the Aquarium is one of the largest and oldest in the nation.

The Shedd houses all sorts of marine wildlife and is known as one of the only aquariums to train and house the beautiful beluga whales. The whales as well as other sea mammals including dolphins and penguins have become part of one of the more popular shows at the Shedd called “Fantasea”. Ask Sheryl, our concierge, about her experience swimming with the belugas!

There are many other shows and exhibits that are all included in your VIP ticket which can be purchased through the concierge desk. The VIP ticket includes front-of-line privileges and most of the exhibits. There is a 4-D movie that can be added for an addition $4.95 at the aquarium (I won’t tell you why it is 4-D; just say that it is a fun way to enjoy sea life).

My favorite exhibit has to be the sea horse and sea dragon aquariums. They have a beautiful display of some of my favorite sea animals. The Shedd also has one of the most photogenic views of the city in my opinion, right out the front doors.

Enjoy!

Jeff

Murder at the Knickerbocker!!!

2010-09-14T21:52:00.001-07:00

Dinner theater arrives at the Millennium Knickerbocker this fall in the form of a Murder Mystery. “The Dinner Detective” will start performances this October on the top floor of our historic hotel. Come be a part of the show and enjoy an evening of fun and great food.

Beginning Oct. 16th, this event will keep dinner guests wondering what the next move will be in what has been rated the top murder mystery in southern California for the past three years. In between the four course meal of your choice, you will be a part of guessing whodunit with cast members intermingled amongst dinner guests. Be as active in the game as you wish, but prizes are given to participants who help solve the mystery.

Your ticket (only $59.95 with savings to larger groups) includes Hors d’oeuvres, salad, entrée, dessert and a fun-filled night of laughs and surprises. Cocktails and other drinks may be purchased separately. The show is perfect for anniversaries, birthdays or other special occasions and is the only show of its type in the downtown Chicago area.

As someone who has enjoyed Murder Mystery in Vegas, Salt Lake and Los Angeles, I am looking forward to the mayhem created by the characters both attending and performing weekly in Chicago’s newest dinner theater. So come on and do your best to help solve “The Dinner Detective”.

Enjoy!

Jeff

Free days at the Museums

2010-09-12T15:40:00.001-07:00

Most of the museums in and around Chicago offer free admission on certain days. For anyone on a budget, these days are a great and inexpensive way to visit the attractions throughout Chicago. A few of the museums offer weekly free days, while others are gratis a few days here and there. A good way to know how to schedule your plans around the free days is to visit ExploreChicago.org which lists all of the museums and their free days.

Throughout the 2010 year, the Art Institute of Chicago is free every Thursday night from 5pm – 8pm. and the Museum of Contemporary art is free all day Tuesdays. The Chicago History Museum offers free admission on Mondays and the Children’s Museum at Navy Pier is free on Thursdays from 5pm – 8pm.

Some of the other museums like the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry have various free days throughout the year. They are all listed on the website previously mentioned. We also list all of the free days on our “Concierge Weekly” available at the concierge desk or on the side of this blog.

There are several museums throughout the city which are always free including the beautiful Cultural Center located south on Michigan Avenue and the eclectic Museum of Contemporary Photography also south on Michigan Ave. Of course, the Lincoln Park Zoo is always free and only a 10 minute bus ride away.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Good Burgers!

2010-08-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

Even though we are known for our steakhouses, Chicago has a great variety of burgers in and out of the downtown area. Here are a few of my favorites:

Jake Melnick’s (41 East Superior Street) has a burger with everything but the kitchen sink on it. The Jake’s Smokin’ Q Burger is topped with bacon, pulled-pork, BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese. Be prepared to eat up as it will fill you up especially with a side of loaded fries.

Marc Burger (Seven on State, Macy’s) serves an upscale burger cooked to perfection and smothered in egg and a tangy homemade steak sauce. Even at $15, it is well worth the money. Make sure and try the spicy ketchup with the side of fries.

Berghoff Restaurant (17 W. Adams) known for its German food offers a great burger topped with applewood bacon, an onion ring, cheddar cheese and smothered in bourbon BBQ sauce.

Elate (Felix Hotel, 11 W. Huron St.) makes hand made fries to go along with its tasty Meyer’s Prime Burger. Creamed leeks and applewood bacon give this burger an amazing flavor.

Away from downtown:

Hamburger Mary’s (5400 N. Clark, Andersonville) has huge burgers and campy servers which make for a fun eating experience. Besides having one of the best patty melts, the Daddy Mac is covered in cheese and topped with their homemade Mac and Cheese. The fried Twinkies for dessert are pretty good as well.

Moody’s Pub (5910 North Broadway) is small pub in the Edgewater area and has one of the best burgers in town,no matter what topping you put on it. I like blue cheese, bacon and grilled onion. Next to the fireplace makes for a tasty winter escape.

There are dozens of other great burgers around town and with any luck, I will have tried them all at some point.

Enjoy!

Jeff

Architectural Boat Tours

2010-08-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

This past week, I had the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite touristy offerings in Chicago, the Architectural Boat Tour. Many companies offer this informative and relaxing tour, including the Chicago Line Cruises sponsored by the Chicago History Museum. It has become one of my favorite cruise lines because each of the docents is incredibly well-versed in the local architecture and history plus each one gives his or her own spin and experience on the tour. I also appreciate the free light snacks of cookies, lemonade and coffee offered on the boat.

I went in the morning before the sun was too hot and enjoyed snapping pictures of the beautiful buildings lining the Chicago River. From early 1900 to the present these buildings all tell the story of the building of the Second City. A few of my favorites include the Aqua building for its façade and the fact that it is the largest building in Chicago whose architect is a woman and the office building at 333 W. Wacker that follows the curve and color of the river. This building beautifully reflects the architecture across the river and makes for an excellent photo opportunity. The ominous Sears Tower and Trump International Hotel also make for great pictures along the route.

A couple of pointers when taking any of the Architectural River Tours would include making an early reservation especially on the weekends because of their popularity, getting to the boat at least 30 minutes ahead in order to claim a good seat and get your ticket, and remembering sunscreen, a camera and appropriate outdoor wear.

Most of the tour companies provided hourly tours so check with the concierge desk about times and prices. I hope you enjoy one of my favorite things to do in Chicago as much as I do.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Lines worth waiting in.....

2010-08-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

Occasionally while walking through Chicago you will encounter a line of people waiting for an event or to get into a store. I am not one who likes to wait for things unless they are worth waiting for, and there are a few lines that are definitely worth spending a little time in around Chicago.

Garrett’s Popcorn (Several locations throughout Chicago, nearest to the hotel is 625 N. Michigan Ave. ). Surprisingly, the line to Garrett’s was longer than the line to the Apple store during the recent introduction of the new iPhone. The Chicago blend (a strangely addicting mixture of cheese popcorn and caramel corn) would make anyone wait and I have.

Sprinkles Cupcakes (50 E. Walton). Dangerously near to the hotel, this amazing cupcake store recently opened to long lines and satisfied customers. The rotation and variety of flavors promotes frequent visits by locals and visitors alike. One of my favorite flavors is the Peanut Butter Chip. There is no way to explain the moistness or taste of this sweet dessert. So queue up and enjoy one for yourself. (See also previous Blogs about Flirty Cupcakes and Paciugo Gelato)

Hot Tix (two locations in Chicago, closest to the hotel is at the Visitor’s Information Center on Pearson and Michigan). If you have come to Chicago to see one of the many wonderful local or touring productions, you may want to check hot tix to see if they have any half price tickets. From drama to comedy clubs, a lot of the local theaters will have available tickets day of show and occasionally for upcoming shows.

Other lines worth waiting in would include any of the Jazz and Blues clubs but especially Buddy Guy’s Legends on the corner of Balbo and Wabash as well as the Green Mill in Uptown. Any show at the Aragon Theater would be worth waiting in line for just to see the amazing renovation of the historic theater. Shows range from punk bands to musica Latina.

Other popular lines within Chicago would be Hot Doug’s gourmet hot dogs, about 5 miles from the hotel and any of the Rick Bayless restaurants located on N. Clark, about a mile and a half from the hotel.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Alexander Calder Exhibit

2010-07-20T16:21:00.001-07:00

Just a short ten minute walk from the Knickerbocker is Chicago’s own Museum of Contemporary Art located just two blocks behind the Michigan Avenue Visitor’s Center. Now through October, they have a very impressive exhibit of one of America’s most recognized modern artists Alexander Calder.

Alexander Calder is known for his large mobiles and stabiles located throughout the world. Calder became famous in the 1960’s after several of his large scale pieces were commissioned for the Olympics in Mexico City and JFK airport. Locally, Calder is the artist who created the “Flamingo” statue in front of the Federal Center Plaza and the city even had a parade in his honor in 1974.

The exhibit at the MCA displays many of Calder’s smaller works including several stabiles and mobiles. The large exhibit space is divided into his bronze work, animal imagery and centrally located is one of my favorites, Spiders. It really is a good representation of his work and legacy.

Across the hall are exhibits from various artists that have been influenced by Calder and his artistic style. It is a really nice mixture of and American iconic artist and his influences.

The MCA is open Tuesdays from 10am until 8pm. Tuesdays are also free all day. During the summer, there is a small farmer’s market that sets up in front of the museum with local vendors selling everything from pastries to produce. Wednesdays through Sundays, the museum is open from 10am – 5pm at a suggested admission of $12 for adults and $7 from seniors and students. Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant is available for lunch with an express counter available for food during open hours.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Chicago’s Nicknames

2010-07-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Most people know Chicago as the Windy City, but a lot of people don’t know how that nickname came to be and that Chicago has several other lesser know nicknames as well. Many theories have come about regarding the naming of Chicago including references to the weather, the city’s rivalry with Cincinnati and the bidding for the World’s Exposition in the late 1800’s.

Although most people think that weather has a lot to do with the nicknaming of Chicago (as well as those of us who live here and experience the crazy wind bursts), the nickname has been blamed on boosters who used to go up and down the East Coast bragging about the wonders of Chicago. News articles started using the phrase “Windy City” in the late 1800’s, just about the same time that Chicago and New York both were vying for the World’s Exposition.

Modeled in a grid pattern, Chicago streets seem to form a wind tunnel that cools the summer visitor and freezes the winter commuter. Even so, Chicago winds are no stronger than those in New York City, just barely stronger than LA and not even as strong as Boston!!

Other nicknames include The Second City from a derogatory article in a 1950’s New Yorker article which is now the name of one of the most famous comedy troups in the US. Chi-town or Chitown is a shortened version of Chicago Town. The poet Carl Sandburg in a 1916 poem referred to Chicago as the “City of Big Shoulders”.

Some lesser known nicknames include:
City in a Garden, the translation of the motto on the city seal
Paris on the Prairie, given by famous architect Daniel Burnham in his plan of Chicago
Chi-city, Kayne West’s version of Chi-town
The Miami of Canada, referred to by Mr. Burns on the Simpson’s
My Kind of Town, song made famous by Mr. Frank Sinatra

Whatever you call it, Chicago is a city with a lot of passion: passionate for sports, music food and the arts.

Enjoy!
Jeff

Segway Tour of Chicago

2010-06-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

One of the most fun ways to see Chicago and its wonderful parks and architecture is by hopping on one of the various Segway tours around town. I had the pleasure of joining Timmie Cortina, the owner and operator of Absolute Segway Tours and her daughter Brit for an incredibly fun tour of Grant Park, Museum Campus and the lake front. I am still amazed at what a fun and easy way of jetting around the city the Segways are.
Even though I was a little nervous about using one of these convenient people movers, with a little training and encouragement by the instructors, I learned that these machines were incredibly easy to use and maneuver. Lean forward to move forward, Lean back to stop. It’s just that easy. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because although you won’t be walking, you will be standing for the entire two and a half hours.
After the introduction to use of the Segway we were on our way. Heading around Millenium Park to Grant Park, we took a nice spin over to Buckingham Fountain. There is a Bobtail Ice Cream stand there with some of the best ice cream in Chicago, so of course we had to stop. Butter pecan. Wow. We then headed toward Soldier Field and took a quick lap around the mixture of old and new architecture stopping briefly for a history of Meigs Field the old airstrip.
Museum campus was next, even knowing a lot of the Chicago History, I learned several interesting facts about the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. The crowds were huge due to a free day at the aquarium, but Brit got us into single file and lead us through without incident.
We then had the ride back along the water front, across Lake Shore Drive to Grant Park stopping briefly as art student Brit explained some of the uniqueness of the Art Institute of Chicago, another beautiful and fascinating building.
Two hours had gone by in a flash and I wasn’t ready to relinquish the Segway, but I had to get to work. I look forward to the next time I can cruise around with Timmie and Brit. One fun way to see one amazing city.

Italian Gelato

2010-06-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to enjoy a cup of freshly made Italian gelato the other night in Lakeview. Located about five miles north of the hotel and about a fifteen minute walk from Wrigley Field is the gelateria Paciugo. After living in Italy for a couple of years, Paciugo is the same freshly made gelato that I devoured daily in Milano and Florence. There are so many different choices that it is hard to decide, but a $5 cup will allow you to sample three different flavors at once. Make sure you ask for a sample of a couple of different flavors before you make that final decision. Paciugo has over 200 flavors that it rotates so you can go again and again and never have the same combination twice. They offer a selection of soy-based and sugar free gelato so everyone can enjoy the bit of heaven called Paciugo.

Italian gelato is usually divided into cream flavors and fruit flavors and Paciugo creates a variety of both. You can stick with the traditional flavors like amaretto or strawberry or try a walk on the adventurous side with a bite of vanilla lavender or lime cilantro. The last time I was there, I chose the traditional stracciatella (chocolate chip made with Italian chocolate) and S’mores, yes, the campfire favorite deliciously made into ice cream. With so many flavors, it is really hard just to pick two or three to enjoy. A larger cup allows up to five choices.

Only a short walk from the Cubs game or after the Blueman Group, Paciugo is a good way to end the evening or a good way to start a night of roaming through the Lakeview or Wrigleyville neighborhood bars and restaurants.

MARTINI BAR AND MUSIC!

2010-06-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our hotel! When you walk into the lobby of the Knickerbocker Hotel you are walking into history. Our boutique 306 room hotel was built in 1927. Along with the history we have a Great Bar in the Lobby and to go with it, Great Bartenders!

The Martini Bar is so perfectly named for it offers 40 plus Martini choices. Try getting through the list on a long weekend. Ok, you will no doubt need more than a long weekend. But, you sure will have a great time trying. If you are coming in Tuesday through Saturday you will get a chance to hear our great house piano player Chad. Not only does he play the piano extremely well, he has a great sense of humor and will take requests from the guests. But, he does have his house standards that always go along great with a House Libations and Conversations!

Almost forgot! The Bartenders! How could I do that? They make the Martini Bar. Now let’s start with David. David knows everything about sports. He is a Sox’s fan with great enthusiasm! But, he does love the rest of the Chicago teams as well. He is great fun and gets the bar going with stories and sports. I am at the Concierge Desk and in the evenings I always find myself laughing. Because I can hear him with his guests gabbing up a storm! Then there is Steve! He is great to tell you where to dine. Hey, Steve this is our job! The Concierge! All kidding aside, Steve is a great wealth of information and makes a Great Martini. Just ask him which one is his favorite to drink. He will tell you, he has had them all. Lastly there is Mora he has been working at the hotel for 22 years. That is right! 22 YEARS! Mora is quiet but nice as pie and makes a fantastic Bloody Mary. Perfectly suited for a morning pick you up! Stop by and see him for a perfect fixer.

To sum it up! Stop by our Martini Bar and have a Shaken or Stirred, I like mine shaken extra cold!

Hope to see you soon!
Sheryl, Paul & Jeff

Flirt Cupcakes

2010-06-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had the craving for something sweet, but didn’t feel like running out for it? Well, Flirt Cupcakes could be your answer. Flirt Cupcakes is the first mobile gourmet cupcake vendor to roam around Chicago offering locals and visitors incredibly mouth-watering treats.

How do people know where this decadent deliverer will be? That is the joy of social media. You can follow the Flirt Cupcake mobile on Facebook and Twitter. Daily, an update about the whereabouts of the Flirt Mobile is posted to Facebook and frequent updates throughout the day keep devoted followers and sweets lovers satisfied. Occasionally, there will be the opportunity for fans to pick the next location through mobile voting.

After enjoying a savory dinner at Emilio’s Tapas the other night, I was fortunate enough to run into the Flirt Cupcake mobile bakery and topped the night off with the moistest, most flavorful cupcake. The signature Flirt. Delicious! So get out your mobile trackers and find this moving palate pleaser.

Enjoy!

Jeff

2010-05-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

Stanley Cup! Here comes the Chicago Blackhawks!

Well, the Madhouse on Madison was a crazy place on May 23rd, when the Chicago Blackhawks clinched the Western Conference with a SWEEP of the San Jose Sharks. It has taken the Hawks 18 years to get to the Stanley Cup Playoffs again. The last time they were there in 1992 they played the Pittsburgh Penguins and where defeated. The time before that was 1962 when they were defeated by the Toronto Maple Leafs. So, needless to say the fans are more than excited and the city is a buzz with Hawks fever.

So, the final game was nothing less than exciting! With one our star players Duncan Keith losing 7 front teeth from a frozen hockey puck. Oooch! But worth it in his eyes! Then our man Dustin Byfuglien scores the third clinching goal! Holy Cow, the Blackhawks are going to the Stanley Cup finals. They will be playing the Philly Flyers. Well, I always do love a good Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. So, if when we WIN maybe we can get the Mayor of Philly to send us a bunch of Cheese Steak sandwiches. Ok, so I hope the curse of the Division Cup winners not touching the cup means a Big Win for the Chicago Blackhawks!

One more thing! Tickets! They are expensive! So, if you are looking for a ticket to any of the games bring your wallet. The prices are starting at $500 & going up. So, just in case if you are willing to part with the money, stop by and see us at the Concierge Desk and we can assist you with tickets.

Oh,Yes! Hawks take game one in overtime! Go Hawks, bring one home for the Windy City!

Paul, Sheryl & Jeff

2010-05-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

POP CULTURE TOURS
Ever wanted to visit Al Capone’s hideouts? Want to taste test some of the finest Chicago pizza? Chocolate lover? There’s a tour for that.

Several tour companies have created pop culture tours that will introduce you to some of the unique and interesting characteristics of Chicago’s famous culture. From hauntings to hunger, these tours show you some of quirky sides of Chicago’s traditions and history.

Untouchable Tours
Hit some of the gangster’s hot spots in this two hour narrated tour that gives you accounts of Capone, Dillinger, Moran and their boys. Tours run twice a day during the week and several times on the weekends. Cost is $28 per person with reservations strongly suggested.

Slice of Chicago Pizza Tours
Known for the deep dish pizza, Chicago has a wide selection of pizza parlors each with its own special recipes for crust and sauce. Two tours daily ( Thurs – Sun. ) will let you sample three of the best Chicago has to offer as you learn the history of pizza and secrets of the trade all while devouring slices of cheesy, savory slices all for only $40 per person.

Chicago Film Tour
Batman, Ferris Buehler, and Dr. Richard Kimble have all been featured in movies filmed right here in Chicago. And of course, the Blues Brothers. Local film enthusiast, John Brinkman will tour you through some of the famous movie sites right here in Chicago with both educational and entertaining information. Two tours operate daily from Thursday through Sunday and run $30 per person.

Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours
Ghost hunter and Paranormal researcher Ursula Bielski will take you on a tour of Chicago’s creepy sites from Fort Dearborn to our most infamous graveyards and all points in between. The cost is $30 per person ($20 for children 12 and under) and run nightly Tuesday through Sunday.

Chicago Food Tours
Tastebud Tours present a walking and dining tour of Chicago. A three hour tour runs four times daily and will take you on a food tasting tour of some of the most popular dining spots in the Windy City from restaurants to specialty food shops. Tours are about $45 per person.

Chicago Chocolate Tours
For anyone with a sweet tooth, this walking tour will guide you to Chicago’s finest chocolate shops, bakeries and cafes. Just over 2 hours this tour will take you to some traditional as well as non- traditional chocolate locations. Tours vary by day and times and cost $40 per person.

Any of these tours should give you a unique and interesting perspective to some of the more unusual and tasty traditions in Chicago.

Please come see the concierge for more information or booking.

Enjoy!
Jeff

That crazy place called Wrigley!

2010-05-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Oh, those Cubbies! Look like they are off to another great start. Losing! But,hey! It is Wrigley and everything around there is so much fun. Between the bar and restqurants. Oh, and did I say the Bars!
We love the Cubs winning or losing. But, we sure do love what comes with the Neighborhood. Good days and bad days good times are sure to be had. Now, I love being outside on a patio pre game and post game. Beer galore and food too!

Starting off with Murphy's Bleachers, this bar is always packed and they have a great burger which you can get at the end of the bar. Be prepared to find your way through a sea of people to get one! But, it is worth it. The quickest way to get a drink is to hang out around the beer tubs or the togo window.

After the game there are many hot spots. To start there is Sluggers, with friendly bartenders and tons of good looking people. Oh, the music is great too! One more thing, if your lucky enough to secure a spot try a chance at hitting a ball yourself in the batting cages on the second floor.

Also check out Bernie's, the oldest bar in Wrigley with a great outdoor patio! Make sure you get there right after the game so you can score a table, other wise you will be standing.

One more is Harry Caray's Tavern, just across from Wrigley Field. The original is downtown and is a Chicago staple. But, this one is just as good. Tons of TV's and great food for too!

If you have any questions or would like more suggestions, stop by our Concierge Desk and we will be happy to assist you.

Enjoy your week!
Sheryl, Paul, Jeff & Quirine

The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Hosts the Prime Minister of Singapore

2010-05-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

Executive Chef Kerry Hieber from the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago prepared a unique Singaporean cuisine luncheon for the Prime Minister of Singapore and 150 attendees.

Chef Hieber emphasizes her culinary flare and brings her creations with an authentic meal from scratch for an event the Overseas Singaporean Club hosted on April 16, 2010 for Singaporean business executives, students and the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Ho Ching. Prime Minister Lee spoke to some 150 Singaporeans who are studying and working in Chicago. In addressing the group, Prime Minister Lee expressed hope that Singaporeans based overseas will realise the country's developments and economic growth particularly after the financial crisis and return home soon. Mr. Lee told Singaporeans in Chicago that Singapore is on a stable platform to transform itself, illustrating that with a slideshow of the country's latest additions such as Ion Orchard and The Pinnacle@Duxton.

Chef Hieber was excited about the opportunity to explore a new cuisine and relied on her network of culinary resources such as Greg Teft from Le Cordon Bleu, an instructor of International Cuisine, and chefs from Millennium’s headquarters in London, UK. She also visited Chicago area restaurants and spoke to local Malaysian and Singaporean-born Chefs skilled in the art of Singaporean preparation. Chef Hieber was able to gain valuable insight on how the dishes are authentically prepared in order to successfully prepare the luncheon for 150 high profile guests.

“For most chefs, it’s better to taste the food rather then read about it. If I taste someone’s food, I can almost always duplicate it. I looked at it as a challenge and was very excited for the opportunity to prepare the meal for this group and the honorable Prime Minister,” said Chef Hieber, who is hoping to prepare more Singaporean dishes for future groups who come to the hotel.

Some of the main dishes prepared by Chef Hieber were Laksa- a spicy coconut soup with rice noodles, seafood, chicken, fish balls, fried bean curd and a spicy blend that consisted of laksa leaf, laos, and galangal root; Hainanese Chicken Rice - chicken rubbed in kosher salt, dark soy and sesame oil then stuffed with galangal root and scallions, slow poached and served with chicken flavored rice; accompaniments that complimented the dishes such as sriracha hot sauce blended with ginger garlic, lime juice and chicken broth. Other items on the menu included Hokkien Mee, Sambal Prawns, Ho Jen, Chinese Vegetables and Chendol with Fruit Salad.

Chef Hieber graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1999 and has years of experience in various culinary management rolls in the hospitality industry in Philadelphia and Chicago. She recently joined the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel as the Executive Chef where she has created all new menus for Nix Restaurant and the hotel’s catering department focusing on local, organic and free range products.

Festival Season is upon us!

2010-05-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

It is festival time in Chicago. Summer is almost upon us and where there is warm weather, there are great times.

Celtic Fest
Dates: May 8, 2010 - May 9, 2010
Hours: 11 am - 9 pm
Location: Millennium Park; N. Michigan Ave. & E. Randolph St.
Admission: FREE

Kicking off the season is the 14th Annual Celtic Festival. Usually held in Chicago's famed Grant Park, the festival gets a new home this year in Millennium Park.

The inaugural Celtic Fest Chicago took place September 21-22, 1997 on Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard in Grant Park. Its lofty goal was to educate the public on Celtic music and culture from the 7 Celtic nations. Those nations are Ireland; Scotland; Isle of Man; Cornwall; Wales; Galicia, Spain; and Brittany, France. Headliners the first year included John McDermott, La Bottine Souriante, Altan, Leahy and Carlos Nunez.

The festival was unique in that it highlighted different Celtic instruments such as the Harp and the Uilleann Pipe, which is the Irish bagpipe worked by pumping air into it with an elbow.

Celtic dancing has been a big part of the festival since it began. Local dance schools showcase their students on their own separate stage. Fest goers were introduced to ceili dancing and eagerly participated.

The bagpipe parades through festival grounds have been a tradition at the event since the beginning. The general public is invited to parade along with the pipers.

Some new Celtic Fest traditions have been added this year including a Men in Kilts Leg Contest and an upgraded children’s area featuring musical performances.

Cinco De Mayo Festival
Dates & Hours: May 7 : 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
May 8 : 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
May 9 : 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Location: Pilsen/Heart of Chicago/Little Village; 26th Street and Kostner Avenue
Admission: Free

A celebration of South-of-the-border culture that's enjoyed worldwide, Cinco de Mayo (or "5th of May") commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This, and Mexican Independence Day (celebrated in September in the Little Village neighborhood's "Festival de La Villita"), are two of the biggest celebrations of Mexican culture in the Midwest. In the case of Cinco de Mayo, it has become a global festivity.

This inaugural three-day festival (which is also held in the Little Village neighborhood, to many is the heart of Chicago's Mexican community), is long overdue! It will feature plenty of live music, food, arts & crafts, activities for families and children and much more. The bottomline? Little Village's Cinco de Mayo Festival celebrates Hispanic families and community with a joyous flair!

For more information and directions please contact our concierge desk.

Millennium Knickerbocker Presents....

2010-03-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Staff is pleased to announce Earl Nightingale as our new General Manager. Mr. Nightingale is a Chicago native and he returns to his home city in continuation of a long and distinguished career in the hospitality industry.

Mr. Nightingale has a demonstrated a record of success for repositioning products, prioritizing service, successfully completing renovations, developing strategic business plans and improving employee morale. Mr. Nightingale comes to us most recently from Omni Hotels & Resorts, for whom he managed 4 different properties, including the Ambassador East Hotel & Pump Room, a historic Chicago Landmark. Prior to Omni, Mr. Nightingale had an extensive career with Hyatt Hotels, serving 28 years in various capacities with 17 years as the general manager of 4 different Hyatt Regency properties: Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, and Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. Mr. Nightingale was twice recognized as a General Manager of the Year.

Mr. Nightingale is skilled in project management and has renovated and repositioned 12 hotels & resorts. Additionally, Mr. Nightingale has conceptualized, marketed and developed 6 different restaurants and clubs, focusing on product improvements and service enhancements. Throughout his career Mr. Nightingale has been a confident voice for his associates, earning multiple accolades for achieving superior employee morale at hotels under his leadership. Mr. Nightingale takes great pride in his properties and the colleagues with whom he works, as demonstrated by the numerous managers across the industry that Mr. Nightingale has personally mentored over the years.

Mr. Nightingale will be the leader to take the Millennium Knickerbocker to the next level of excellence.

Spring has Arrived at least this Week!

2010-03-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, Spring has arrived at least by the date!

Today is the offical St. Patrick's Day, everyone will be celebrating in some form or another. I am here working today at the Concierge Desk and guests are very festive in dress. Weather it be a hat a tie, a shirt or socks. Several guests are in the mood for some Green. So, bars will be packed from lunch time to closing time and today since it is Spring Time in Chicago and the weather will be 60 degrees and Sunny. Yeah! Ok, at least sunny for the next few days. Peolpe will be taking advantage of it. I knew that this Spring thing is just a tease. It is going to rain/snow Sunday.

Anyhoot! Spring is still here and for the next few days Chicagoans and Guest a like will enjoy the 50 degree plus weather with sun shine. So, look for me on the Lake Front on my dusty old bicyle, I will be the one having a heart attack for being out of shape. But, at least I/we are outside enjoying the first great days of Spring in Chicago.

Ah, I LOVE the Lake!
Signing Off!
Sheryl

Ole' to the Irish*****Saint Patty's Day Weekend

2010-03-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

What a Green Bunch of Fun this weekend will be! Chicago Loves St. Patty's Day; as they say everyone in Chicago is Irish for St. Patrick's Day. Every bar in the City has a party to attend with Green Beer and Corned Beef galore.

Starting Saturday March 13th, at 10:45am people line up along the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Street to see the Mayor in his Little Boat pour magic into the Chicago River and turn it Green. Believe it or not, it does turn a very Emerald colored green. I have only watched this event once with my Mum who was 82 years old at the time and we both were mesmerized and giddey! Quite the site! Don't miss it if you are here in the city. Then to follow is the famous Chicago 55th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which begins at 12noon. That is were all the crazy people come out and then some not so crazy. But, most will be dressed in Green along with hats and beads and what ever else green they can find. So be sure to take in some St. Patrick's Day fun and even if you don't, just look around the city and you will see all of the characters.

Signing Off and have a Green Weekend!
Sheryl

Restaurant Week Chicago EXTENDED Thru March 7th

2010-02-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

Well, They extended Restaurant Week...... Yeah! So, if you love to eat like I do...... That means until March 7th you can enjoy more than 160 Restaurants throughout Chicago that will offer 3 course Lunches at $22 and 3 course Dinners at $32.. Your choices will vary from each restaurants. But, I am a eater and I tell you, you can not beat the deals for lunch and dinner. Plus, this gives you a chance to try several different varieties of dining for half the price. As for reservations lunch will be no problem at most places. But, dinner is a different story. Always book ahead of time. Call us for help if you need it.

Signing off!
Sheryl

Iced, Double Tall, What???

2010-02-04T20:52:00.001-08:00

There are always questions about where to get the best cup of coffee around the hotel. The only problem, or maybe not, is that there is a Starbucks every two blocks. Pretty much chaing out the competition.

I recent read an article in Time Out Chicago, "Coffee Obsessives" by Julia Kramer. I goes into detail about four local roast masters that bring a different light onto coffee, besides Starbucks. Since I do not like coffee, more of a chai tea guy, I thought I would share it because it is better than any coffee talk I could produce.

#1
THE OBSESSIVE Kevin Ashtari, owner, Asado Coffee Co

THE FIX A year ago, Asado proved that a no-frills coffeehouse could source serious beans (the house drip is fair-trade from Uganda), carefully roast them (using an in-house 12-kilo gas-fired drum roaster) and beautifully brew them (via Beehouse brand dripper cones manufactured in Japan). Since then, big coffee guns such as Intelligentsia have followed suit, scrapping tumultuous (and expensive) Clover machines and jumping on board with pour-over coffee, made one cup at a time by hand.

SYMPTOMS “I would say we’re ridiculously obsessive,” says Ashtari. “Each cup here is made with love.” Indeed, the baristas’ patient, careful process—first pre-wetting the grounds, allowing the coffee to “bloom,” then pouring a slow, steady and constantly moving stream of hot water over them—is the secret to consistently flawless cups of coffee.

#2
THE OBSESSIVE Maggie McCoy, owner, Bagel on Damen

THE FIX Bagel on Damen is the first place in Chicago to carry beans roasted by Stumptown, the Portland, Oregon–based company that has earned cult status on the coasts. The Brooklyn roasting facility, which roasts beans from around the globe, ships bags to Wicker Park weekly: Bagel on Damen carries Hair Bender Blend, Columbia el Jordan, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Grade 2 and the Decaf House, available from Stumptown’s machine of choice, a Fetco. Patrons can also special-order Stumptown coffees from the Brooklyn roastery via McCoy.

SYMPTOMS It took a lot of persistence to convince Stumptown, which is famous for saying it would never offer its beans outside Portland, to sell to McCoy. “I contacted them, and I was really adamant about it, and I just kept e-mailing and being persistent,” she says. Finally, a Stumptown rep checked out the location, trained the staff and agreed.

#3
THE OBSESSIVE Jesse Diaz, Aaron Campos and Christopher Oppenhuis, co-owners, Star Lounge Coffee Bar

THE FIX Similar to how a brewery like Half Acre got started “contract-brewing” out of another brewery’s facility, Dark Matter coffee got its start “toll-roasting” for a year out of Bridgeport Coffee’s roastery. Three months ago, the crew purchased a small fluid-bed roaster for crafting Dark Matter coffee, eight pounds at a time, above their coffee bar, Star Lounge. “There’s no direct fire,” Diaz explains of his air-roasting process (where hot air—rather than a flame—roasts the beans). Diaz believes the air lends a clean profile that’s “true to what the actual soil tastes like.” Dark Matter is brewed at Star Lounge as regular drip or via the pour-over method (a “much better depiction of the coffee,” Diaz says), but expect to see it around town as well: Recently, Dark Matter created some “wild-card” roasts for Alinea.

SYMPTOMS While there are about 200 species of coffee, according to Diaz, almost all the coffee we drink is Arabica. For espresso, Diaz uses beans from the Robusta species, which he says has four times the caffeine of your average espresso. “I dare somebody to drink three or four of my espressos,” he says.

#4
THE OBSESSIVE Mike Pilkington, owner, Bridgeport Coffee Co

THE FIX Pilkington has been roasting coffee locally for six years. Like Dark Matter, he uses a fluid-bed roaster, but in the future he hopes to have both types of roasters in order to match each type of bean with the best-suited method. At Bridgeport Coffee, the coffee is brewed through a Fetco-brand drip as well as a pour-over option.

SYMPTOMS “Fair trade is just not enough,” says Pilkington, who has teamed up with the Star Lounge crew and other small independent roasters to establish a buying co-op that would source beans directly from farmers. Meanwhile, he focuses on “relationship-based coffees” from farmers in places like New Guinea and Costa Rica.

And after all that, if you still want Starbucks, I would like a grande easy iced chai.

Invest in a New You

2009-12-27T19:37:00.000-08:00

About this time every year, many of us take a look at ourselves and decide what we would like to change or do differently in the upcoming year. Sometimes it’s our bad habits, our hair, or whatever we would like to change. Here are some tips for determining how to invest in a new you.

First, to determine who you really are, head to the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park. They currently have a new exhibit called, YOU! The Experience. As the name suggests, you are more than just a body, you are a complex blend of your choices, your personality, and your environment. Who you are depends on how you care for yourself and enjoy your life. YOU! The Experience brings these elements together into an interactive exhibit examining and celebrating the experience of life itself. It is one of the first and largest exhibitions to showcase the connection between the human mind, body and spirit in the 21st century. Start exploring the exhibit's fun and fascinating opportunities to explore what it is to be … YOU!

Afterwards, if you feel like you need to renew your appearance, gives us a call and we can arrange one or numerous services at Renew Medical Spa. Renew Spa is a new and unique “Green Spa”, unlike any other spa in Chicago. All their products are free of synthetic chemicals, preservatives, fillers and pesticides. Their services include massage, facials, hand and foot treatments, makeup artistry, and medical aesthetic services. They administer Botox, perform peels, and perform filler procedures (in case you want lips like Angelina).

If you rather get in touch with your inner self, head to Wilmette and visit the Baha'i House of Worship. One of only seven Baha'i temples in the world at present (only one in North America); this unique structure symbolizes unity and invites prayer to God. The quiet serenity of the Baha'i House of Worship reflects the spiritual truths of the Baha'i Faith: the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and the oneness of religion. Like all Baha'i Houses of Worship, the temple in Wilmette is circular in shape, has nine sides and is surrounded by exquisite gardens and fountains. It is open daily to everyone for prayer and mediation.

For a funnier you, check out Second City’s “Taming the Flu”. It takes on social and political satire such as the health care system, cameras catching us running the red lights, Twitter, Chicago cabbies, and everything in between. After laughing for two hours, you can arm yourself with jokes to bring back to your friends – they’ll never know the difference.

Lastly, if you would like to be more fit here is a couple ways to do it while on vacation. My personal fitness routine is a bit unusual but it works – chasing the CTA buses along Michigan Ave. Who needs $2.25 when you can just chase it to your location…? A more practical way would be to walk to your destination. Chicago is one of the best cities in the world for architecture. By walking around, you can view everything from turn of the century buildings to modern skyscrapers. Plus it is cost effective and reduces your carbon footprint.

At the end, if your legs and feet hurt give us a call and we can arrange a wonderful foot restoration in your room. It begins with an Orange Blossom exfoliation for the feet and calves followed by an application of refreshing papaya pineapple cream. Trigger points are then addressed to release tension. The service ends with a lower leg and foot massage - great way to relax.

Just a couple ideas on how to “Invest in a new you”

Be Careful... It's Fresh

2009-12-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

All too often we stay within our comfort zone; not experimenting or testing the waters with new or fresh ideas and experiences. Not necessarily because we mean to, but because we aren’t pushed to do so. That said – here’s my push.

The nightlife in Chicago is very abundant, Blues, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Latin, or whatever your choice we have it. A lot of people make their way to Rush Street and hit all the clubs with everyone else from the hotels, but next time try the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Located just a 10 minute taxi from the hotel, this area on Clark Street holds several bars, restaurants, and clubs. This is a very good way to get a taste of the local scene. My picks are Moxie and Exedus II. Moxie has a contemporary European-style tapas menu that boasts such items as bleu cheese portabella (a whole mushroom marinated in balsamic vinegar and olive oil, stuffed with blue cheese and plated with a roasted shallot cream sauce) and Chinese onion rings served with a Szechwan barbeque dipping sauce. Great atmosphere and a lively crowd. Exedus II can be heard from a block away. They boast live music four nights a week and are the best place to hear Rastafarian music from Africa, Jamaica, Haiti and Belize. Try the house drink, a potent sugar cane and white rum punch – it will have you singing "Cause every little thing gonna be all right!" in no time.

For individuals such as me, things like the Opera and the Ballet are not always high on our lists. Although, Chicago is fortunate to have the world renowned Joffrey Ballet. Every year they perform Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. It has been regarded as America’s #1 Nutcracker ballet and features the full Joffrey Company, local children’s choruses, and more than 120 young dancers. Their performance creates a winter wonderland of beauty, magic and sugarplum delight. Hurry because it’s only in town until the 27th. As for opera, The Lyric Opera of Chicago is internationally renowned for their artistic excellence and have grown to one of the largest opera companies in the world. Their current season features several operas including “Tosca”, “The Elixir of Love”, and “The Damnation of Faust”. Even if it’s for the experience, you’ll be able to check another item off the list.

Keep yourself balanced by trying out Karyn’s Raw in Lincoln Park. Karyn’s is an interesting restaurant that works with strictly vegan ingredients and almost no heat. Owner Karyn Calabrese concocts similar, and in many cases, better versions of the same comfort foods and sweets you'd never want to live without. Raw lasagna is highly recommended; it’s interesting how cashews and macadamias can be turned into what appears to be ricotta. Besides the restaurant Karyn also runs a wellness center and has a beauty product line. Counter act your unhealthy lifestyle of hotdogs, pizza, fast food, my personal vice: The Big Al Italian Beef sandwich from Al’s Beef on Ontario Street, or whatever unhealthy food comes to mind or mouth.

Since winter in Chicago is such a wonderful time of the year, head to Millennium Park and check out the McCormick Ice Skating Rink. This public outdoor ice skating rink is open everyday and is FREE; unless you need skates then you have to pay. No matter how many times you fall or make a fool of yourself, it’s always fun to try something new.

My last push would be to have as much silly fun as possible. Who says you can’t yell at the pigeons? Why can’t you skip down Michigan Avenue? Talk with an English accent? Jump in that snow drift? Or say hi mannequins standing in the window? The more you relax and laugh, the more you’ve find yourself trying new, fresh things.

Perspective

2009-11-13T18:28:00.001-08:00

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.

2009-11-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

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

Seussical Chicago

2009-10-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Following my theme of creative writing, I’ve decided to partially translate Dr. Seuss's One Fish Two Fish into suggestions for a guest of the Windy City.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Black Fish, Blue Fish, Old Fish, New Fish
This one has a little star, this one has a little car.
Say! what a lot of fish there are.

Obviously this would translate into the John J. Shedd Aquarium. This is one of the largest aquariums in the United States and consists of an oceanarium, wild reef exhibit, Caribbean reef, Amazon exhibit, and many more fish and mammals from all around the world. They have a new show opening on Oct. 16th called “Fantasea” which features dolphins, whales and penguins. It is open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and weekends until 6 p.m. The aquarium is discounted Oct. 16-22 as well as every Monday and Tuesday thru November 30th. Here you can find any size, shape, age, design, and color fish but none driving a car – although that would be funny.

Some are red and some are blue. Some are old and some are new.

When wandering downtown I’m sure you’ll notice a white and blue flag with four red stars – this is the City of Chicago flag. It has been changed over the years, but the 3 White stripes represent the North, West, and South Side of the city; the 2 blue stripes represent Lake Michigan/North Branch of the Chicago River and the South Branch of the Chicago River; the 4 Red stars on the center represent Fort Dearborn, the Chicago Fire, the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893; and the Century of Progress Exposition of 1933.

Some are sad and some are glad, and some are very, very, bad.
Why are they sad and glad and bad? I don’t know, go ask your dad.

Chicago can never get away from its shady past. During the Prohibition Era Chicago became a hub of criminal activity and vice. The Untouchable Tour is an excellent way to find out more information about the hot spots and hits spots from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Also, the Chicago Haunting tour takes you around the city to all the haunted areas, many of them stemming from the violent acts of that era. Lastly, Graceland Cemetery is a short taxi ride from the hotel and they have self guided tours that focus on Chicago’s great architects and their influence, the city’s turbulent history, its powerful and inventive citizens, and the Cemetery’s natural beauty. Mobsters, murderers, ghosts and ghouls – best let dad take care of that.

Some are thin and some are fat. The fat one has a little hat.
From there to here, here to there, funny things are everywhere.

My best interpretation of this would be the city's comedy clubs. For the best stand up head to Zanies in Old Town – they have host celebrities and locals alike for many years. For improv, take a short taxi ride to IO (Improve Olympic) in Wriggleyville. Lastly, Chicago’s main comedy troupe is Second City. Their main stage show is called “America: All Better!” which is a follow up to the election and packed full of social and political satire.

Here are some who like to run. They run in the hot, hot sun.

The hotel is located one block from Oak Street Beach and a run/jog/bike path along the lakefront.

Oh me! Oh my!
Oh me! Oh my!
What a lot of funny things go by.

Two blocks away from the hotel is Rush Street which holds several restaurants and also is the main nightlife hub. So, if you like to people watch, that is best place to do it. Also, the Blueman Group performs every week at the Briar Street theatre – their show is packed full of crazy things, even toilet paper.

Some have two feet and some have four.
Some have six feet and some have more.
Where do they come from?
I can’t say.
But I bet they have come a long, long way.

Check out the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free every day and excellent to view animals from all over the world. Lions, tigers, monkeys, polar bears, rhinos, giraffes - oh my! After the zoo head to the Peggy Notebeart Nature Museum to bird watch, check out turtles and snakes, and walk through a butterfly haven with over 300 species flying around.

We see them come. We see them go.
Some are fast and some are slow.
Some are high and some are low.

This describes the public transit perfectly. We have elevated trains, subways and buses that take you throughout the city. A single one-way ride is $2.25 (exact change). You can also purchase one, three, five or seven day passes which allow you unlimited rides for that time period. The trains and buses can take you to every Chicago attraction, neighborhood, and event. For maps and more transit information, stop by the Concierge Desk.

Not one of them is like another
Don’t ask us why,
Go ask your mother.

Every trip to the Windy City is different from the next. Please contact myself, Paul, Sheryl or Kathy at the Concierge Desk via email or phone and we can build a custom itinerary for your stay – and you don’t have to ask your mother (unless you are under 18).

It Tastest Like...

2009-10-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Beginning Note – None of the following taste like chicken.

It is always fun to try something new – even if it is a spin off of something else. There are many breakfast spots around the hotel that take pride in creating interesting dishes for their patrons. The majority of these dishes are made to taste like something else; the rest are classic dishes but done in a unique way.

The first place is Orange, which is best described as a fine dining breakfast restaurant. I know that it sounds like an oxymoron, but it is a casual place. They have a dish called Chai Tea French Toast. It is baked chai tea infused french toast stuffed with ricotta cheese served over a chai tea latte reduction and topped with honey and caramelized apples. It tastes like a mix of a Starbucks chai latte and apple french toast – good stuff.

Next is the Bongo Room, which is the choice breakfast place for all those hipsters in Wicker Park. It is a unique menu blended with an urban/rustic atmosphere. They serve what has become my new favorite breakfast item, Berry and Banana Cheesecake Flapjacks. Imagine fresh banana pancakes with graham cracker crumbs topped with warm vanilla creme and three berry coulis served with fresh bananas. Yes, it tastes like a melted New York Cheesecake on top of pancakes – sweet, heavenly pancakes.

The Crepe and Coffee Palace in Lincoln Park is a casual coffeehouse that specializes in North African and Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh and often organic ingredients. They have over 30 different crepes to choice from, but their signature crepe is the best. It is called the Crepe Palace - go figure. It is a crepe with Algerian compote (raisins, pears and rose water) with pistachio ice cream. I honestly can’t describe the taste, but it is really good and ice cream for breakfast is fun.

Close to the hotel is the Oak Tree restaurant on the 6th floor of the 900 N. Michigan Shopping Mall. This casual American café serves everything from sandwiches to fresh fruit and granola, and all the classic breakfast items. My favorite dish is the Baltic Eggs Benedict. It is house cured salmon with hollandaise sauce and salmon caviar. It tastes so good but has a treacherous end…

Lastly, there is Tempo Café – a 24hour diner about 4 blocks away from the hotel. This restaurant is a great place for late night (early morning) diners as well as lunch and dinner. Their Poor Man's Skillet is a skillet full of hash browns, ham, green pepper, and onion, topped with melted american, mozzarella, cheddar and swiss, then topped with three eggs. It is the perfect name (and price) for those looking to eat after spending all their money on a night out. It tastes a bit greasy but oh so good.

Hungry Yet?

Dancing with Cows

2009-09-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

In the 1933 film Duck Soup, Groucho Marx said, "I could dance with you till the cows come home. Better still, I'll dance with the cows and you come home."

I’m not sure what meaning that has, but it inspired me to write about dancing – and also cows. Since I have two left feet and can’t dance, I’ve included some ballet options. But, for those who can, here are a few places to groove, swing, or just dance.

The Hubbard Street Dance Company has been internationally and locally celebrated for years. Their latest performance is called 27’ 52". “This performance takes the viewer along for a game of seeking and being sought, of holding and being held, pulling and pushing, a game in which the dancer must ultimately exit the stage solo” - Jirí Kylián (Choreographer). They will be at the Auditorium theatre October 1st – 4th.

On October 2nd – 4th the Miami City Ballet will be making their Chicago debut at the Auditorium Theatre. They have captivated audiences around the world with a thrilling company of dancers and broad repertoire that includes George Balanchine's masterworks and works by contemporary choreographers such as Paul Taylor and Twyla Tharp. The company will perform Balanchine's "Symphony in Three Movements" and "Valse Fantasie," Marius Ivanovich Petipa's "Black Swan Pas de Deux" from Swan Lake, and Tharp's "In the Upper Room."

The Joeffrey Ballet will be opening their new season on October 14th with Othello at the Auditorium Theatre. Chicago-born Lubovitch makes his Joeffrey debut by bringing his rhapsodic interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tale of passion, jealousy, ambition and betrayal. Lubovitch’s compelling synthesis of classical and modern movement is heightened by a powerful score by Academy Award winner Elliot Goldenthal.

For those who can dance, or think they can dance, here are a few clubs to choose from. Every Tuesday at the Green Dolphin, approx. 10 minute cab ride, there is a Latin jazz band. It is a great place to lounge, groove and eat. Martini Park, located in River North, just a 5 minute taxi ride away, transforms itself into a speakeasy every Tuesday night offering dining, cocktails, and live swing music. Lastly, there is Avila, a Latin-centric nightclub. The club's look takes its inspiration from the Spanish city of Avila and plays music from Rock en Espanol to bachata and salsa every Wednesday through Sunday.

Now I come to dancing with the cows. There might be a few of us who remember the cow parade of ’99, where Chicago had nearly 320 art cows on display throughout the city. They are almost all gone now, but a bronze cow still stands in front of the cultural center on Randolph Street. Dance with it, hop on its back, just take a picture because I’m sure it will look funny. More can be found at Wrigley Field, Damen Ave. in Bucktown, the Talbott Hotel, O’Hare Airport, and Harry Carey’s on Kinzie. You can also find cows, live ones, at the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free everyday. They stay in the barn at the John Deere Farm located at the southern portion of the zoo. I’m not sure if you can dance with them without alarming some large security guard, but it is worth a shot. Again, take a picture because I would love to see it.

People, Places, and Public Transit

2009-09-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of the public transit system – it will get you anywhere you want to go. Since Chicago is such a diverse city, there are always interesting people to watch during your ride. Here is one of my experiences…

One of the most frequent buses on Michigan Ave. is the #151. I boarded the bus in front of the 900 N. Michigan Shops at the corner of Michigan and Delaware (1.5 blocks) and found a seat in back, the best ones for viewing. As we headed down Michigan we came to a stop at Pearson Street, by Borders Bookstore, and some obvious out-of-towners boarded. They all took their seats but one, who had started arguing with the driver because he didn’t get change back from his twenty dollar bill. Note: All public transit requires exact change if paying by cash - $2.25. After he finished and took his seat, they pulled out their map of Chicago, available at the Concierge Desk and also on the blog, and began plotting their next move – possibly Millennium Park or Wrigley Field. I had to laugh because they were heading in the wrong direction for Wrigley Field.

As we passed the Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station I had thoughts about the Great Chicago Fire and its impact on the city. Even though it was a horrible event, it was the single most influential event Chicago history (in my opinion). If you would like more information you can stop by either place or head to the Chicago History Museum.

After a few more blocks we stopped at the once proud spot of Garrett’s Popcorn, which now is a hole in the ground. They are constructing a new building run by the Ritz-Carlton, so blame them for the lack of popcorn on Michigan Avenue. Now, if you want that delicious carmel, cheese or blend, you’ll have to head to Navy Pier, 4 E. Madison Avenue, or 26 W. Randolph. Street.

A few people boarded at the stop, including one man which reminded me of the Dos Equis “most interesting man in the world” commercials. Even though I was taught not to stare, I couldn’t help myself. I kept asking myself questions like: Does he shop at Armani Exchange (Northbridge Shopping Center)? Would he drink the James Bond martini that we serve at the hotel? Does he drive an Aston Martin or would I have to rent one for him? Does he cut his hair at Halo for Men (Goldcoast/Bucktown)? Does he hang out at the Underground (club/lounge)? Can he teach a dog to bark in Spanish? If he could would it sound like “EL Barco” because that is also the name of a really good Mexican restaurant that serves fish with the head, eyes, and everything still attached.

Before I knew it, we were crossing the Chicago River and stopping at Millennium Park. This is the best park in Chicago for architecture, amusement, entertainment, and intrigue (mostly because of the cost to create it). Crown Fountain, two glass towers with water flowing down them and faces that spit water are my favorite part of the park. Although, I still have an issue with the North tower of the fountain because it spit on me one day without warning. The out-of-towners hurried off the bus, excited to take pictures of the “Bean” and fountain. They must have determined that they were heading the wrong direction for Wrigley Field.

A few blocks later we stopped at the Art Institute of Chicago. The AIC is a world class museum that has a large collection of Impressionist Art as well as a newly opened Modern Wing. This was also the stop where “the most interesting man in the world” departed the bus. But, he did not go into the museum, he walked into Bennigan’s. I was so disappointed - he wasn’t that interesting at all.

My stop was next and I finished my interesting bus ride and boarded the train for the rest of my trip – still laughing about Wrigley Field, angry at the fountain, and disappointed with my interesting man.

The Perfect Proposal

2009-09-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

Telling someone that you love them and want to spend the rest of your life with them is a very hard thing to do. When you don’t have any idea how to make it as heartfelt and special as the individual, you might need to ask someone for help. For all you guys out there that might need some help, here is a recent engagement that I arranged.

Our guest was coming from overseas for their first trip to Chicago as a couple. He wanted to propose on 9/9/09 in a romantic location, have an officiant present to go through a small ceremony, take a limo ride, and then go for dinner. But, not knowing how to go about it without spending a ton of money, he contacted me to help.

First, we needed to agree on a location and time. About a block from the hotel, there is a small park adjacent to Michigan Ave. that has a wonderful white gazebo that has been used by numerous weddings. As for the time, it had to be at sunset for the maximum effect.

Second, we needed someone to officiate a small ceremony – not something normally requested. I got in contact with a reverend that performs civil and religious ceremonies and after speaking with her, she gave me some sample ceremonies to choose from and customize. I gave the information to the guest and he added in vows (his and hers) plus a poem to read during the ceremony. Since they were not planning on going to City Hall to fill out the proper paperwork, this would not be official, but still memorable. The reverend was gracious enough to include an unofficial marriage certificate as well as a binder that included all parts of their ceremony.

Third, we needed a restaurant fit for a special occasion but wouldn’t break the bank. I called the Chef Concierge at the Park Hyatt Hotel and enlisted her help with a special dinner at NoMi. This progressive French restaurant has excellent service, a great wine menu, plus they have a great window table that overlooks the Water Tower plaza – perfect for this occasion.

Lastly, I arranged a white stretch limo to pick them up after the ceremony and take them around town before dinner. Nothing too complex for a concierge, but perfect for the occasion.

The Plan:
Now that it had all been arranged, how do we get the girl to go along with everything without finding out? After talking with the guest we came to the conclusion that I would create something saying they won a free dinner through the hotel and needed to be in the lobby at 7 p.m. to go to the restaurant. I also agreed to walk them through the neighborhood to show them some sights on the way to the restaurant, conveniently passing by the gazebo where the reverend would be. Proposal, ceremony, pictures, car, and dinner – it sounded like a great plan.

Problem – I had to come up with a believable reason why they won a free dinner. I thought and thought and finally drafted a letter stating they were picked at random for this dinner because all Millennium Hotels in the U.S. were directed to provide a special “gift” to one of their guests. For the Knickerbocker, it was a special “White” dinner to honor the 1893 World’s Fair – The White City. Note: This dinner was just a creation of my imagination and nothing to do with NoMi - although it is a cool idea…I also added in that the chef requested them to wear white clothing to go with the theme. I presented this letter upon check in and explained in detail about how they were chosen, when to meet me for the tour, and the special dinner that the hotel had created for them.

Note: It was a long letter with plenty of hotel jargon but very believable – mainly because I wrote it using my General Manager, who is also the SVP Operations USA, as the author…Sorry Mr. Kinnear.

Fast forward to the big day:
Of course there is always something that changes – this time it was the location. There was a better park near Navy Pier that has a great view of downtown plus a ledge going over the water; small change, but well worth it.

The couple met me in the lobby at 7 p.m. as directed, each wearing some white clothing. I explained we were going to stop off at one attraction before dinner so I could further explain the concept for their “White” dinner. We rode in the limo to the park where I spoke about the typhoid fever outbreak of 1892, construction and importance of the Water Filtration Plant, different buildings that create the skyline, and ended it with a photo of the couple overlooking the water. After the photo, the gentleman got on one knee and proposed. I went over a got the reverend, who was dressed in white and sitting nearby. The ceremony started and I continued to take pictures – it was full of love, laughter, and tears. After they were pronounced husband and wife, they signed the certificate and made it somewhat official. The four of us walked back to the limo and the newly wed couple was off for their mini tour and dinner at NoMi. For me, the job was almost done; I headed back to the hotel to decorate the room. Rose petals, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries awaited them for their return.

It was a great plan that turned out to be the perfect evening.

Profile: Kerry Hieber - Executive Chef

2009-09-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

I live in Chicago, IL with my husband of 6 years Brandon and our 2 year old son MJ. I grew up in New Jersey and had many great culinary influences. My mother, who used to cook gourmet meals before she had me and my brother and sister, loved to eat out with us and our father, so we ate at many of the prestigious eateries on the eastern seaboard before I was 10. Ribeye Steaks poeleed with butter and creamed spinach at Peter Lugers Steakhouse, Lobster Bisque and Dover Sole at Doris and Ed’s and Escargot in garlic butter and mushroom caps at La Frommagerie were some of my more notable memories of food.

Meals like those made me realize that there was more to food than burgers and fries. While growing up and attending local community college I worked as a server and wasn’t all that happy with the cooks that I worked with. I found that many of them lacked motivation and didn’t always love what they were doing. But then so many of them did love it and passed their love of food on to the customers. I decided that maybe it was my turn to pass on my love of food to customers. I applied for many jobs and found that they were hard to come by when you had no cooking experience. One person was willing to take a chance on me. He hired me to cook breakfast and lunch in his little 40 seat restaurant. After being trained I stayed there for about a year and moved on to an Italian Restaurant. I was there for approximately 9 months before the Chef told me that he thought I could benefit from some proper training. I applied to the Culinary Institute of America and was accepted. I graduated from there with an AOS in August of 1999.

I loved every minute I spent at that school. I benefitted from the fantastic and talented Chefs that instructed me and took a job in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency Chicago where I stayed for 2 ½ years as the Sous Chef in the 3 meal restaurant. I then moved to Philadelphia with the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s landing and worked there for 2 ½ years as the Chef de Cuisine in the hotel restaurant Keating’s River Grill. I moved back to Chicago and worked at the Westin O’Hare hotel for 4 years as the Executive Sous Chef before being laid off like so many others around me. Then as luck would have it I happened upon the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel and I've been here since May 2009 and loved every minute.

Kerry Hieber
Executive Chef
Millennium Knickbocker Hotel

A Dollar Bill is 6.14 Inches Long

2009-09-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

In this neighborhood, the Gold Coast that is, it is very easy to part with your money – sometimes more than expected. So, here are a couple ideas on how to maximize your fun and stretch that dollar a bit farther.

Shopping:
The shops on Michigan Avenue are world class and usually carry the price tag to match. Stop by the Concierge Desk and we’ll pass along any coupons and discounts we have to help you make the most those shopping dollars.

Food:
There are too many restaurants in downtown to count but a few in the area are great for the wallet. First, there is Tempo Café which is a 24 hour diner located four blocks from the hotel. Their breakfast/lunch/dinner menus are greasy, good, and inexpensive. Second, Quartino’s blends Italian and tapas for a very interesting menu. Besides the larger portions and flat bread pizzas, they offer a variety of small plates for table sharing. They also offer a fairly large selection of quarter bottles of wine so you can taste them all. Quartino is a great place to converse as well as eat inexpensively. Third, head to Chinatown for an ethnic experience. Give dim sum a try, light Chinese dishes served with tea. It is a great way to fill up on non-traditional foods and also pickup a fancy handbag on the way. Lastly, Santorini on Halsted Street, in the heart of Greektown, serves traditional Greek cuisine at a reasonable price. Their Dolmades, vine leaves stuffed with beef, Exohiko Lamb, small chunks of lamb combined with Greek cheese and wrapped in fillo, and seafood are the best in the city.

Entertainment and Attractions:
Chicago has a fairly large theatre scene with numerous Broadway and local performances. A useful tool is HotTix, half priced theatre tickets for the same day. Located in the Water Works building three blocks away and also by Millennium Park, they offer seats for the majority of the theatres at great prices. It is a good way to see a show without paying big prices. You can also take advantage of the Free Days and times at the popular museums. The Art Institute of Chicago, both modern and fine art, is free for 5pm-9pm on Thursdays and Fridays; The Chicago History Museum is free on Mondays; the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays; the Lincoln Park Zoo and Stained Glass museum are always free; The Field Museum will be free on September 9, 14, 16, 17, 23, 24, and 30th; and the Shedd Aquarium will be free on September 21, 22, 28, 29. Another great way to enjoy the sights without paying too much is by purchasing the City Pass. This coupon book will get you admission to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, and either the Willis Tower or John Hancock Building – all for just $69 (versus $130 normally). This pass is available online or at any one of those location and is valid for 9 days after purchase.

Just a couple suggestions on how to get the best bang for your buck – but there are many more, so stop by and we’ll chat…

Your Feet Smell ... Fruity

2009-08-26T17:53:00.001-07:00

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.

Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts

2009-08-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Glamorous

2009-08-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Micro Brew Me

2009-08-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Sweetness

2009-07-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

Michigan Avenue is a world renowned shopping district but what many don’t realize is that it also holds some of the most interesting chocolate shops in the city. Since I have a very large sweet tooth – which has seen the dentist numerous times – I thought I would share some insight and background to some of my favorite chocolatiers in Chicago.

If you start from the hotel, at the northern end of the mile, a half block from us is the 900 North Michigan shopping mall. Within the mall there is Teuscher, a Swiss chocolatier, located on the 5th floor. They first started over 70 years ago in a small town in the Swiss Alps and have branched out all over the world. Their most notable chocolates are their truffles, which come in many varieties and flavors. The Teuscher's signature Truffle, a Dom Perignon cream center surrounded by a dark chocolate ganache, coated in milk chocolate and sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar, is the best one. Not to mention that after about 15 of them, you’ll be quite happy and very energetic.

Two blocks south of the hotel is the Magnificent Mile’s largest mall, Water Tower Place. Located on the 4th floor of the mall is Godiva Chocolatier. It was founded 80 years ago in Brussels, Belgium when master chocolatier Joseph Draps founded a chocolate company that was named in honor of the legend of Lady Godiva. This small shop features all of Godiva’s signature treats, biscuits, caramels, fruit and nuts, ganaches, pralines, solids and mints, and truffles. For us guys, they also have assorted boxes if you have to quickly pickup a gift for that someone special. Whenever I’m in the Water Tower I have to stop by and pick up one of their jumbo chocolate covered strawberries – they’re so good. On a side note, the Martini Bar in the lobby does offer and White/Dark Chocolate Godiva martini…

Also located within Water Tower Place is Macy’s department store which sells the ever addicting Frango Mint. Since 1918, Frango has been cooking up batches of savory, yet refreshingly melt-in-your-mouth mint chocolate. Frango’s were popularized by Marshall Fields Department Store in 1929 and have become a staple associated with that name; even though it is now Macy’s. You can find them in a few different flavors, caramel and toffee, plus the original Frango - a delectable combination of smooth milk chocolate and refreshing mint that comes together to dazzle your taste buds.

At the Water Tower Park, located off Pearson Street and Michigan Avenue, there are two places to choose from: Ghiradelli and Hershey. Ghiradelli is one of the oldest names in the chocolate business; they were incorporated in 1852 and have been in continuous production since then. They have an excellent selection of squares, bars, fruits and nuts, hot cocoa, and baking supplies. Not to mention one of the best hot fudge sundaes in the city. The Hershey store is fun for everyone; they have kisses, treats and chocolate galore. You can buy a 10 lb. chocolate bar to gnaw on, mix your own bucket of treats in their giant machine, and try out the meanest brownie on Michigan Ave.

Lastly, my personal favorite is Vosges: Haut Chocolate at the North Bridge Shopping Mall on the second floor. Owner/Chocolatier, Katrina Markoff, personally chooses every spice, flower and chocolate that is flown into their Chicago kitchen. Inspired by her global apprenticeships, Vosges truffles have exotic influences of an "East meets West" theme. The infusions of rare spices and flowers combined with premium chocolate give a delicate balance of flavor. Two excellent examples of this fusion are Mo’s Bacon Bar and Naga truffles. Mo’s Bacon Bar is just as it sounds, a mixture of applewood smoked bacon, Adler smoked salt and milk chocolate. This salty sweet bacon combo sounds terrible, but tastes so good. The Naga truffles are my favorite – they are a blend of milk chocolate, coconut and rolled in sweet Indian curry powder. They also offer exotic truffles from around the world including India, South America and Italy.

So, as you venture through the shops along Michigan Avenue, try to work in a little tasty treat. There are chocolates everywhere you turn, so don’t be shy. Consider it as a power snack in a long day of shopping.

Diagram of My Brain - Part 2 of 2

2009-07-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Chicago is a great town for foodies. There are simply too many restaurants to choose from; in fact there are over 6,000. For any occasion, ethnicity, award-winning chef, view of the city, and the strange and unusual you’ll find it here. The area directly around hotel holds many options for dining – steak, seafood, hotdogs, pizza, sushi, Chinese, Italian, French, Vietnamese, Indian, Armenian, and Mexican are all within a reasonable walk. Instead of wading through the sea of restaurant choices, menu’s and reviews, consult your Concierge. They have done the voyage before and will be able to match you to the restaurant that best fits – sort of like a dating service but without the awkward conversation.

New York might be the city that never sleeps, but Chicago comes very close. The hotel is situated two blocks from Rush Street which holds numerous options for nightlife. There are piano bars, jazz clubs, Irish pubs, sports bars, lounges, karaoke, and plenty of dance clubs that go all night long every day. Not to mention it is close enough to stumble back to the hotel if need be. If you don’t mind traveling a short distance, there are over 20 clubs within 5 minutes of the hotel. Chicago is well known for its Blues scene and there are a few places near the hotel to consider. The legendary Buddy Guy has a club just two miles south of the hotel that has live music and great southern style cuisine. Since 1968, Kingston Mines in the Lincoln Park neighborhood has boasted two stages of music and serves up plenty of food and drink every night of the week. For a more trendy experience, check out the House of Blues, just a short taxi from the hotel. Their Back Porch Grill features live music plus a full restaurant menu of food and drink. On Sundays they hold their famous Gospel Brunch with inspiring gospel music and an amazing buffet. Reservations are highly recommended. Many of the bars and clubs in the city stay open late, between 3 and 4 a.m. If you’re planning to be out that late, stop by the desk and we’ll show you a great place for pancakes afterwards.

Chicago is fortunate to have two large museums and two neighborhoods focused on the development and expression of art. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the cultural gems of Chicago and has been a must-see for every citizen and visitor since 1893. They have one of the world's most notable collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in its permanent collection. Its diverse holdings also include significant Old Master works, American art, European and American decorative arts, and Asian art. They recently added a modern wing to the museum which has increased their collection even further. The Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 1967, it has only been in its current location, which is one of the world's largest contemporary art venues, since 1996. The museum's collection is composed of 1000's of objects of Post-World War II visual art. Besides museums, there are also the River North and Wicker Park neighborhoods that hold individual art galleries. The River North art district hosts the largest concentration of art galleries in the United States outside of Manhattan. The Flat Iron building in Wicker Park is the historic centerpiece of the annual Around the Coyote arts festival held each summer and holds many visual artists and musician of every discipline. Both are easily accessible from the hotel – no more than 10 minutes via taxi.

Chicago is such a large city with so many sights, history and architecture that one of the best things to do when you arrive is to take a tour of it all. Not only will you be educated on the city, but it will also add things to your itinerary that might not have made the list otherwise. During the spring, summer, and fall there are architectural boat tours that run along the river and lake. These tours are a great way to see all the world renowned architecture along the waterway that was the direct result of the Chicago fire. Another great option is the hop on hop off Double Decker and trolley tours. They give a great tour and also make regular stops at all the area attractions, which allow you to venture out and continue the tour at your leisure. There are also mini coach and coach bus tours that take you all around downtown as well as the northern and southern neighborhoods. For the more active individual, there are seasonal bike tours of downtown and kayaking tours of the Chicago River. But, there are even more tours to choice from. There are tours focused on Chicago during the Al Capone era, ghost tours, stretch jeep tours, food tours, chocolate tours, ballpark tours, segway tours, Frank Lloyd Wright tours, cemetery tours, walking tours and if that it’s enough, stop by and I’ll give you a tour of the hotel.

Part of being a Concierge is arranging any sort of amenity a guest may want during their stay. This ranges from champagne and strawberries, chocolates or truffles, wine, cheese, fruit baskets, gift certificates, flowers, balloons, and even gold fish. Even if you would like to airmail pizza, burgers, hotdogs, and barbeque to your friends and family, we can arrange that as well. Pretty much anything that someone needs we can find and arrange – the more creative the better.

The last part of my brain is dedicated to being Houdini. Now this does not mean I do magic tricks or saw people in half, although if you have a credit card with a high balance I can make that happen. This actually refers to a Concierge’s ability to make magic happen and do the impossible. Filling a room to the top with pink balloons, finding the actual Easter Bunny to entertain some children, locating a hard to find Italian pastry that no one seems to know about, and flying to Vegas for the day to get married are all examples of magic that has happened during my time at the Knickerbocker. My favorite example came from a short conversation a few years ago with a gentleman arriving to party with his friends. He stated, “I need my tub filled with chocolate syrup.” After a short pause, my response was, “Sure. Hershey, Godiva, or Ghirardelli?” I encourage everyone to ask their Concierge what kind of magic they can provide, because you never know unless you ask.

My hope is that this lengthy posting gives you insight to what services the hotel Concierge provides as well as information about Chicago that will make your stay that much better. Feel free to call or write me if you have any questions at all or would like to pick my brain.

Diagram of My Brain - Part 1 of 2

2009-07-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

The hotel Concierge is a very useful tool to use when you visit a new city. They hold information that “normal” people do not and will surprise you with their knowledge of the city, attractions, culture, and much more. To help demonstrate how a Concierge thinks and why they are so useful, I have created the following diagram of my brain.

Starting with Shopping, this section of my brain focuses on knowing the best places in the city to shop and how I can save my guests money while doing it. The hotel is at the top of the Michigan Avenue shopping district, “The Magnificent Mile”. There are hundreds of stores and several shopping malls that hold ever kind of store imaginable. We are also one block away from Oak Street, Chicago’s answer to Rodeo Drive. There are designer boutiques such as Prada, Juicy and Barney’s plus many more. A short taxi ride will take you to Wicker Park/Bucktown, which is the more eclectic area of Chicago. There are plenty of off the wall local boutiques that you won’t find on Michigan Avenue. If you rather have someone else shop for you, arrangements can be made for a personal shopper and delivery right to your guest room. We can also arrange private shopping excursion and tours upon request. On occasion we keep discount coupons for some of the stores on Michigan Avenue, but you’ll have to ask.

The Diversity area concerns the different neighborhoods Chicago has to offer. There are numerous areas of the city that hold different cultural experiences. Places such as Chinatown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Greek Town, Bucktown, and the Ukraine Village all are within reach of the hotel. The great thing about this city is that you get to experience the world and all it has to offer without actually traveling throughout it. Where else can you get dim sum for breakfast, visit an authentic Greek bakery, speak Sicilian to your waiter during lunch, see Eastern European artwork, and have burritos for dinner?

Chicago is full of theatre options, both local and Broadway. Theatres such as the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace, Bank of America Theatre, and Auditorium Theatre hold the best traveling Broadway shows. Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, Legally Blonde, Young Frankenstein, and Spamalot have all found their way to the Windy City. For a more local feel, check out the Steppenwolf and Goodman for drama, Shakespeare and Royal George for comedy, and the Lookingglass theatre for family oriented shows. Don’t forget to see Second City comedy troupe – they’ll make you laugh with their outrageous sketch comedy shows. Stop by Hot Tix at the Visitors Center on Pearson and Michigan, three blocks from the hotel, for same day half price tickets. Here in Chicago there is something for everyone: from jailhouse inmates to catholic nuns to strange nannies floating away - it’s all here.

A larger section is dedicated to the over 40 museums Chicago has to offer. The museum campus, which consists of The Field Museum, John J. Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, is a short bus ride from the hotel. The Museum of Contemporary Art is only 3 blocks from the hotel and it has free admission on Tuesday’s – plus in the summer months they have a wonderful farmers market in front, incase you want some flowers or cookies for the room. The Art Institute of Chicago is a short bus ride away and is large enough to spend an entire day inside. It recently opened a modern wing which expanded their collection even further. It is free from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The Museum of Science and Industry is a little over 8 miles from the hotel, but you can take a bus directly there. The U-505 submarine, coal mine, “Smart Home”, and Harry Potter exhibit are more than enough to keep the busiest individual occupied and educated. Otherwise, there are many more museums to chose from – the Bridgehouse Museum which gives a closer look on how the bridges of Chicago were engineered and operate; the Museum of Surgical Science gives insight to the development of the medical field, from iron lungs to wild west medicine to the old bone crusher; the DuSable Museum is the best in the area for African American art and history; the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Children’s Museum are perfect for little ones to release all their energy while learning something new; and if that’s not enough there are still many more to choose from.

Chicago is full of different attractions to see and experience. Chicago holds five of the top ten tallest buildings in the United States. The observatory on the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower, tallest building in America, has a view unsurpassed by any other building. They recently added a glass ledge that allows one to look straight down onto the city. The John Hancock building is multi-functional with an observatory on the 94th floor, restaurant on the 95th floor, and lounge on the 96th floor. Besides the tall buildings, Millennium Park has become an essential park of a Chicago visit. The Crown Fountain, Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”), Prtizer Pavilion, and the Lurie Garden make it a great place to visit year round. For more information about construction and art of the park, take the audio tour narrated by none other than Chicago native David Schwimmer. Just passed the park is Buckingham Fountain, the largest fountain in Chicago. The fountain was built in 1927, the same years as the Knickerbocker. Every hour on the hour for 20 minutes the fountain produces a major water display with the main jet shooting water 150 feet in the air. Just north of the park is Navy Pier, a large indoor/outdoor complex with boat tours, IMAX theatre, two museums, a funhouse, carousel, restaurants, gift shops – including one that sells Obama hot sauce, and a Ferris Wheel which has the best shoreline view of Chicago.

The interesting part of a being a Concierge is the miscellaneous knowledge of people, places and things that you acquire over time. “Can you teach me how to juggle?” – Sure can, watch me. “Why is it called the Knickerbocker?” – In 1931 Alan Hurst purchased the hotel and renamed it the Knickerbocker to honor his Dutch heritage. “What does the plaque say outside of the old Playboy mansion on State Street?” – It is written in Latin and if you are over 18 I will tell you. “What does the Y mean on all the bridges and manhole covers?” – It stands for the three branches of the Chicago River, a symbol of the Chicago Water Department. “Can you show me where they filmed Adventures in Babysitting, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, all the Batman movies, the Untouchables, and the new Public Enemies movie?” – Absolutely, but you’re going to need a big map. “I need a priest, can you help?” – Yes I can help, I got ordained online. “What does Chicago mean?” – Chicago means land of stinky onions, from a local Native American tribe.

That concludes Part 1 – Part 2 will be posted shortly.

If you were a pizza what would you be?

2009-06-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Chicago is big on many things but one stands out more than any other– pizza. There are many flavors and styles to choose from and they all depend on what type of person you are. I have created a short list matching pizzas to personalities. So, if you were a pizza what would you be?

Call Me Cheesy – Head to Pizzeria Uno on the corner of Wabash and Ohio and order their Four Cheese Pizza: mozzarella, cheddar, romano and feta with basil pesto and plum tomatoes. This deep dish pizza pie will satisfy any appetite and also make those cheesy jokes that much funnier.

The Sausage King – Try out the butter crust pizza at Lou Malnati’s on Wells Street . You can order crumble or patty sausage – but go for the patty and your pizza will have a layer of sausage on top. Also, for the gluten free eaters, they offer a gluten free pizza with the sausage patty as the base.

The Oprah Fan – If you tend to agree with Oprah, and many do, then try out Pizano’s on State Street . They received the best pizza vote from Oprah, so it must be good. Try out their famous butter crust– same family as Lou Malnati’s – and the spicy pepperoni pizza. Add a beverage and you’ve got Oprah’s favorite meal, just don’t jump on the couch.

Popeye – For those of us who remember to eat their spinach, head to Giordano’s on Rush Street . Their deep dish spinach pizza is incredibly fulfilling and will make you strong to the finish. Olive Oil not included.

The Vegetarian – For a more “natural” experience with your food, order the Shroom Pizza -woodland mushrooms, spinach, béchamel, wild herbs, goat cheese & parmigiano-reggiano - from Crust in Wicker Park . Their “Eat Real, Drink Real” philosophy blended with traditional Italian flatbread pizzas makes for a great dining experience.

The Meat-a-tarian – Meat, meat, and more meat. Gino’s East on Superior Street piles it high with their Meaty Legend deep dish pizza. The combination of Pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, and bacon will make any meat lover go crazy. As an added bonus, bring a marker because they let you write your name on the wall.

East Coast – For all you New Englander’s who rather eat foldable, crisp, thin crust pizza, head to Coal Fire on Grand Ave. Their coal fired oven bakes the pizza at 800 degrees so the crust is crisp and burnt around the edges. Try the Fiorentino, mozzarella topped with tomato sauce, layered with hot Calabrese salami and roasted red peppers.

Meatball – If you’re feeling like a meatball, head to the Chicago Oven and Pizza Grinder on Clark Street . Their pizza isn’t in the usual form, but in a pot pie which you order by the half or full pound. This giant lump of pizza will definitely fill your appetite.

GQ - For guys like me, we eat at Pequod’s on Clybourn Ave. Their pan pizza was voted top 25 in the USA by GQ Magazine. Don’t expect a fancy dining room – a long bar, lots of high top seating, and plenty of locals. Try their sausage and fresh basil pan pizza – just what you need to boost your ego before a night out on the town.

Cheeseburger – The debate over the best after hour food has finally ended. Ranalli’s on Clark combines a greasy cheeseburger with thin crust pizza. They deliver late which makes it is an excellent choice for after a night out on the town.

Hopefully this will be useful in deciding where to eat and also provide a little insight to what pizza you really are. In case you would like to know, I am a Cheesy-GQ-Sausage King.

Food for Thought

2009-06-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked by a guest what was the weirdest food I’ve ever eaten. After a moment I realized that over the years I have experienced so many interesting foods and ethnic cuisine that I can’t really come to one conclusion. Often times I order blindly or ask the server to pick my dish and don’t ask what it is until I’ve eaten it – a rule I received early on in my life from a cousin of mine. Instead of making my own decision, I thought it best to describe some of the weird and unusual things that have come across my plate over the years and let you be the judge.

My first taste of the unusual came from Suntory Restaurant, which unfortunately has been closed for a few years now. My cousin, as mentioned above, ordered all the necessary Japanese dishes that one needs to eat for their first taste of the food. As we worked through the meal, we came to one particular dish which was slimy and to me very unappetizing. After I choked it down she laughed and told me it was a sea slug.

Next would have to be dim sum in Chinatown at the Phoenix Restaurant. I’ve gone several times for dim sum on Sunday and each time there has been a language barrier between the staff and I which always results in me pointing at particular dishes and not really knowing what I’ve eaten. It creates an aura of mystery and danger along with your meal. At the end you can make up whatever unusual food you like and say you ate it because no one could prove you wrong.

Japonais restaurant in River North also makes the list with their deep fried crab heads stuffed with rice and uni rolls. It still has the eyes and everything, and no it doesn’t taste like chicken – it tastes like a potato chip. As for the uni (sea urchin) it has the texture, taste and consistency of pureed liver.

Hot Doug’s Sausage Emporium and Tepaltuco Mexican restaurant are next on my list. This past holiday season I was fortunate enough to taste the reindeer dog and duck fat fries at Hot Doug’s. I had a wonderful appetizer at Tepaltuco called Grasshopper – and yes it is just as it sounds, fried grasshoppers.

The Taste of Chicago is the largest celebration of food in the city – it is a two week festival in Grant Park that goes from June 26th to July 5th. With so over 50 food vendors there are bound to be unusual items. At this festival I’ve indulged upon alligator on a stick, Irish egg rolls, banana and chocolate egg rolls, fried chicken and waffles, crawfish (both live and fried), and cheesecake on a stick (not that unusual but I wanted to include it because it is on a stick).

More recently I’ve headed to the trio of inventive/scientific restaurants: Moto, Schwa, and Alinea. These are by far the most interesting places I’ve very been to. At Moto I have eaten the menu, carbonated grapes that “pop” in your mouth, packing peanuts made from corn syrup that instantly dissolve leaving a little tingle, and a shot of donut soup which tasted like a warm Krispie Crème donut. Schwa is a very impressive BOYB restaurant that forever changed my perception of the meaning “bite your tongue” with their pickled beef tongue dish. I had to eat at Alinea because of their notoriety and also to taste their Pigeonneau a la Saint-Clair. This is their most controversial dish made of squab legs – a young domestic pigeon. Up until that point I had chased, yelled at, and even imitated pigeons but never eaten them – it was surprisingly tasty.

I’ve tasted some unusual things while in Chicago, some good some bad some I’m still not sure about. Hopefully this will help in deciding where to dine and what foods are available for the venturous. If you have any comments or questions regarding any of the above, please let me know.

A Week of Festivals, Art and Ice Cream

2009-05-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

The upcoming week brings two great festivals to downtown. The 25th Annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest along Dearborn Street June 6th and 7th is the largest free literary event in the Midwest. It features new, used, antiquarian and specialty books for sale, author readings and signings, panel discussions, storytelling for kids and more. Gospel Fest returns to Grant Park on June 6th and 7th from 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. This is one of the largest Gospel festivals and features live music, food, drink, along with arts and crafts. Not to mention it is free admission… If Gospel Music isn’t your scene, the House of Blues will feature the Crystal Method June 8th and Ziggy Marley will have a kids show June 14th.

I’m sad to say the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup will not be in Chicago – but there are many places to view the games and plenty of drinks to forget that the Chicago teams were eliminated. Although, baseball is the savior as the Cubs and White Sox are in town. The Cubs will host the Twins June 12th – 14th at Wrigley Field. The White Sox will have 11 consecutive home games at US Cellular Field: June 1st thru 4th against Oakland, June 5th thru 7th against Cleveland, and June 8th thru 11th against Detroit. Our Concierge Team will be happy to assist you with tickets to any game (even if it isn’t in Chicago) or a recommendation for a place to view it.

For a more cultural experience, the Summer smARTshow will be at the Flat Iron building in Wicker Park June 5th and 6th. Browse the work of more than 100 artists as you tour resident artist studios and living spaces as well as guest artist exhibits throughout the building. Follow that up with lunch at the Earwax Café – a carnival style restaurant with a multiethnic, mostly vegetarian menu of breakfast, salads and sandwiches. Have dessert at iCream, a newly opened ice cream shop where you can customize every scoop of your sundae from the type of milk to the coloring.

For those of us with little ones, consider heading to Oz Park, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, on Saturday June 6th for their annual Chalk Festival. See artists transform the sidewalk into images of Rembrandt and the Mona Lisa. You can also purchase your own “square” of sidewalk for $10 (includes chalk). The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the more energetic kids, head to the Lincoln Park Zoo on June 7th for the United Run for the Zoo. Choose from either a 5 or 10K run or 5K walk – for anyone under 10 years of age they have a free Giraffe Gallop ranging from 50 yards to ¼ mile that passes by the lions, zebras, and kangaroos – proceeds go to fund the habitat of the zoo animals.

Lastly, after a long day of running, chalking, interpreting art, listening to music, watching the game or indulging in ice cream, head back to the hotel and let us organize any in-room spa treatment you wish – from manicures/pedicures, facials, massage and more.

Mission Impossible: The Picnic

2009-05-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day, the official kick off of summer, is finally upon us. Nothing beats a good picnic in the park with some hotdogs and barbeque. Although, if you try that in Grant Park the wonderful Chicago Police might have something to say about it. Instead, head out on a mission in search of your ideal Memorial Day picnic experience.

Objective 1: The Celebration

The annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 23rd at 12 p.m. (noon) along State Street. This is one of the largest in the country and has almost 10,000 participants. The festivities begin at Daley Plaza and the parade proceeds south on State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street.

Objective 2: The Food

The Weiner Circle and Hot Doug’s keep the Chicago hotdog tradition alive. The Weiner Circle has rude and rowdy staff, but serves some of the best dogs in town. Just don’t ask for ketchup. Hot Doug’s is a more eclectic hotdog/sausage emporium with menu items such as The Kiera Knightly, a mighty hot fire dog, and The Elvis, a smoked and savory sausage just like the king. The one item that sets them apart is their fries, which are cooked in duck fat (only Friday/Saturday). The Weiner Circle is open 11 a.m. until 4 a.m. everyday and Hot Doug’s 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday thru Saturday (closed 5/25/09).

If you rather get sauced, hop on the train and take it to Honky Tonk BBQ in Pilsen or Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park. Honky Tonk BBQ is just like it sounds, a country western barbeque restaurant with music and even a barn door. They recently took 3rd place in the pork shoulder category at the 2008 Memphis World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. As for Smoke Daddy, it is located in the heart of Wicker Park and mixes live Rhythm and Blues music with some of the finest barbeque in the city. “The Daddy” has been featured on the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Rachel Rays Tasty Travels.

Objective 3: The Entertainment

The Chicago Blackhawk’s return to the United Center on May 22nd and May 24th for two home games against the Detroit Red Wings. Baseball is in full swing with the Chicago Whitesox at US Cellular Field May 19th – 24th and Cubs at Wrigley Field May 25th – 31st.

By the end of the mission you’ll have an ideal picnic without having to explain how the fire started…

The Music of Politics

2009-05-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

The summer festival season official starts on Friday with the 14th Annual Chicago Mayfest in the Lakeview neighborhood. The three day festival is full of food, drink, live music (including a U2 tribute band), arts and crafts, and even a pet parade on Sunday. It is a great way to start summertime and get a taste of the local fare.

If a concert is what you’re looking for, R&B artist India Arie will be at the House of Blues on May 17th and Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen is back at the United Center on May12th for a sold out show – but we can still get tickets. The Chicago Blues Fest is a widely popular event in mid June; the city and Blues University have created the Chicago Blues Tour this May 16th which is a preview and features 8 bands at 7 different off-the-beaten-path and classic lounges.

In the political spirit of Chicago, Bobby’s Bike Hike now offers a guided tour of Hyde Park, President Barack Obama’s former stomping ground, and stops at his favorite restaurant the Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop. After the tour, head to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for “Rod Blagojevich Superstar!”. This show takes inspiration from classics such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell” and mixes it with our wonderful government. Rod and Patricia take the role of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene, while the apostles appear as Roland Burris, Patrick Fitzgerald, Dick Mell and Lisa Madigan. It’s a great way to experience Chicago politics without the corruption, lawsuits and court orders.

Flautas and Flowers

2009-05-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo is always a great celebration in Chicago and many restaurants and bars offer specials on traditional Mexican food and drink. Even though it falls on a Tuesday, there are a few options if you really want to party or just relax and enjoy the festivities.

For a more authentic celebration and cuisine head to the heart of Pilsen, Chicago’s Latino neighborhood on 18th Street. There you will find plenty of places to celebrate, including favorites like Taqueria El Miagro, excellent home-style fare, La Cebollita Grill, delicious tamales, and Taqueria Casa del Pueblo. If you'd rather have a more stylish and swanky Cinco de Mayo with plenty of tequila and mini sombreros, check out Carnivale in the Warehouse District or Salud Tequila Bar in Wicker Park. Either one will make your Tuesday much more interesting.

For those of us who are sports fanatics, the next two weeks are going to be wonderful. The Blackhawks return to the United Center against the Canucks on May 5th and 7th for their playoff games. The Chicago Cubs are at Wrigley May 12th – 17th against the Padres and Astros. The Chicago Whitesox are at US Cellular Field May 6th – 10th against the Tigers and Rangers. Our Concierge Team can always find tickets to any event, but the hotdog and drink are extra.

If you are having trouble navigating your stroller through the hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave., there are a few places that you might want to consider. Lincoln Park is just a short distance from the hotel and features three great attractions: The Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The zoo is always free, not many places in Chicago are these days, and has everything from apes to giraffes and even a large carousel. The Conservatory holds plenty of flowers, plants and shrubs that create a great sense of spring, even if the weather doesn’t. Finally, the Nature Museum is a wonderful place for children to run and play. They have plenty of exhibits on turtles, snakes, fish and even a large indoor butterfly habitat with over 300 different species. It’s fun, educational and in the end will make them very tired.

So, go out and enjoy springtime and all its festivities, even on a Tuesday.

Rain or Shine

2009-04-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

Whether rain or shine, there is always something to see or do while in Chicago. This upcoming week brings both sports and culture to downtown; here are a few of them.

For first time visitors or anyone who needs a refresh, there are plenty of tours of Chicago to choose from. There are architectural boat tours from the river and/or lake, Hop on/off Double Decker and Trolley Tours, Bike Tours or even Segway Tours. Any of them will give an excellent overview of the rich and diverse history and architecture of the Windy City. For an extra dose of “Chicago”, head to the Chicago History Museum – free admission on Mondays.

Starting off the week the Chicago White Sox host the Seattle Mariners with games on Monday April 27th – Wednesday April 29th at U.S. Cellular Field. The Chicago Cubs come back to Wrigley Field against the Florida Marlins and San Francisco Giants on Thursday April 30th – Wednesday May 5th.

If culture is what you’re looking for, the Field Museum of Natural History is showing a special exhibit on “Real Pirates” which is the story of a slave ship turned into pirate ship that was discovered off the coast of the United States. And for all you Harry Potter fans, the Museum of Science and Industry has created an exhibit that gives you a first hand look at the magical world – starts on April 30th.
The lights on Broadway turn on Tuesday thru Sunday with shows such as: Jersey Boys (the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons), A Chorus Line, Xanadu, and Mary Poppins. For comedy, Second City has excellent sketch comedy all week long or try out Zanies for the best stand up in the city.

Our Concierge team can assist with restaurant reservations, reserve theatre and sporting event seats, set up city tours, arrange spa services, transportation and in-room flower delivery. Whatever you need, I would be happy to help make your stay more relaxing and enjoyable.

Phase I of Renovations Now Complete At The Millennium Knickerbocker

2008-08-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that the first phase of our $27 million dollar restoration is now complete as 305 completely transformed guest rooms, including one-bedroom suites and guest corridors make their debut. The dramatic changes combine up-to-the-minute amenities both business and leisure travelers will welcome, plus contemporary style that highlights rich details harkening back to the hotel’s 1920s origination.

During the design process, the hotel’s prestigious membership in the Historic Hotels of America was respected and creatively complemented by renowned interior designer, Jinnie Kim from Boston-based Jinnie Kim Design. Her team approached the guest room design by responding to the historical architecture and ambiance, as well as the cosmopolitan setting of the hotel.

The rejuvenation features a collection of design elements and amenities that result in a quiet haven of luxury. Soothing neutral colors accented with a punch of cranberry are complemented by walls finished with linen-like wall coverings, dark mahogany Sapele wood accents, chic Lucite bedside lamps and rich upholstery. Sealy pillow top bedding with 400-count Frette linens, down comforters and plush pillows offer the ultimate in comfort for a restful night’s sleep.

New Knickerbocker Suite Unveiled

2008-07-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

The hotel's largest suite at 1,400 square feet - the aptly named Knickerbocker Suite has debuted! The suite features a hardwood floor entryway, a luxurious oversized bedroom with sitting area, a marble-adorned master bathroom with deep soaking tub and separate shower, a flat screen television to enjoy while bathing, and a make-up/dressing area. The spacious living room offers well-appointed living space with a flat screen television, dining table for six, and a built-in bar. A half-bath off of the living room allows guests to enjoy a residential feel.

New Rooms & Suites

2008-07-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

We have now completed all work on floors 7-12 and have beautiful new rooms and suites. The 1,400 square foot Knickerbocker Suite will be finished on July 7. It is going to be spectacular and was the former apartment of Hugh Hefner in the early 1970's when the hotel was the Chicago outpost of the Playboy Hotel & Towers. Special rates are now available through Labor Day - come and visit and enjoy the luxury of a brand new room or suite and all that the city has to offer!

Beautiful New Rooms

2008-06-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

We now have 175 brand new rooms ready for sale and they are spectacular. All rooms have been beautifully finished with dark mahognany wood accents, a 40” high definition flat screen television, fully stocked mini-bar, coffee maker, in-room safe, and 400 thread count Frette bedding with a luxurious down comforter. The spa-like bathroom features high end finishes including the Grohe rainshower system, granite countertops, and an environmentally conscious water management system. Additional in-room conveniences include dual line cordless speaker telephones, wireless internet access, iron and ironing board, bathrobe & slippers. Special promotional rates are now available throughout the summer.

Early May Update

2008-05-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 12th, the beautiful new floors of 11 & 12 will be released back to the hotel and our overnight customers will get the first look. The rooms are beautifully appointed and the guest corridors look fantastic as well. For those of you that have not stayed at The Knickerbocker before, you are in for a great experience. For our frequent guests, we look forward to showing you our dramatic improvements and to welcoming you back! We are also pleased to announce that Chad Willetts on piano has returned to the hotel's Martini Bar with live performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The Martini Bar now features 36 wines by the glass and a wonderful selection of appetizers as well. Be sure to stop by and sample one of our 50 varieties of Martinis!

New Spa Like Bathrooms

2008-04-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

New Guest Bathroom Images:

Enhanced guest baths will feature Grohe fixtures and rainhead showers, frameless pivot shower doors, exquisite black granite countertops, Gilchrist & Soames amenities and environmentally conscious water flow.

New Guest Room Images

2008-03-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

Early Spring Update

2008-03-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

The restoration is moving at a fast pace! We have finalized plans for 40" HD televisions in all rooms along with a jack pack which will allow ipod connection through the TV speakers. Cat 6 cabling has been installed to increase bandwith and add wireless internet service in all guest rooms. All rooms are also getting in room safes for safekeeping of laptops and valuables. New and innovative technology will make the hotel ideal for business travelers.

January Week Four Update

2008-01-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

Steady progress is being made on the first block of rooms being refurbished. In phase two of the restoration, the lobby and bar will be completely redesigned. We have learned that the hotel’s lobby will focus on a centered bar featuring a 15-foot, backlit backbar set beneath two oversized beaded pendant lights and an Erte-inspired mural on a silver-leaf canvas by Evans & Brown of San Francisco.

January Week Three Update

2008-01-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

We received some additional design information this week on the new "look and feel" of the hotel, post restoration. Designed by Jinnie Kim Design of Boston (guest rooms) and Interior Design Workshop of San Francisco (public areas), the new look of The Knickerbocker will evoke the elegance and vivacity of the 1920s and 1930s – harkening back to the hotel’s opening in 1927. Elements of Art Deco, like bold metal detailing, sweeping curves, and sleek ornamentation will heighten the Knickerbocker’s visual impact, while retro materials such as metal, lacquer, leather, stone, alligator skin and snakeskin will add depth, character and texture throughout the hotel.

January Week Two Update

2008-01-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

This was a busy week at the hotel. We were closed to all guests from Monday through Wednesday to conduct some scheduled repairs on the hotel's HVAC units. All went well and we re-opened at 8am on Thursday, January 10. Floors 7-12 have now been completely closed off as they will be the first floors to be completed. We received a diagram and list of new fitness equipment for the hotel's soon-to-be expanded Fitness Center. It is going to be state of the art for our guests and the best part is that it will still be complimentary!

January Starts off Chilly!

2008-01-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

It is only in the teens this week weather wise in Chicago and there is a definite chill in the New Year air. Now that the excitement of New Year's Eve is over, it is time to get back to business! The hotel went 100% non smoking as of January 1st per Illinois State Law. This week all of the guest rooms on floors 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 are being stripped and the furniture is being liquidated to make way for the room construction. The management team reviewed the architectural renderings and viewed several rooms this week, noting all of the design changes that are coming. We will have more suites and new connecting guest rooms which will provide a better experience for our guests.

A New Year at The Knickerbocker

2007-12-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

Join us on Monday, December 31, 2007 in our Nix Bistro for an intimate New Year's Eve dining experience. We have paired innovative cuisine with the perfect wines for an unforgettable dining experience. Following dinner, join us in the hotel's Martini Bar for a live jazz trio and champagne toast at midnight. This is the close of what has been a great year at The Knickerbocker. However, there is much change and excitement on the horizon for 2008! More on the renovation will follow in early January.

Millennium Knickerbocker Restoration

2007-12-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

Since 1927, the Millennium Knickerbocker has been a landmark on Chicago’s famed North Michigan Avenue. We are pleased to announce a multi-million dollar restoration program that will commence in December 2007. The entire hotel including all guest rooms, lobby, dining room and lounge will be transformed. The restoration will preserve the hotel’s legendary grandeur and historic integrity while creating an improved experience for business travelers and meeting attendees. The substantial investment in the hotel will make it a grander, more contemporary hotel for a new century of guests. When completed in Spring 2008, the restoration will honor the hotel’s proud tradition of sophistication and classic style by preserving its timeless elegance while at the same time, showcase dramatic improvements for the future. We look forward to working with you in 2008!