This winter was the worst, evoking downright irrational emotions for most Chicagoans and definitely all commuters. And what do we think is next? Once the cold (finally) goes away, will we be in for serious rain and flash floods? One thing is certain: you shouldn’t let the weather change your plans or cause you to stay in. Here are seven reasons (and 10 places) to brave the snow/ice/fog/rain/heat/smog jungle.
1. Support local businesses. Patronizing your neighborhood eateries is even more important when the weather is bad. The Sedgwick Stop is a chameleon of a pub that changes with days and clientele. There’s a wine cellar with wines at high price points, but in contrast, the menu is casual and flat screen TVs have the game on. Some nights they have live jazz; others beer tastings. The comfort food wins out, so choose the mac n’ cheese, sweet potato fries and burgers over the sandwiches and salads. Another favorite is Brown Trout. It doesn’t get much fresher than herbs grown on the roof of a restaurant. The food is tasty (especially the fried chicken) and there are great deals to be had. On Sundays, they offer half price wine bottles, but Thursdays are BYOB, and nothing beats a BYOB restaurant with great food.
2. Enjoy the scenery. No matter what is going on outside, you can enjoy the view from a unique vantage point at Nomi in the Park Hyatt overlooking Chicago’s iconic Water Tower on Michigan Ave. They’ve rebranded with new décor, a new concept and more casual dining, but the scene is still elegant. Order a “simply prepared” entrée and the Wild Bolivian Chocolate for dessert.
3. Splurge. Tax returns are a great reason to spend money you’ve been living without. And what better place to spend that money than L20? You don’t need me to tell you how great it is – two Michelin stars says it all. The menu is fantastic and so are all the little extras along the way. If you are celebrating a special occasion or entertaining an important client, call ahead for a customized menu.
4. Treat yourself. Dessert brightens any day, no matter how cloudy. Pies from Bang Bang are the best I’ve ever had, and with news of another Bang Bang location, it seems my fellow Chicagoans agree. The menu changes seasonally, but so far the chocolate, pumpkin and apple have not disappointed. More of a cake person? Then head to Blue Door Farm Stand on Armitage for the best (by far) carrot cake in town.
5. Try something conceptual. In a rut? Need to be jolted out of hibernation? Nightwood has a great menu for an eclectic group, and if you live on the Northside, it’s a good excuse to migrate south. There are great options on the menu for those who want to play it safe (such as a very flavorful chicken entree), but there are more adventurous options too, some of which our server described as “more conceptual.” While the menu changes frequently to maintain freshness, I recommend trying whatever pastas they have that day.
6. Multi-task – Take a cooking class, have dinner and pick up your groceries all in one place. Multiple options for activities and mini dining experiences make Eataly a perfect choice for the really rainy days. The standing wine bar on the second floor is a great place to wait for a table at La Pizza & La Pasta (I highly recommend you order one of each). The dishes are sharable, and Eataly boasts space for group events, so invite your marketing team to learn how to make meatballs. Don’t forget to stop at the Nutella bar on the way out.
7. Celebrate the seasons all year round. Winter is a fact of Chicago life, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take every opportunity to forget it. Luckily Summer House offers a nice reprieve from the frigid temps and boasts a playful menu. The beach house feel is refreshing, but the main dishes didn’t win me over. I’d stick with drinks and appetizers, specifically the guacamole and housemade chips. Another fact of life in Chicago is the real beach, which means bathing suit season is quickly approaching. This is when your Seasons 52 diet begins. The entrees are very flavorful while still relatively healthy (vegetarian entrée pictured). The flat breads are good, but the “Mini Indulgences” steal the show.
Rachel Thompson is the North America client development manager for Baker & McKenzie. Rachel would like to thank the LMA Midwest Chapter for giving her a more legitimate platform for sharing her thoughts on restaurants and event venues, and for helping her secure a coveted spot on the office wine committee.