Edition: Dining in Chicago
Celebrity Concierge: Gale Gand
Author: Interview by Jody Robbins
Here's the schedule when one of the nation's top sweet-themed toques leaves the kitchen and hits the town.
9 a.m. If I can, I'll sleep until 9 a.m. (My husband and I have two-year-old twins, so we don't sleep in much.) If I've been to Gale's Coffee Bar, I'll bring my husband a cinnamon Danish and the girls love the cranberry angel food muffins and the lemon cookies.
10:30 a.m. If not tasting my own stuff, I'd go to Bucktown and stop in at Sweet Thang. Their croissants are as good as mine, or better.
11 a.m. Then, I'd head to the Museum of Contemporary Art, where I always start at the gift shop to kind of warm up the eyes. The kids love it.
Noon Next, I'd head over to Water Tower Place and get a six-pack of steamed dumplings from Wow Bao. I really like the pomegranate ginger ale, with fresh ginger. I'm not into clothes, or make-up, but I am into shoes and can't leave Nordstrom without a couple pairs.
2 p.m. By now, I'm ready to grab a taxi and head to West Division Street, which is full of shops and neat places. I'd stop at all-organic Crust, and Enoteca Roma Winebar & Bruschetteria for their polenta tasting.
6 p.m. I'd follow it up by stopping by the Art Institute of Chicago for a quick visit to stretch my legs before I see a show at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, which has hosted some of my favorite-favorite performances.
9 p.m. I would stop at the new Pops for Champagne, for a glass of Champagne and great jazz music. I also love to see Stephanie Browning, who often plays in The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel. Or, I love everything about Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, especially their flan and passion fruit sangria. Or, I'd head back home to Wheeling for dinner at Pete Miller's Seafood & Prime Steak.
11:30 p.m. I'd never stay out this late, but if I did, I'd probably go to the RT Lounge here in Wheeling. It's a really sexy space with interesting cocktails AND sushi. Now that's a full day.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
The museum boasts one of the largest facilities in the country devoted to modern art. The Museum of Contemporary Art showcase sculptures, paintings, photography, video, film and performances. Admission is $6- $10.
Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
A twist on the Old Water Tower building, Water Tower Place is an eight-floor shopping adventure with all of your favorite shops under one roof.
Nordstrom
55 E. Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
This Pacific Northwest department store is know for its wide selection and unbeatable service.
Crust
2056-58 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622
Certified organic, the entire concept that is Crust boils down to super-fresh organic ingredients, whether on the flatbread-made pizzas or in the (literally) garden-fresh salads.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603
Discover 5,000 years of artistic expression at one of the world's great art museums. Journey through Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas as you enjoy paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, videos, textiles, and architectural works. Admission $7-$12.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614
This popular theatre in Old Town has been performing shows for the last 30 years.
Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60611
Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>
Lobby at the Peninsula
108 E. Superior St., 5th Floor, Chicago, IL
The Lobby at the Peninsula is a fancier restaurant that offers, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. A great vegan menu is offered at afternoon tea.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
2024 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614
Average Dinner Entree Cost:
$11 - $20
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Outdoor Dining:
May through October, weather permitting>
