Our Galavante founder, Christine Drinan, who’s been to over 100 countries around the world and is on her way to 195, has a local guide of her favorite spots in Chicago, which is where she grew up.
“Although I live in New York, I was raised in Chicago. So, Chicago, with all my friends and family, is a nostalgic place for me. It has some of the very best food in the country, and I always try to find one new spot every time I’m there. But I also love going back to my old standbys.”
Places to Stay:
When we stay in Chicago, we stay at The Peninsula Chicago. The rooms are like a second home – it’s a splurge, but it’s worth it.
If you’re looking to economize a little more (although it’s not really economizing), stay at the Park Hyatt across the street. We love the common areas, and it’s a great place to hold meetings and catch-ups with friends. And when we book through Galavante, we always get food and beverage credit, so we invite people for breakfast and for drinks at NoMi at the Park Hyatt.
Another great place to stay is the Soho House Chicago.
Places to Eat and Drink:
Chicago is where you always feel like you need to eat potatoes. Margeaux Brasserie has incredible French food. It’s not really a happening scene, but before going to a happening scene, we stop by there and have the aligot – which is two parts cheese, one part potato. It’s very naughty, but it’s delicious.
We love RPM Steak, and not just because one of the guys won “The Apprentice.”For Italian food, we go to Monteverde Restaurant. They have an incredible cheese pizza, and a great wine list. RPM Italian is a wonderful alternative, however. Le Colonial is great for drinks, and TAO Chicago is a glamorous, high-end Asian cuisine restaurant, with renowned cocktails and a built-in nightclub as well.
But, a visit to Chicago is not at all a visit, unless you go to Ralph Lauren. The food there is some of the best of all the Ralph Lauren restaurants. They have the best French fries and crab cakes in Chicago.
Places to See:
Our favorite spots include the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the North Avenue Beach is beautiful, especially in the summertime.
The Chicago List:
Places to Stay:
The Peninsula Chicago
Park Hyatt Chicago
Soho House Chicago
Places to Eat and Drink:
NoMi at the Park Hyatt
Margeaux Brasserie
RPM Steak
Monteverde Restaurant
RPM Italian
Le Colonial
TAO Chicago
Ralph Lauren
Places to See:
Museum of Contemporary Art
North Avenue Beach
