Photo by Michael Reiss
Chicago conjures up many captions–from the Windy City, to the deep dish pizza capital, to the hometown of presidents, popes and media moguls. This city has something for everyone: it’s architecture, museums, theaters, symphony, sports venues, culinary stars, river walks and lakefront make it an irresistible tourism destination. No wonder it has been voted Best Big City in the US. for eight years in a row by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
Photo by the Nobu Hotels
Besides Best Big City status, Chicago has numerous luxury hotels ready to welcome international guests. Why not stay at the Number One Ranked Hotel by Tripadvisor for 2025 Nobu Hotel Chicago? This boutique property–located in the trendy West Loop– has 115 guest accommodations and a world-renowned Nobu restaurant and Rooftop bar.
Photo by Michael Reiss
From the moment you enter, the bold, minimalist, lobby immerses you in a distinctly Japanese sensibility. This purpose-built structure is specifically designed to showcase a modern, stylish Japanese esthetic.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The spacious, comfortable, indulgent rooms and suites are outfitted to satisfy the most discriminating clientele. The Zen sensibility is evident in every detail, where every essential is carefully curated and nothing extraneous clutters the space. You experience the luxury of a tranquil oasis in the center of Chicago’s bustling and vibrant West Loop with food centric Randolph and Fulton streets just footsteps away.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The calm, sophisticated environment is reflected throughout the property, from the lantern lit, orchid bedecked hallways to the serene wellness center and indoor pool, to the dramatic décor of the restaurant and rooftop bar.
Once settled into your simply elegant accommodation, complete with heated floors, and sweeping, expansive, floor to ceiling, window views, you’ll relax, breathe deeply and appreciate the Japanese sense of luxury. The welcoming staff reflects the tone by offering gracious, helpful service yet respectful of guests’ privacy.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Dining at Nobu Chicago is an adventure and a culinary journey to Japan and beyond. Virtually all of the sushi chefs are Japanese and are carefully selected and trained by Nobu who makes regular visits to ensure quality.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The ingredients are luxurious and of the highest quality. Many of the items are sourced directly from Japan. There is a respect for tradition yet a spirit of creativity in every menu item that is the signature of Nobu. The waitstaff are well informed and readily communicate guest requests. When you order an item and think you know what to expect, be prepared to be surprised by a version or presentation that exceeds your expectations.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Take yellowtail tartare with caviar, a unique revelation of fish and caviar blended in a sauce that was ethereal in taste, texture and presentation.
Then there was Salmon Nashi Pear, a melt in your mouth bite made texturally delightful by the snap of the Asian pear and the unctuous truffle topping and sauce.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Each item, including the flaming, highly prized, A5 Wagyu Beef, direct from Japan, was presented with panache by our professional server, Kevin. He brought the dining experience to a crescendo with his suggested wine pairings from champagne for starters to Matsuhisa’s wine selections to the exceptional offerings of sakes.
Whether you are a sushi lover on the hunt for a superb rendition or you want to experience the epitome of Nobu’s classic cuisine through his omakase offerings, you will be enthralled delighted and fully sated by Nobu’s cuisine.
Photo by Michael Reiss
For a more casual but equally exquisite Nobu experience, try their fixed Three Course Lunch or Bento Box Lunch offerings, and their weekend Nobu Extravaganza Brunch
Photo by Michael Reiss
In addition, Nobu offers the trendy, The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago with views and vistas of the city that are hard to top.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Where to start when exploring Chicago might be a daunting task, but “Tours by Locals” is at the ready to assist. We took one of the many custom tour offerings provided by an exceptionally informative guide, Sylvie who, along with a competent driver, Adam, brought the many locales used by the ever-popular series, “The Bear” to life.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Another perennial favorite is the First Lady Architectural River Cruise, the boat trip that illuminate the history and lore of the skyscrapers through the knowledgeable commentary of skilled volunteer docents.
Photo by Michael Reiss
When it’s time to eat, you will never go hungry in this city of 77 distinct culinary neighborhoods ready to fill your stomach and feed your soul with authentic renditions of virtually every cuisine you would ever want to taste.
We chose Tzuco, a Mexican restaurant with French influences as one of our selections.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The warmly lit ambience, decorated with dried plant materials was imported from Tzuco, the hometown of Chef Carlos Gaytán, the first Latin American to earn a Michelin Star.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The ambitious menu offered many appealing choices. Our selections included an Heirloom Tomato salad and a Baja Tostada for starters. Our mains included a Chile Relleno with ratatouille and spaghetti squash, and a Costillas De Res, Braised short ribs. Each dish was familiar but had surprising elements and preparations that gave a nod to the French technique that is the signature of Chef Gaytan.
The wine selection included French and Mexican sparkling wines as well as a delicious French Burgundy and Bordeaux.
Desserts were an artistic coup de gras. The Maiz, a medley of corn ice cream and accompaniments as well as the Giandujua, a Hazelnut concoction with drizzles of chocolate were fitting endings to a completely satisfying Mexican feast.
Photo by Michael Reiss
For a uniquely creative dining experience try Bar Esme. Located adjacent to the Michelin starred Esme, Bar Esme offers a more casual cocktail and wine bar with snacks, caviar and a three-course tasting menu prepared by the same chefs, in the same kitchen as Esme. The dining concept at Bar Esme changes three times a year to correspond to the changing local art displayed throughout. The idea was conceived by the owners to pay tribute to the Lincoln Park neighborhood and highlight the visual arts as one of the many ways to express creativity. Every aspect of the experience is an art form. Mixologist Andrew concocts libations to enhance the culinary offerings. Beverage Director Stephen curates a wine program to pair with the menu and the changing menu in both the restaurant and bar reflects the current artistic offerings on display.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Our meal began with Golden Osetra Caviar, Kombu ice cream, Peanut Miso, White Chocolate and Celery Hot Sauce. This original preparation gave new meaning to all five of the taste buds firing from sweet, sour, salty, spicy, to umami. It was an explosion of flavors and textures that reverberated with each bite.
Photo by Michael Reiss
We then enjoyed the three-course dinner with wine pairings. Our favorite items included Foie Gras with apple and basil accompanied by a stylish Reisling and the Sunchoke Agnolotti with Kale Pine Nut Pesto, Parmesan, Escarole, and Truffles accompanied by special white wine from the Douro, Portugal.
Whether it is dining as art or art as dining depends on the palette of the guest; we leave it to the discriminating diners who choose Bar Esme to decide.
Photo by Michael Reiss
If you want a lively dining scene, try UMMO in River North. This Italian with Latin flair has a creative twist to every dish. Think Burrata with Avocado drizzled with house made 8-year old balsamic, or the Scottish salmon puttanesca surrounded with veggies.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Every dish was copious and soul satisfying. The bar scene was popping and even the wine by the glass selections were well chosen to enhance the food.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Top off the evening with a giant UMMO FERRERO dessert. This dark chocolate cream, toasted hazelnuts, gianduja, nitro drops and Frangelico jelly was a tour de force flavor bomb designed to complete a memorable Chicago evening out.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Speaking of evenings out, why not book Teatro Zinzanni for a inimitably orchestrated night on the town available only in Chicago and Seattle.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Nowhere else can you find aerial cirque, mad cap, topical, audience immersive comedy, live music and dinner all wrapped up in a stunning setting.
Guests are encouraged to wear their finery and celebrate life as the performers do each evening. Whatever your mood or concern, you will leave energized and renewed by the spirit of Teatro Zinzanni.
While Chicago means many things to many people, take these recommendations and you too can stay in the loop by putting the chic in Chicago!
Photo by Michael Reiss
