Chicago Signature Properties

By Arin Agase

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” –Josh Billings

Only a dog-lover could feel the pain of leaving a furry-friend behind… You know the look: head down, ears up, expressive eyes (if looks could kill, right?). So why make Harry wait at home when there’s plenty for you to do downtown! I bet you didn’t know there are over 30 bars in Chicago with licensed dog-friendly side-walk cafes! Treat your pal to a night on the town… (View below)

Also check-out a few of our favorite dog parks below:

Dog Friendly Cafès:

The Boundary: 1932 w Division St (Wicker Park)
Bull & Bear: 431 N Wells St (River North)
312 Chicago: 136 N Lasalle St (Theatre District)
Dunlays on Clark: 2600 N Clark St (Lincoln Park)
The Fifty/50: 2047 W Division St (
Gaslight Bar & Grill: 2426 N Racine Ave (Lincoln Park)
Hub 51: 51 W Hubbard Street (River North)
Joe’s Bar: 940 W Weed Street (Lincoln Park)
Lottie’s Pub: 1925 W Cortland Ave (Bucktown)
P.J. Clarke’s: 1204 N State St
RL/Ralph Lauren: 115 E. Chicago Ave (off Michigan Ave)
Rockit Bar & Grill: 3700 N. Clark St (Wrigleyville)
Small Bar: 2956 N Albany Ave (Logan Square)

Chicago is very accommodating with pets, there are several others not listed above. Try giving the bar/restaurant a call before visiting… We’re positive Harry will thank you.

Favorite Dog Parks:

Lakeshore East:

*Magellan Devlopment Property

450 E. Benton Place
(West of Lake Shore Drive, south of Wacker Drive, and North of Randolph Street.)
Chicago, IL 60611

Challenger Park:

1101 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(312)742-7802

Churchill Field Park:

1825 N. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL

Let us in on your favorite spots! We’d love to hear.

By Collis Hancock

If you work downtown, you’re probably overwhelmed with choices for lunches near you. Some are healthy, some are decadent, some are way too expensive and some places just offer boring salads that leave you starving all afternoon. Protein Bar has four downtown locations, all offering up healthy but filling fare for breakfast and lunch. Some restaurants even have online ordering and local delivery.

The breakfasts are all a great way to start your day, packing with protein and healthy whole grains. For lunch, choose from Bar-ritos, Bowls, Salads or Chilis. The restaurants list nutritional information so it’s easy to pick sometime to suit your healthy needs. One of the most popular dishes is the Healthy Parm Bowl, a riff on chicken parmesan. Quinoa is covered in marinara sauce, grilled chicken or tofu and a sprinkling of cheese. The Quinoa Chili is another great option for winters. Once again, the restaurant uses quinoa as a substitute for unhealthy carbs and covers in in healthy chili.

Check the website for locations and details.
www.proteinbarchicago.com

By Collis Hancock

Chef Matt Maroni has had great success with his food truck, Gaztro-wagon, and with the newly opened Morso, it’s easy to see why. His playful and inventive combinations of flavors, textures and techniques make the food irresistible.

The menu features tastes that many haven’t tried, but perhaps presented in an approachable way. For example, the antelope tonnato, in the “raw” section of the menu features raw antelope, thinly sliced like a beef carpaccio, served with caperberries, dandelion greens and foccaccia. As a side, be sure not to miss the spaetzle, Maroni’s version of macaroni and cheese made with decadent gouda, mushrooms and bread crumbs.

Make sure to try Morso for brunch as well. The hamburger is a fusion of a patty melt, cheeseburger and a croque monsieur and is covered in luscious mornay sauce, a fried egg and frites. Crab cakes, also offered at dinner, come dressed with crispy fried oysters, leeks and a scallop sauce.

No matter what time you dine at Morso, the cocktails are a must. Mixologist Choo, aka Matthew Lipsky, whips up lively libations that stand up to and complement Chef Maroni’s meals. If you’re interested in cocktails and bar bites, the upstairs lounge menu has upscale snacks like pork belly nuggests with dates and brie fondue or fried oysters with sambal aioli.

Morso
340 West Armitage Avenue
773-880-9280
www.morsochicago.com

By Arin Agase

A lot is brewing in the community of Lakeshore East (click here for neighborhood guide). The $4 billion dollar empire spans 28 acres including seven skyscrapers, and two townhouse complexes. Magellan Development Group has been anxiously awaiting the completion of “Village Market Services” that includes 105,000 square feet of retail space. Until now, the community relied on CVS (attached to Aqua) and Bockwinkel’s for essentials.

Take a look below for what’s coming near you:

• Mariano’s Fresh Market (333 E. Benton): Opened: 10/4/11 55,000 square feet. The store’s CEO adds, “We’re all about choice,” he said. “We don’t always know what people are going to want” via Chicago Tribune. Pick from nearly 40 types of hummus and other broad assortments. The store is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering: a sushi bar, deli, gelato, rotisserie, salad bar, soup bar with an outdoor patio. Also includes a full service grocery store (2 floors).

Chicago Signature Review: We’re blown away with the prices! The food quality is exceptional, and who doesn’t love getting a bang for their buck? The staff is friendly, helpful and always at your service. Definitely get over there for any meal of the day; you don’t want to miss out!

• III Forks Steakhouse (333 E Benton) Opened 10/5/11. If steak and a view are two of your favorite things, you’re in luck! Floor to ceiling windows that gaze into the park with mosaic columns, a glass of wine and a juicy steak… our mouth is watering already! If you’re in town for business, make sure to check out the private room (to knockout those clients, pictured below) the feedback is gushing out positively! Also, grasp the end of our “Indian Summer” and head up to the outdoor bar for a drink! We cannot tell you how stunning the view is, you will not be left disappointed. Visit website here.

Chicago Signature Review: Exceptional beyond belief! The environment is classy, yet pleasurable. It’s a place for everyone… We prefer the happy hour outdoors. Enjoy it while it’s here Chicago, we all know snOMG is coming…

Below have signed leases: Dates to follow:

• Maison A Brasserie (French Bistro)
• Eggy’s Café (Breakfast Spot)
• Cuticle Nail Salon

• Chalk Preschool: (Open in Tides) for youngsters aged 2-5 with three classrooms. Perfect for Lakeshore East families. The school has a capacity of 50 children. Check out their website here.

Radisson Blu Chicago

• Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel: It’s coming… November 1st 2011. The first of the internationally-prominent (via Magellan Development) up-scale Radisson Blu Hotels in the US with 334 guest rooms utilizing the first 18 floors of the award winning, Aqua tower. Guests will have access to an 150-seat Italian style “Filini restaurant” and a 12,500 square-foot ground level ballroom! How fabulous does that sound? Have any guests coming in town, check out their website here

• Development Recap: “Coast”

Magellan Development broke ground on “Coast” (345 E. Wacker drive) designed by the talented, Brininstook Kerwin & Lynch (BKL) and Lowenberg Architects. The building is set for a completion date of February 2013. “It’s Lakeshore East’s eighth tower and will contain 499 apartments, 18,000 square feet of retail space, 272 car parking facility and an 18,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor amenities! (Whew, that’s a lot to get out!)” Via Magellan Development.

By Collis Hancock

Monday

Try some fantastic wines from Brooks Winery, each paired with a delicious course at the Michelin-starred Sepia Restaurant. For $95, feast on coriander-cured hiramasa, apple cider-braised pork belly, grilled lamb loin and almond blanc neige with apple spice cake. Call the restaurant for reservations.
Sepia Restaurant
123 North Jefferson Street
312-441-1920
www.sepiachicago.com

Tuesday

If you want to learn more about Madiera, head to Lockwood in the Palmer House Hilton. This month’s Regional Wine Journey focuses on Madiera and for $25; you’ll enjoy tastings, a lesson and meat and cheese accompaniments. Call Lockwood for reservations.
Lockwood Restaurant at The Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe Street
312-726-7500
www.lockwoodrestaurant.com

Wednesday

Be a true local eater at the Green City Market’s Locavore Picnic Supper featuring food from the Honest Meal Project, Limelight Catering and Green City Market. The dinner is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and is $30 per person. Tickets can be purchased here
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 North Cannon Drive

Friday

The Second Annual Hamburger Hop is the kickoff event for this weekend’s Chicago Gourmet. The event includes burgers, beer and cocktails and is held at Harris Rooftop Theatre in Millennium Park. Fifteen local chefs will compete in the burger challenge. Tickets are $89 a person, plus tax and are available here.

Saturday and Sunday

It’s time for Bon Appetit’s Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park. The celebration of food and wine will be held both days, with tickets available for either day or the whole weekend. View the event website for more details or to buy tickets.