Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/786768
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEIL BURGER The spritz at Bar Roma. DINE & DRINK 3 ARTS CLUB CAFE Hogsalt Hospitality founder Brendan Sodikoff says of this airy destination at the center of RH's fab Gold Coast gallery, "It's a place where anyone can feel at home." True—but it helps if you're wearing designer duds to fit in with the uber-chic crowd of lunching ladies. 1300 N. Dearborn St., 312-475-9116; 3artsclubcafe.com ANTEPRIMA Charming neighborhood vibe and accomplished home-style fare make this Italian spot an Andersonville favorite. Must-try signature plates include super-tender grilled octopus and orecchiette with house-made lamb sausage. INSIDER TIP: While not always on the menu, knockout pasta dish cacio e pepe is always available. 5316 N. Clark St., 773-506-9990; anteprimachicago.net THE AVIARY From world-famous chef Grant Achatz and partner Nick Kokonas, this is the city's premier destination for avant-garde cocktails. INSIDER TIP: After your first drink, ask your server if there's room in teensy downstairs speakeasy The Office— where bartenders shake up the ultimate in classic cocktails—for round two. 955 W. Fulton Market; theaviary.com BANGERS & LACE It's a sausage fest at this curated craft beer and encased meats destination, whose recently opened Addison street location gives Wrigleyvillers a dignified alternative to the sports bar madness. INSIDER TIP: Brunch is a real find; don't miss the shakshouka, a plate of spicy African goodness with eggs and lamb sausage. 1851 W. Addison St., 773-697-8667; 1670 W. Division St., 773-252-6499; 810 Grove St., Evanston, 847-905-0854; bangersandlace.com N E W BAPTISTE & BOTTLE Bourbon is the keyword at this Conrad Hotel hot spot spearheaded by globetrotting chef Richard Sandoval, who crafts inspired American plates—chicory and gorgonzola salad, triple-seared prime NY strip—to pair with smart cocktails like the Southside Mule (local Koval bourbon, pineapple-rosemary shrub, ginger). 101 E. Erie St., 20th Fl., 312-667-6793; baptisteandbottle.com BAR LUPO Double whammy: Not only does this Italian pub new to River North boast an industry vet in owner Brian O'Connor (Maple & Ash, RIA, North Pond)—the beverage program is curated by rock star mixologist Liz Pearce. Chicken parm + aperol spritz? Count us in. INSIDER TIP: Dig into the killer late-night menu with meatball subs and $2.99 house shots. 217 W. Huron St., 312-643-3400; barlupochicago.com N E W BAR ROMA The meatball craze hits Andersonville with this buzzing new Italian destination, which tempts with 5 kinds of 'balls (lamb, pork belly, chicken, veal, and good old ground beef) plus house-made pastas, all whipped up by veteran chef Fred Ramos. 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942- 7572; barromachicago.com N E W BODEGA As if the ACME Hotel weren't already a hotbed of craft cocktails (Berkshire Room anyone?), the THAT'S AMARO Three must-try spots for the Italian herbal liqueur that's Chicago's latest spirit sensation: Cherry Circle Room. Go for the frothily potent Central Standard Time—bourbon, rum, port, amaro, and egg white—at this Chicago Athletic Association hotel mixology spot. 12 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Fl., 312-792-3515; lsdatcaa .com/cherry-circle-room Osteria Langhe. Sip the Smokey Eye, a tongue- tingling concoction of mescal, chile liqueur, amaro, Mandarine Napoleon, and bitters. 2824 W. Armitage Ave., 773-661- 1582; osterialanghe.com Bar Roma. Blood orange amara gives this restaurant's aperol spritz a floral, fruity kick. 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572; barromachicago.com 114 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM The SOURCE: SCENE