The space is touristy and noisy, but the ceiling makes the visit worthwhile.
This lobby bar is pretty grand, featuring an ornate high ceiling and live music from 5pm, which contributes to the lively yet majestic ambiance.
We have California’s Daou Cabernet Sauvignon and Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Eliot Ness Amber Lager (6.1% ABV)—both are excellent choices. Served in chef sommelier-style stemware.
Additionally, many tables and seats have electrical outlets behind them, making the space practical for longer stays.
Palmer House is a historic hotel in Chicago‘s Loop area. Opened in 1870, rebuilt in 1925, which is the current structure.
The longest continuously operating hotel in North America, it was city’s first hotel with elevators, and the first hotel with electric light bulbs and telephones in the guest rooms. It’s a Hilton now.
Lockwood is a bar and restaurant on the second floor.
Seeing a few Asians partcipants in the Midwest Political Science Association MPSA annual conference.
Poor planning on my part, we didn’t catch any concert. The only one performing during our stay is Hisaishi, but it’s sold out. (Not regretful: $250 a ticket, I’d rather spend on other composers.) Oh well, next time!
I toured the venue: it looks and feels great. Seeing some of the upcoming concerts just makes me want to kick myself more.
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River North is a lively neighborhood in Chicago the Near North Side. It boasts luxe shops and eateries, plus posh nightclubs and cocktail bars. Opened in 1930 in a former industrial area, the sprawling Merchandise Mart attracts throngs of shoppers to its home and office design showrooms. Surrounding the Mart, artist’s studios in converted warehouses and lofts form a hub that sustains the area’s foremost art galleries
A wonderful 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the Chicago River, from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. Vibrant multi-use public open space, filled with bars, and cafes. There are also boat tours, kayak rentals and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Many waterfront restaurants on the north side of the river.
Food is 3/5: the yellowtail is average, and the rice is so-so (do they use sticky rice?); the best part is the chili garlic crisp. Pork belly is wonderful, and the shank is tasteless – good that I kept the soy sauce from the sushi.
The decor is 4/5: I really like the big door (?)- framed mirror on the exposed brick wall.
Continuing with the setting, I noticed Rona stem, Churchill tableware, and fake flowers outside. At this price range, please use the real thing. Especially since this time of year, the tulips are blooming everywhere in the city—so real flowers do survive in the Windy City.
A little side story – they pushed their buns three times when we didn’t order. The first time was from the couple sitting next to us at the bar. I understand. The second time, they left it for us. We told her it isn’t for us. The third time, a young lady came to announce that our buns are coming – the only problem was that we ordered crisp pata.
We came for Beethoven’s 7th, but enjoyed the first half’s two pieces too: Trobone Trio& Mississippi Suite (1926).
Before the concert, they arranged Community Strings Project group to perform in the lobby, with Tampa Bay as the backdrop, which reminds me of Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport (btw, does anyone know what Shalin Liu is/was?)
The conductor Chelsea Gallo is well-spoken with lovely diction. Her long ponytail swings -:)
I don’t know how many of you are looking forward to the 2nd movement; I certainly do: how Bertie struggles with debilitating stammering and finally makes that confident speech, that rouses the nation. As we all immersed ourselves in it, a woman came in wearing a pair of cheap, loud heels, as if making a grand entrance. Wondering if curtsy was required -:) It was a crime!!