Chicago’s thriving hospitality industry is filled with new openings, renovations and developments that make Chicago the world-class destination that it is. Following is a sampling of these new developments, attractions and restaurants:
Attractions and Developments
Downtown hotel developments and renovations continue.
The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel opened in March 2008 with 332 guestrooms, 13,230 square feet of meeting space, and a health club and business center.
A Chicago architectural and cultural icon, the hotel underwent a $118 million showcase restoration transforming the Beaux–Arts, national landmark into a luxury Renaissance Hotel. Celebrated as the “Hotel of Presidents”, the former Blackstone opened in 1910 and played host to countless celebrities including Katherine Hepburn, Tennessee Williams, Paul Newman and Lena Horne before closing its doors.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago opened in January 2008 with 339 guestrooms, 20,000 square feet of function space, and a 23,000 square foot spa.
Poised along the Chicago River at the juncture of the Loop and North Michigan Avenue, the hotel joins a list of landmarks, such as the Magnificent Mile, Chicago River and Millennium Park. Soaring ninety-two stories, the structure of polished stainless steel and iridescent-tinted glass is a showcase of bold style and engaging design.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is celebrating 100 years beginning November 2007. To mark this extraordinary milestone, Conservatory horticulturalists will resurrect the past with flower shows that will include historical plants and themes. Each unique flower show will include an All-American selection of hybrids created during a given time period.
Theater
Broadway in Chicago continues to present award-winning plays and musicals. The Tony Award-winning Jersey Boys continues to rock Chicago as an open run performance at the Bank of America Theatre.
Wicked will take its final bow on Sunday, January 25, 2009 after an amazing 3 ½ years at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre.
The Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place presents the smash hit SHOUT! celebrating the sights and sounds of the era that made England swing. SHOUT! is an irresistible blend of foot-stomping songs, eye-popping fashions and psychedelic dancing that will have you singing and grooving in the aisles!
Museums
The Field Museum presents…“Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters,” an exhibition that explores the dynamic relationship between extreme weather and our world. Through a series of stunning displays, interactive animations and large-scale images, the exhibition investigates causes behind the world’s largest natural disasters. Exhibit runs through January 4, 2009.
The Museum of Science and Industry presents…”Smart Home: Green + Wired.” This exhibition invites you to experience a real, three-story sustainable “green” home. Learn about the ways, big and small, that you can make eco-friendly living part of your life. Exhibit runs through January 4, 2009.
The Alder Planetarium presents…”Planetary Machines: Views of the Universe.” Travel the cosmos the way scientists did from 1700-1900 by exploring mechanical devices that show the movements of bodies in the solar system. From richly colored engravings of room-sized machinery to glowing mechanized lantern slides, the planetary machines featured in this exhibit fascinate children and adults alike. Exhibit runs through September 14, 2008.
The Art Institute of Chicago presents…”Graphic Thought Facility: Resourceful Design,” an exhibition devoted to the art of graphic design. Take a closer look at comprehensive designs used to present exquisite publications, exhibitions, or brand identities used to show viewers richness of our world. Exhibit runs through August 17, 2008.
Only five inches of glass separate you from two-dozen sharks at Shedd Aquarium. Groupers, Jacks and Snappers await you in 40,000 gallon habitats. Discover the reef ecosystem and learn about different species of sharks at “Wild Reef: Sharks at the Shedd.” Exhibit is on-going.
Restaurants
Catalan tapas restaurant and bar Mercat a la Planxa at the historic Blackstone Hotel features tastes from Executive Chef Jose Garces. The menu offers a selection of tapas dishes from cut-to-order charcuterie and cheeses to fresh seafood, steaks and chops, all inspired by Barcelona and Spain’s Catalan region.
The Peninsula presents Dim Sum lunch on the Shanghi Terrace. Chef Calvin Soh prepares over 30 Dim Sum choices Shumai, Crispy Duck Taro, and Spicy Beef Gyoza. In addition, guests can sample beverages from an Asian tea menu.