A Total Spa Experience at MySpa Chicago!

I first visited MySpa Chicago a few years ago while attending a networking event.  During the event, each guest was treated to mini spa services and pampering.  After my mini massage, I knew I had to come back for the full spa experience. I immediately scheduled an appointment to receive a Swedish massage and enzyme facial.

Upon arrival, the attendant showed me to the changing lounge and handed me a lush spa robe and slippers. After changing, my therapist was ready and waiting when I entered the service area.  The ambience of the spa really set the tone for my experience. MySpa Chicago has a Zen-like appeal, with its uber-chic design, soft lighting in the entryways and amber-glow lighting in the service areas. To get things off on the right foot, I was greeted by warm and friendly MySpa staff members...I truly felt welcome.    

There was never any lag time between services, as each attendant waited and escorted me to each service room.  Over the years, I've had some great and not-so-great experiences when it comes to massages.  However, my personal litmus test for a great massage is me falling asleep on the table.  Yes, after only 20 minutes into my 60-minute service, I was sleeping like a baby.  I embarrassingly awakened to the sound of my own snoring. (smile)  What I enjoyed most was the slow, rhythmic, not overly intense movements up and down my back and problem areas.  I left the table feeling extremely relaxed and rejuvenated.

While MySpa is known for their award-winning customer service, each staff members goes to great lengths to make sure your personal spa experience is a memorable and pleasurable one.  What also impressed me was the hands-on approach taken by the general manager, who was readily available to answer questions with regard to individual and group services.  Side Note: If you're interested in hosting a special event, MySpa Chicago will create the ultimate spa experience for you and your guests.  Additionally, MySpa will assist you with any catering needs, which can be coordinated at the time of service booking.

At the conclusion of my service, I was treated to mimosas and small plates of sushi, phyllo shrimp purses, spanakopita, chocolate-dipped fruit and other tasty bite-sized treats. I should mention, all catering is provided by Aria Restaurant, located on the hotel's main level.  Aria is another favorite of mine, but I will share details in a separate blog post.

I am eager to return for my birthday to try the aromatherapy massage.  I was told the therapist  massages various essential oil into body, followed by warm and soothing body towel wraps.  How divine!  Did I mention MySpa's Couples Suite Soaks, which includes heavenly His & Hers massage tables and luxurious soaking tubs?  MySpa has created a relaxing and inviting environment just for couples. I often recommend this service to friends who are celebrating an anniversary or special event.

MySpa Chicago is located in the loop at 200 N. Columbus Drive, (between Lower South Wacker & Water Street), inside the Fairmont Hotel.  The hotel is accessible by car, taxi or public transportation.  However, if you decide to drive into the city, I suggest taking advantage of metered street parking on the lower concourse level, near the hotel's service entrance. 

MySpa Chicago receives two thumbs up!

Other Details: Nearest Transit Station Randolph/Wabash, Online Booking, Valet/Street/Garage Parking, Services by Appointment Only.

VISIT MYSPA CHICAGO

We're always looking for new places to visit!  Tell us about your favorite Chicago hot spot....we'll visit and blog all about our experience.  Email: ishopchicago@gmail.com. 

Sawtooth Vietnemese Fare

I've visited Sawtooth at least a half dozen times before I'd actually had an actual meal there.  Each visit was attached to a special event, with cocktails and simple nibbles served.   Anyway, last week I was invited to have dinner at Sawtooth, actually it was a date, which I was very excited about - the date and restaurant choice, that is.

First, I had always been curious about the name Sawtooth,  until I visited the website. Sawtooth Restaurant takes its name from the culantro herb, Ngò Gai also known as sawtooth, named for its long, slender, serrated leaves. This herb is commonly used in Vietnamese cooking due to its wonderful fragrance and taste. Ok, now I get it...on to the Sawtooth experience.

Upon arrival, the hostess greeted me a warm smile and was very accommodating...hovering a little more than I'd like, but no harm. I appreciated her attentiveness, she was actually very sweet.  We were seated in the outdoor lounge area.  What I enjoyed most about the lounge is the positioning of the tables, which are very small, but intimate and perfect for a date night.

We kicked off the evening by ordering a bottle of  “Clos Rousseau,” Cotes de Beanue, (Cabernet), followed by a few appetizers - "Banh Xeo", a Saigon-style crepe (shrimp, bean sprouts, mint leaves and iceberg lettuce) and Wild King Salmon Rolls (Salmon, Jicama, carrots, ginger and glass noodles).  I must say, although flavorful, eating the crepe was a bit messy. The server told me I should actually hand roll the contents into my lettuce leaf and eat by hand.  However, it was a first date and I didn't want to misstep by dripping food on myself, so I knife and forked it as best I could. Next, I tried the Salmon Rolls....can you say AMAZING?  I found myself saying, "mmmm, these are so good!...repreatedly. I wish I could describe the flavors, but I can't and that's very unusual for me.  I suggest you try them and please return to this blog to share your experience.

For my entrée, I kept to the small plates, ordering Sugarcane Shrimp, while my date ordered the Lemongrass Chicken - we both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. 

 

Lately, I've been seeing lots restaurants turning into after-hours "night clubs".  I tend to frown at the idea of pushing back tables, hiring DJs and installing sidewalk velvet ropes at fine dining establishments. For me, it's a bit unsettling to see a great restaurant go through an identity crisis.  I would love to see Sawtooth focus more on its dining service, as opposed to its attempt at becoming a nightlife venue.

Sawtooth is a great addition to the west loop area, with it contemporary Asian appeal, private indoor dining, outdoor lounge area and delectable menu offerings.  I've seen several west loop restaurants close their doors over the past two years, but Sawtooth may actually have some staying power (knock on wood!).  The restaurant was a bit slow for a Thursday night, but I soon realized people were most likely watching the NBA finals.

All in all, the food, the experience and the date was fantastic!  At some point I will certainly return to try other items. Two Thumbs Up For Sawtooth!

OTHER DETAILS: Free street parking, valet parking, outdoor and private dining, private events

VISIT SAWTOOTH

Equestrian Entertainment on the City's North Side

The Noble Horse Theatre, the country's oldest riding stable is located  at 1410 N. Orleans on

Chicago's north side.  For the past 5 years, my children and I have visited the theatre and have enjoyed each performance.  There are three live matinee and evening shows which run various times of the year - "Quadrille", "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "The Nutcracker Suite". Shows are held year round in the indoor theatre. There are approximately 300 tiered, unobstructed seats, which means every seat is a good one. The theatre features a gift shop, gallery and concession stand.  Meals can be ordered in advance for group matinee and evening performances.

 

 

Shows last approximately 60 minutes for matinee performances and 75 minutes for the evening shows. Dinner is optional for the evening shows (B.Y.O.B.).

The theatre uses a variety of horses for its shows including Andalsians, Lipizzans, Arabians, Quarter horses and Thoroughbreds.       

 

 

The lighting inside the theatre is minimal and can seem a bit dark at times, so be mindful when entering the theatre, especially if you have small children and seniors in your group.  The ambience has a early18th Century feel, which adds to the mystery and excitement of each show.  Be advised, your nose may take a while to adjust to the wonderful fragrance of horse manure (smile), but once it does, the shows are quite enjoyable.  As a side note, don't expect a Medieval Times experience, as the Noble Horse Theatre is a smaller, independent venue and focuses on equestrian showmanship.  Nevertheless, kids and adults of all ages will enjoy seeing horses leap over walls, jump through rings of fire and perform other daring feats. Each show has narrations you can hear through the theatre's state-of-the-art sound system, which helps bring each story to life.  At the conclusion of the show, guests are allowed to take pictures with the horses and performers.

 

 

 

NOTICE: The Noble Horse Theatre is NOT closed, as some websites have reported.  I spoke to the facilities manager yesterday who mentioned renovations are currently underway to update the facade of the historic structure. Shows will resume early November 2013 for the opening of "The Nutcracker Suite"..

OTHER DETAILS - Free Street Parking, Birthday Parties Available, Handicapped Accessible, Family-Friendly.

VISIT NOBLE HORSE THEATRE CHICAGO

Garfield Park Conservatory: Chicago's Best Kept Secret Is Out

I was amazed to discover many Chicagoans  have never visited the Garfield Park Conservatory.  If this is you, let me give you three reasons to visit. To start, the Conservatory is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Chicago, the flora and fauna is absolutely breathtaking and best of all, admission is free!  Yep, FREE!  Still not convinced? Ok, let me share my personal experience.  I've known about the Conservatory for many years, but wasn't sure what to expect.  One day I said to my 13-year-old, "let's visit the Garfield Park Conservatory today".  He gave me the side-eye and reluctantly agreed. I packed a light lunch for us and headed to the venue.  When we arrived, I was very happy to know there was plenty of free parking available on Central Park Avenue and in the adjacent parking lot. 

Upon entering the indoor botanical garden, my mouth hit the floor - slight exaggeration, but you get my point.  My first thought - what has taken me so long to visit?  Not only had I deprived myself of this extraordinarily beautiful garden, but I've deprived my children as well.   My first reaction - I immediately felt a sense of peace and serenity in this lush, green and beautiful haven.

The temperature inside the gardens is a bit warm and humid, as it mimics the tropics. There are faux waterfalls, streams and walkways which guides you through the entire garden.  There are also benches placed throughout the garden which allows you to take in all of its beauty.  However, it doesn't stop there.  The Conservatory offers an outdoor public garden and Demonstration Garden, a beautiful city-lot-sized working garden, to learn about community and organic gardening in Chicago.

 

Additionally, if you're planning a social gathering or special event, you couldn't ask for a more scenic backdrop for entertaining and photo-taking.

If that's not enough, here's the biggest sell.  As you know, Chicago winters can be brutal and downright depressing. A planned visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory can help rid you and your family of wintertime blues. Convinced? I hope so.  Please return to this blog page and share your experience. I'd love to hear about it.

Click on the link below to discover the beauty and wonder of Garfield Park Conservatory.

Other Details: Café and Gift Shop on Site, Kids Play Area, Volunteer Opportunities

 

 

 

VISIT GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY

South Loops's New Take On Tapas

It was Friday night and I had nothing to do.  I knew I wanted to go into the city, but I wasn't quite sure where.  I headed toward the West Loop hoping I'd find somewhere interesting to plant myself.  Upon arriving, it occurred to me the Randolph Street Festival was underway...no parking...bummer!  I love the Randolph Street Festival, but I wanted to do something different, ...try something new. So, I began driving South on Halsted and veered over to State Street.  As I passed Roosevelt Road, I noticed a sign that read "Tapas", a word that will make me stop cold in my tracks. I simply LOVE tapas.

I slowed down and took a quick peek into the window.  It look like a really nice, contemporary tapas restaurant. So, I whipped a U-turn and parked.  Upon entering, the restaurant's ambience had a warm and inviting feel, very eclectic decor with splashes of eye-popping color, but not overdone.  Since I was flying solo, I decided to take a seat at the wrap-around bar.  Looking around, I noticed the tables were positioned so you'd have room to move around and you didn't feel as if you were listening to your next door neighbor's conversation.  The restrooms were clean, stalls stocked with paper and the sinks did not have that disgusting collection of hand-dripped water on the sinktop...very well attended.  The menu offering were more of a comtemporary twist to your traditional tapas. 

 

I ordered the Queso de Cabra, a warm baked tapas with goat cheese, tomato confit and garlic bread.  It was devine.  For wine, I ordered a glass of the Spanish Quarter and it was exactly as the menu described -   Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, full-bodied, but silky with notes of cherry, blackberry and spice. If I hadn't been driving, I would have ordered the entire bottle. However, I settled for one glass...correction..1-1/2 glass - the wonderful bartender topped me off after drinking only half a glass.  Thank you!

Other Details: Sunday Brunch 10:30 am - 3:00 pm, Patio Seating (Weather Permitting), Valet Parking Available and Reservations Accepted

As you know, I don't give star ratings, only thumbs up or down (in the tradition of Siskel & Ebert).  Tapas Valencia is fantastic for date-night or just hanging with friends after work.  I think this may be our next iShop Chicago member event spot!  Two Thumbs Up!

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Swinging at Sully's - Sullivan's Steakhouse

Sullivan's Steakhouse Happy Hour at Sullivan's, 415 N. Dearborn St. (312) 527-3510
$6 Martinis, Wine and Half-Priced Bar Entrees, cigar selections and a Jumpin' Jazz Trio.
All night every Thursday & Sunday.

 

iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Chicago's sometimes obscure, independent restaurants, shops and venues. Our private events offer iShop Chicago members on-location shopping opportunities. Our members enjoy socializing, networking and shopping with Chicago area retailers, private-label and national brands across several shopping categories. All private sales events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day-only deals and discounts. Membership is Free, simply follow our blog.


Cheers!

Chicago...A Global Presence

While reading the article "Tourism And The City's Global Image" in Crain's Chicago (June 17, 2013), Mayor Rahm Emanuel shares his vision on expanding Chicago global tourism by focusing on one particular area - McCormick Place.  It seems an expansion is underway which is designed to increase tourism and drive revenue - an attempt to boost McCormick Place's recent sluggish convention business.

While I fully support the mayor's efforts, the City of Chicago should place it's focus on its neighborhoods, which houses smaller, independent retailers.  I agree with Stephanie Izard's (chef-proprietor, Girl & the Goat) assessment of commerce in the City of Chicago and the mayor's plan for increasing global awareness, "...We are so much more than Michigan Avenue.  There are countless neighborhoods with restaurants, vintage shops and markets all on their own."  I couldn't agree more.

This is why iShop Chicago is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Chicago's sometimes obscure, independent restaurants, shops and venues.  Our private events offer iShop Chicago members on-location shopping  opportunities. Our members enjoy socializing, networking and shopping with Chicago area retailers, private-label and national brands across several shopping categories. All private sales events are designed by iShop Chicago event planners to offer exclusive 1-day-only deals and discounts.

Member is FREE!  Just follow our iShop Chicago blog. 

SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS: Takara Boutique, Oak Park, IL > TAKARA