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://digital.greengale.com/i/175878
THE KINGS OF NIGHTLIFE Behind the scenes at Chicago's most popular after-dark destinations, these eight men blend power and prestige to keep the Windy City buzzing all night long. BY ELLE EICHINGER AND MEG MATHIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILLY ROOD THE DYNAMIC DUO WITH THREE HIT NIGHTSPOTS LAUNCHED IN FOUR YEARS, THIS ENTREPRENEURIAL PAIR HAS THE NIGHTLIFE WORLD AT THEIR FEET. A t 32, Luke Stoioff and David Rekhson of the DineAmic Group are among the young guns of Chicago's after-dark scene—but they've already been in the business nearly a decade and are behind three of the hottest spots in River North's Hubbard/Kinzie corridor: sports bars Bull & Bear and Public House (which opened in 2009 and 2011, respectively) and this year's breakout Italian spot, Siena Tavern, whose kitchen is manned by Top Chef 's Fabio Viviani. With a charismatic celebrity in Viviani and two handsome businessmen behind the scenes, it's no surprise that Siena is one of the epicenters of the evening action downtown. On a typical Saturday night, it's packed with people who have waited months to get a reservation—Viviani's authentic Italian cuisine is flawless—but after the dinner rush, the focus takes a decided turn toward cocktails. Stoioff and Rekhson sip drinks (Stoioff an old-fashioned, Rekhson a vodka soda) as they ostensibly entertain friends and guests, but their eyes and ears are everywhere: on the food as it comes out of the kitchen, on the volume of the music, on the dimness of the lights. ("It's a business of little things," Rekhson points out.) And their social chatter is spiked with entrepreneurial ideas: Even as they bask in the success of Siena, they're looking ahead to a future steak restaurant project, as well as spin-offs of Siena Tavern in Chicago and nationally. For two guys who opened their first nightclub at the ages of 23 and 24— the Gold Coast spot Stone Lotus, which they have since sold—the pair has proven its mettle in the industry. "Looking back, it was like walking on a tightrope," Rekhson says about taking that initial risk. "But if we're going to do something," adds Stoioff, "we're going to do it right." ON LUKE (LEFT): Navy blazer ($1,990), slim-fit dress shirt ($370), and trousers ($730), Salvatore Ferragamo. 645 N. Michigan Ave., 312-397-0464; ferragamo.com. Tie ($195) and pocket square ($100), Ermenegildo Zegna. 645 N. Michigan Ave., 312-587-9660; zegna.com. Tie bar, David Yurman ($250). 40 E. Oak St., 312-7877779; davidyurman.com. ON DAVID (RIGHT): Suit ($1,195) and shirt ($295), Versace. Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-799-5211; saks.com. Tie, Ermenegildo Zegna ($195). SEE ABOVE. Carrera 1887 Chronograph watch, TAG Heuer ($5,400). Macy's, 111 N. State St., 312-781-1000; tagheuer.com. Seat belt loafers, Prada ($530). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE 116-121_MA_FEAT_Fashion_October13.indd 116 9/17/13 4:13 PM