ML - Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue - 2017 - Issue 2 - Late Spring - Joe Maddon

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!

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‒ Secret Source ‒ SERAFIN ALVARADO hotel. 85 E. Upper Wacker Dr., 21st—23rd Fls., 312-357-1200; londonhousechicago.com/rooftop MASTRO'S This glitzy River North destination for steaks and sushi brings a little bit of Hollywood to the Windy City's carnivorous dining scene. The indulgent warm butter cake is one of the city's top desserts. INSIDER TIP: Catch nightly live music in the lounge from acts like the trio the Champagne Kings. 520 N. Dearborn St., 312-521-5100; mastrosrestaurants.com MERCADITO Mexican fare meets a nightclub vibe at this River North hit, whose group- friendly menu boasts six different guacamoles, plus creative drinks (try the mango-licious Smokey Pablo). INSIDER TIP: For a sultrier scene, head downstairs to the lounge La Mez, which offers a rotating selection of more than 80 mezcals and a DJ on weekends. 108 W. Kinzie St., 312- 329-9555; mercaditorestaurants.com MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE A Chicago original since 1978, Morton's is still one of the city's absolute best places for steak. INSIDER TIP: Catch the bar's 5–8 pm weekday "Power Hour" for primo food and drink specials. 1050 N. State St., 312-266-4820; 65 E. Wacker Pl., 312-201-0410; mortons.com OCEAN CUT CHICAGO At this sophisticated yet approachable seafood destination from Chicago Cut partners David Flom and Matt Moore, chef and industry vet Dirk Flanigan (The Gage, Henri) crafts uber-fresh and flavorful eclectic fare, such as jungle-curry mussels and swordfish au poivre. INSIDER TIP: Make tracks to the Shark Bar on Tuesdays during Happy Hour (4 – 7 pm), when the restaurant raffles off a pair of Jimmy Choos. 20 W. Kinzie St., 312-280- 8882; oceancutchicago.com NEW OTTO MEZZO The latest collaboration between nightlife maestros Rockit Ranch Productions and Michelin-starred chef Kevin Hickey, this Italian hang- out is set to open this spring. Expect intriguing large-format and individual cocktails alike from award-winning mixologist Brandon Phillips in an Italian arts- and cinema-inspired space. 311 W. Chicago Ave., 312-234- 0884; ottomezzobar.com PELAGO It's all in the family at this lovely, intimate Raffaello Hotel destination, where Michelin-starred chef Mauro Mafrici crafts exquisite Italian fare— delicate beef carpaccio with cremini mushrooms, penne pasta with hen ragù and sage—in an elegant space designed by wife Kimberly Anguil Mafrici, an architect and interior designer. 201 E. Delaware Pl., 312- 280-0700; pelagorestaurant.com NEW PIZZERIA BEBU Thin-crust pizza gets the gourmet treat- ment at this new Lincoln Park concept, where chef Jeff Lutzow (Publican, Nico Osteria) and team bake pies in a gas-fired, brick-lined oven for three and a half minutes (exactly!), then serve them piping-hot in a metal pizza Set to open this spring, the Italian cocktail bar Otto Mezzo will shake up creative cocktails like the Chiampan, a carbonated red wine-based elixir inspired by Lambrusco. TITLE: Master Sommelier and director of wine education, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (southernglazers.com). HOME 'HOOD: "I love the West Loop [for] all it offers in regards to food, wine, beer, cocktails, and music. I usually do multiple stops along Randolph Street, letting the night and the mood lead the way." GO-TO SPOT: "Pops for Champagne (601 N. State St., 312-266-7677; popsforchampagne.com) in River North. It combines two of my great passions: Champagne and music." HIDDEN GEM: "There's nothing like good drinks and live blues. I recently discovered Rosa's Lounge (3420 W. Armitage Ave., 773-342-0452; rosaslounge.com), in Logan Square, which has a cozy, dive bar feel and high-level musicianship on stage." FAVORITE ARCHITECTURE: "Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park—great on a summer evening, listening to classical music performances." THINK SPRING: "I start training for the Chicago Marathon in spring. My long morning runs by the lake are liberating and uplifting." EVERY VISITOR SHOULD: "Go off the trail. It's within the various neighborhoods where you really experience Chicago: a rich, culturally diverse city." PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ROCKIT RANCH PRODUCTIONS (COCKTAIL); BY SAMANTHA OULAVONG (ALVARADO) The SOURCE: SCENE 128 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM

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