An artful juxtaposition of warm natural elements and state-of-the-art high tech, the Dana Hotel is a dramatic backdrop for our design-full weekend. Boutique intimacy and attentive service meet laid-back luxe in a “come as you are, live in the moment” atmosphere. We are here to tour Chicago’s world-famous Merchandise Mart, an unmistakable art-deco architectural presence on the downtown banks of the Chicago River. When the building opening in 1930, it was the largest in the world. Now, it’s a leading retail and wholesale destination for designers and consumers alike. Rumour has it that the Sultan of Brunei once spent a week and $1.6 million in a one-stop palace furnishing shopping extravaganza at The Mart. For us, there’s no pressing agenda—just a leisurely walk from gorgeous showroom to gorgeous showroom like kids in a candy shop. What’s wonderful is that Chicago’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from The 6, and we’re Porter frequent flyers.
danahotelandspa.com
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Worth checking out..
The Kitchen
Airy, open and with a splendid view of the river, The Kitchen is a Chicago restaurant that has its roots in Boulder, CO. Founders Hugo, Kimbal and Jen first conceived of the idea to create a world-class neighbourhood restaurant that would act much like the kitchen in one’s home—a centre of conversation and connection—a few years back. Now with five locations and food sourced from local farmers, the small but precise menu doesn’t disappoint. The Kitchen’s commitment to its home city and environment is nothing short of noble; composting, wind power, eco-friendly packaging and 200 Learning Gardens in schools across the country are as important to the owners as the perfectly seared scallops on your plate.
thekitchen.com

The Pump Room
Well suited for a group who love to share plates in a bid to try it all, Pump Room is trendy, relaxed, reasonably priced and downright delicious. The classic menu, reinvented by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, captures the glamour and style of the 30s and 40s with a modern supper-club twist. But don’t leave without trying a sour cherry Old Fashioned, just one of the delightful signature cocktails curated by the in-house mixologist. Always mentioned and worth checking out are the modern-style orb lights—they look like planets that are close enough to touch. Just all part and parcel of Public Chicago’s eclectic modern vibe.
pumproom.com