While Chicago might not officially be known as the "City of Love," we humbly believe this city holds its own when it comes to romance.  With Valentine's Day right around the corner, we asked four of our city's leading ladies to tell usâŚ
What is your DREAM Chicago Valentine's Day? Â
Their answers are fabulous. Â From bubble baths at home to nightcaps at hotel bars, these women know how to plan a luxurious evening filled with decadent meals, relaxation, and maybe an amazing gift or two. Here are their dreamy ideas for a romantic night in our extraordinary city...
My DREAM Valentine's Day in Chicago would begin with a couple's spa experience/massage at the Peninsula. Â Lunch at Gene & Georgetti's or Gibson's (where we celebrated after our engagement) and dinner at home with our two "kids" (chihuahuas Mickey and Rooney). Â We would listen to music by Cole Porter, Rogers & Hart, and the Gershwins and enjoy a bottle of fine wine. Â Sometimes, I play the DVD of our wedding too. Â LOL!
For me, it's a home-cooked meal followed by a luxurious bubble bath and some sort of decadent and impractical gift. Jewelry is always appreciated!
One of my favorite dates my husband and I ever went one was actually our first date after our first child was born â we went to see âMastering the Artâ â a play about Julia Child, and then took a cooking class during which we learned how to make a classic âJuliaâ dinner in three courses, all the while enjoying a bottle of wine we brought.
I would love to start the evening with a play or a performance, and then follow that with a private class in which we could learn something inspired by what we saw â a cooking class, an art class, or perhaps a dance lesson.
If dinner were not a part of the evening so far, I would love to go somewhere intimate for dinner. Â With one child under two and another arriving any day, quiet conversation with my husband is precious, so we tend to go out to smaller, quieter restaurants where we can focus on one another.
One of our favorite restaurants is A Tavola. Â The food is delicious (my favorite is the gnocchi with browned sage butter), they have a great wine list, and the restaurant itself is so tiny, it feels as though you are eating in someoneâs home. Â
After dinner, we would head down to the Langham for a night away from home. Â Their hospitality is wonderful, the public spaces are elegant but whimsical, and the suites are beautifully appointed. Â We would have a nightcap at their bar, and because my husband and I like to stroll after dinner in almost any weather, we would then take a walk along the river before heading up to our room. Â The perfect ending to the perfect sleepover would be breakfast in bed the morning after, and then back home to play with our daughter(s)!
I'd want to get my hair blown out at Salon Duo on Lake Shore Drive and nab a new dress for the evening from Intermix or SCOOP. Â I would want my husband to book a suite at the PENINSULA as a little getaway.
My pick for dinner would be LA SPIAGGIA -- it's my all-time favorite for amazing food, romantic setting, great location, etc. Â Before dinner I would love to grab a drink at THE AVIARY -- even though it's far from La Spiaggia, I love the creative cocktail menu here. Â
If the MCA was open late enough that night it would be fun to stroll through and chat about the art and what we liked. Â After dinner I would want us to come back for a nightcap at The Bar in the hotel before retiring to our room.
If I had the luxury of a night alone with my husband I would skip a show or doing anything that would prohibit us from talkingâŚwith three little kids we so rarely have the chance to talk and catch up freely.
On downtown jaunts we've been known to pop into SIDNEY GARBER and browse the jewelry so that would be fun to do on Valentine's Day!
Oh, and one more thing (in case you're reading, honey!), it would be extremely romantic if my husband would surprise me during a stroll down Oak Street with a stunning floral bouquet from DESIGNS BY MING.
Aren't they the best?!? Â Such inspiring ideas for a night to remember. Â If you happen to follow their lead and enjoy an experience at any of these local businesses, be sure to tell them THE SCOUT GUIDE sent you!
