5 Things Chicagoans Are Doing Right Now // Here’s what to eat, see and do this month
Originally published by Pure Wow
To be a real Chicagoan, credentials used to include saying no thin-crust pizza and avoiding Navy Pier like the plague. But times have changed, and you can’t really call yourself in the Loop (get it?) without having done these five things. Here’s what to do in Chicago right now.
Detox: Owen & Alchemy
The Logan Square juice apothecary is always hot, but its cleanses are off-the-charts popular in January. (Oh, you detox then, too?) To kick toxins to the curb–or at least, to enjoy delicious, fresh-pressed drinks while trying–sign up for O+A’s straight-juice cleanse or juice-and-food cleanse.
2355 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-227-3444 or owenandalchemy.com
Shop: Rider
Rider, the West Loop’s edgy new boutique, stocks everything from women’s clothing to apothecary items and vintage furniture. Owners Lauren McGrady and Tom Gavin travel the world to find the goods; they also dress like total rock stars. (Actually, he is one: Gavin is the lead vocalist of local band Gemini Club.)
1115 W. Lake St; 312-243-0464 or shoprider.us
See: The Museum of Contemporary Art’s “Pop Art Design”
Running at the museum through March 27, the new exhibition pairs design objects with iconic pieces of art. (Think a mod, red chair displayed next to an Andy Warhol soup can.) At a companion show, peep works from the MCA’s permanent collection, which represents artists such as Christo and Roy Lichtenstein.
220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-280-2660 or mcachicago.org
Eat: Maple and Ash
To name the hottest restaurant in town, we used a very scientific approach: We picked the one that our friends (and friends’ friends) can’t shut up about. The winner: Maple and Ash, a glitzy new steakhouse in the Gold Coast. The place has cozy velvet booths, wood-fired meats and an “I Don’t Give a F*@K” option that lets you kick back while the staff plans your meal for you.
8 W. Maple St.; 312-944-8888 or mapleandash.com
Drink: The Sixth
Forecast says: Nostalgic cereals are in. At The Sixth–which just opened in Lincoln Square–the Silly Rabbit is getting lots of buzz. Inspired by Trix, the gin-based cocktail comes in a carafe; you’ll pour it into a Collins glass filled with fruit-flavored ice cubes.
2200 W. Lawrence Ave.; 773-433-5959 or thesixthbar.com