Not Goodbye ✒ See You Later

I adore fashion and the industry as much as I adore this city.  As eager as I am to start a career in fashion I have never been able to come to terms with leaving Chicago in order to pursue my dream.  While New York seems to be the quintessential place to immerse myself in the vogue industry I continuously cling to the verity that Chicago IS a fantastic place for fashion.  One of the very notable women who has paved the way for Chic. fashion is Maria Pinto.  I had the pleasure to work with her and her staff in the summer of 2008.  At this time Pinto's business was booming to say the least.  It seemed like a wonderland full of lace, feathers, beading, and chaos.  What really launched Maria into the rabbits hole was various celebrities and Mrs. O herself, constantly donning the Pinto attire.  During the Obama campaign Michelle was spotted wearing numerous Pinto designs, such as these infamous ensembles.

Note: Images were borrowed from this website - We do not take credit for these pictures!

That summer I spent most of my time sending out much desired orders to Saks, Barneys, and Takashimaya, resizing the line, helping with press, photo shoots, events, fashion shows, and building elements of the very first Maria Pinto boutique.  Maria was one of the few high fashion designers that declared this wonderful city home.  So it was much to my surprise that Maria Pinto announced just weeks ago that she was closing her doors.  Pinto exclusively released the following statement to the Chicago Sun Times, "After 20 years of pursuing my greatest passion and striving to build a successful high-end fashion business, the time has come for a new chapter in my life [due to] increasing economic challenges and soft buying trends at the top end of the apparel market".

However, this is not the first time that the spirited Ms. Pinto has been forced to shut down.  A similar situation occurred in 2002 when Maria had to halt her business due to a weak economy after 9/11 and the misfortune of a fellow employee embezzling thousands from the Pinto name.  That didn't stop her...she came back with a bang receiving the Gold Coast Fashion Award (joining the company of other household names such as Donna Karen and Anne Klein) along with other design awards.  

Pinto's avant-garde eye and handcrafted attire is something that has yet to retire.  As stated by Ms. Pinto, "I am confident that the 'Maria Pinto' name will not go away, but will merely take a break, before emerging in a new form".  We have a feeling that Maria will indeed overcome the hurdle of a flatlining economy and we can't wait to see what the designer has in store for the future!  Until then we wish you  health, happiness, and great success Ms. Pinto!

Check out some of my favorite Maria Pinto designs:

Note: Images were borrowed from the Maria Pinto website.  

We do not take credit for these photos

Fiesta, Fiesta!

After conquering New York’s gourmet Mexican scene brother’s Patricio Alfredo and Felipe Sandoval decided to bring their concept of upscale tacos and tequila to Chicago. To say Mercadito’s cocktail list is innovative and eclectic is an understatement. One of the most unique choices on the list is the Tres Coops featuring single village mescal, st. germain elderflower, domaine de canton ginger, averna, lime and egg white. For those not as adventurous with your libation choices a suggestion would be the Little Market, which is filled to the brim with tequila reposado, fresh pineapple, chile guajillo, cilantro and pico piquin. Trust me, it delicious and refreshing. Mercadito also showcases a variety of guacamole flavors such as apple, mango, mole poblano, garlic with oregano and cinnamon spiced sweet potato with toasted pumpkin seeds. The tacos come 4 per order and my suggestion would be to have everyone in your party order a different type and share. I would recommend the tilapia and steak tacos, but you really can't go wrong with any choice on the menu. A delicious and authentic side that can be split between 4-5 people is the Arroz Verde which is a green rice casserole topped with Oaxaca-manchego cheese.

Great tex-mex, to die for cocktails and lively atmosphere make this new River North spot a fiesta you don’t want to miss out on.

P.S. Check out the hidden bar in the basement called Double A, a romantic spot for a pre or post dinner drink.

Note: Image was borrowed from the Mercadito website. We do not take credit for this image!

badc|Borrow A Dress Couture

Hats off (or dress off) to the brillant minds behind this chic boutique located at 3221 N. Sheffield.  As the story goes, too many events and not enough to wear, or at least not enough time or money to purchase a new look for each social gathering.  As we all know Chicago has dozens of glamorous events occuring every night.  If you are an extremely social being with a low budget, which seems to be the case for everyone in this economy, than this is the boutique for YOU!  Borrow A Dress Couture was born from the minds of best friends Bree and Teonna.  At BADC you are able to borrow, essentially rent, couture dresses and gowns for three days at 1/4 of the retail price!  You will find designers such as the late and great Alexander McQueen, Marchesa, Dolce & Gabbana, Vera Wang and more!  Rental prices range anywhere from $35-$400 and some dresses are available for purchase with a price point range of $300-$1,000.  Talk about CHEAP & CHIC!  We salute you!

Note: Image was borrowed from MetroFashion from this link:

We do not take credit for this image!

David Burke's Review

I am stuffed from my first Chicago Restaurant Week lunch at David Burke's Primehouse. When you hear what I feasted on, you will be surprised I only paid $22 for 3 courses. To start, I chose the Surf & Turf Dumplings filled with short rib barbeque and lobster lemon. For my main entrée I decided to go for the 6 oz Petite Filet, cooked to perfection at medium rare, just the way I like it! All of the entrée choices come with 4 sides served family style: Asparagus & Shallots, Creamed Spinach, Pan Roasted Mushrooms and Basil Whipped Potatoes. Are your mouths watering yet? For dessert I was treated to a White Chocolate Cheesecake with Lemon Cream and Raspberry Sherbet.

Check out David Burke's Website to see the complete Restaurant Week menu

Note:  Image was borrowed from the James Hotel website.

We do not take credit for this image!

RESTAURANT WEEK

It's that time of the year again!  The 3rd annual Chicago Restaurant Week is back with over 170 restaurants to choose from.  Our taste buds are tingling with anticipation for the savory preset menus and unbeatable prices that are available for both lunch and dinner.  Dinners are priced at $32 and lunch at $22.  Both preset menus allow you to choose one appetizer, one main course meal, and one dessert from multiple options!  We will keep you posted about our experiences over the next week, but we strongly suggest that you enjoy your own dining experience during Chicago Restaurant Week!                                                                             

                                          

Note: Image was taken from the Chicago Restaurant Week website 

We do not take credit for this image!

If you are having trouble deciding on hot spot restaurants - here are some of our suggestions:
♨ NoMI (Lunch ONLY 11:30-2pm, the ambiance is worth it alone)
♨ Gejas Café (Amazing fondue - a good place for romance)
♨ Japonias (Sushi galore and more!)
♨ Mercadito (Gourmet Mexican hot spot - somewhat new to Chicago)
♨ La Madia (Aim for La lunch here)
♨ Gemini Bistro (A fresh gourmet spin on American food)
♨ Perennial (One of our favorites!  Their cocktails mirror the atmosphere - heavenly) 
♨ David Burke’s Primehouse (Located in the swanky James Hotel)
♨ Piccolo Sogno ("Little Dream" in Italian - we agree!)
♨ Crofton on Wells (The menu looks killer, including ice cream and cookies for dessert!)

K❧K

Fresh out of college we both graduated from the University of Kansas.  We are Jayhawk alumni, as many Chicagoans are, and share a strong a passion for this city.  Both born and raised right outside of Chicago, we have grown up rooting for, or crying for, every Chicago team.  We've experienced the various drink spots and tastes of Chicago.  We have explored every fashion outlet that this city has to offer.  Basically, Chicago runs in our blood. Though Chicago may not be as bustling as New York or as hot as L.A., it is a hidden gem of some sort, one which we hold close to our hearts... so why not blog about our life with our first true love.  

Hope you enjoy!

Chi•K•Go Bloggers

Left: Kristin DeHaan - Head Blogger

Right: Katie Kahn - Guest Blogger