Chicago Chic

Lingering over the degustation menu at Charlie Trotter’s. Shopping at Marshall Field’s. Regressing to girlhood giddiness at the American Girl Place flagship. Yes, we’ve long held a penchant for Chicago. Currently, the city is on our radar for its newest gem: designer Alessandra Branca’s eponymous shop. Its tucked-away town house location on Pearson makes it all the more rewarding to discover this treasure, where a chinoiserie fretwork settee shares space with a Louis XV duchesse brisée, and handblown Belgian glass dessert plates are stocked alongside a scientific radiometer contraption.

It’s these sorts of juxtapositions the designer is known for. “I like contrasts,” she says. “Soft and hard, light and dark, polished and faded -- there’s always play in the backgrounds. But they are backgrounds that allow us to show the different styles of things you can mix together. It should be like Chinese food: You can mix it all up.”

And she certainly plans to mix it up. “We will change the store completely three to four times a year,” she says. It will be repainted and rearranged, with each new background designed around a story, or theme. Stories in the works include neoclassical, chinoiserie, chintz, and one called “Into the Woods,” Branca’s take on Black Forest décor brought into the 21st century. Recently, the Rome-born designer not only gave us a tour of the ever-changing shop, but also shared her recommendations for a three-day weekend in Chicago.

Friday should start with breakfast at Fox & Obel and an architectural cruise on the Chicago River. “We take this at least once a year with friends,” she says. It’s the best way to get an overview of the birthplace of the skyscraper. After becoming acquainted with the city’s architectural giants, head to the tony Gold Coast area, home to Branca (both the designer and the store) and the city’s best shopping. Michigan Avenue has the name recognition, but tree-lined Oak Street has charming boutiques in historic brownstones, along with anchor Barneys New York.

Before stopping in two of Branca’s favorite spots for designer clothing -- Ikram and Ultimo -- grab a sandwich and giant cookie at The Goddess and Grocer. Come dinnertime, try Follia: “Italian food absolutely as authentic as food from Rome would be,” she says.

With the hotel Sofitel as home base, Saturday breakfast at Café des Architectes is essential before heading down Michigan Avenue to Millennium Park, the site of Anish Kapoor’s stainless steel bean-shaped sculpture titled Cloud Gate. “The park is especially lovely in fall when ‘The Bean’ reflects the city,” says Branca.

Then it’s off to lunch at Feast and more shopping in Bucktown. “It’s more than up-and-coming,” she says of the bohemian neighborhood. “It’s our SoHo, with lots of shops and galleries.” Chief among them are Pagoda Red, chock-full of wonderful Asian pieces, and Pavilion, a midcentury design store where Branca’s been eyeing a Jansen leather slipper chair. Wind down with a leisurely dinner at nearby Cafe Absinthe.

On Sunday, have brunch at Bistrot Zinc, where Branca dines twice a week. “It’s our kitchen in many ways,” confesses the on-the-go designer and mom of two. Then while away the afternoon at The Art Institute of Chicago. Finally, end the weekend with Sunday supper at Table Fifty-Two, the Southern-style restaurant co-owned by Oprah’s onetime personal chef Art Smith. “I love their hummingbird cake,” says Branca. “I’ve eaten there with Southerners who say it’s exactly like the ones their mothers made.” No doubt the cake and the allure of her evolving emporium will draw us back to the city soon.

Branca, 17 East Pearson St., 312/787-1017, www.branca.com.

 

WHERE TO STAY 

The Peninsula Chicago
“A good place for drinks,” says designer Alessandra Branca. The spa is tops too. 108 East Superior St., 866/288-8889, www.chicago.peninsula.com.

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
“A wonderful urban, modern hotel with great views and a cool restaurant and bar,” says the designer. 20 East Chestnut St., 312/324-4000, www.sofitelchicagowatertower.com.

 

WHERE TO EAT

Avec
“Very good Mediterranean food,” says Branca. “They make a focaccia with truffle oil that is delicious.” 615 West Randolph St., 312/377-2002, www.avecrestaurant.com.

Bistrot Zinc
“We go there for the steak frites,” says Branca. 1131 North State St., 312/337-1131, www.bistrotzinc.com.

Cafe Absinthe
Exposed brick walls, twinkling candlelight, an open kitchen -- a nice place to spend a brisk fall evening. 1958 West North Ave., 773/278-4488, www.cafeabsinthechicago.com.

Café des Architectes
Located at the Sofitel. 20 East Chestnut St., 312/324-4063, www.cafedesarchitectes.com.

Charlie Trotter’s
Known for his perfectly sized tasting menus and superfresh ingredients. 816 West Armitage Ave., 773/248-6228, www.charlietrotters.com.

Cru Café & Wine Bar
“Great sandwiches and wine tastings,” say Branca. 25 East Delaware Pl., 312/337-4001, www.cruwinebar.com.

Feast Restaurant + Bar
Salads, sandwiches, and soups. 1616 North Damen Ave., 773/772-7100, www.feastrestaurant.com.

Follia
“A hip spot for a Friday or Saturday night dinner,” she says. As an unexpected treat in a dining establishment, the front windows display fashions from up-and-coming designers. 953 West Fulton St., 312/243-2888, www.folliachicago.com.

Fox & Obel
Breakfast menu items include truffled eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes, and the signature lox platter. 401 East Illinois St.; Market: 312/410-7301, Café: 312/379-0112; www.fox-obel.com.

The Goddess and Grocer
Take in a lovely autumn day with takeout from The Goddess and head to the park. 25 East Delaware Pl., 312/896-2600, www.goddessandgrocer.com.

Table Fifty-Two
The place for a homey and relaxing meal, advises Branca. “Chef Art Smith is as kind and hospitable as he is talented.” 52 West Elm St., 312/573-4000, www.tablefifty-two.com.

Twin Anchors Restaurant-Tavern
“Quintessential Chicago,” says the designer. “Where to go for burgers and ribs. It has a relaxed atmosphere with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin playing in the background.” 1655 North Sedgwick St., 312/266-1616, www.twinanchorsribs.com.