So I save money during the week, and indulge myself a little on the one night (or occasionally three) that I spend in the Big City.

What’s important to me in a nice Chicago hotel room?

• The view.  If I’m in a big city hotel, I want to be up high in a tall building and be able to see lots of other tall buildings and pretty lights and water.  And now that I know what’s possible, I don’t want to be without it when I’m in town.
• Personality.  If a hotel is going to be 3 1/2 stars or over, it’s bound to be nicely decorated.  The Holiday Inns and Marriotts and Ramadas and Sheratons and Hyatts and Hiltons and other big chains of the world are all tastefully decorated and probably scientifically calculated not to offend anyone.  You can argue your preferences among those, theyre pretty much interchangeaqble to me.  and not necessarily in a bad way.  They’re nice, and their preconceived notion of luxury is safely predictable, but I prefer the boutiques who have the guts to stand out a bit and be original – if they can pull it off.  Some places’ idea of “modern” is all white with some chrome… cool and retro-futuristic, I suppose, but sometimes monotonous.
• Layout.  I have come to dislike what I think of as the “standard” hotel room layout – you open the hotel room door and immediately to your right is the bathroom door with the closet to your immediate left.  Then through the short passage between them is a great room with a bed or two.  This setup is far and away the most common, but for some reason it bugs me to have the bathroom immediately adjacent to the exit of your room – and the first thing you see when you come in.  Whenever I see a more creative architectural layout, especially when the bathroom is as far as possible from the room entrance, that hotel always wins points with me.
• The Bed.  I’m a big guy, and I love to sprawl.  King sized bed for me, thank you.  Besides, the two-doubles layout is almost always the “standard” layout described above.  A King or “King Suite” has the best chance of more interesting feng shui.  And in some of Chicago’s boutique hotels, I’ve rediscovered the feather bed.  Oh man.  I don’t think it would be good for my back to sleep on one all of the time, but once a week it’s a wonderful luxury.
• The bathroom.  There is a surprisingly wide variation in how nice the bathrooms have been in the sampling of hotels thus far.  A big marble soaking tub, separate from the shower, is a huge plus (I’ve seen three I think).  The amount of counter space, or even a separate vanity alcove with its own counter and mirror is a big plus.  Most nice hotels provide matching herbal flavored hoity-toity bath products (shower gel, shampo, conditioner, skin moisturizer), but none of the places with baths have provided bath oils so far.  That’ll get huge points from me if I ever see it.
• Horizontal space.  On the tables, or office area, or SOMEWHERE in the room, I should be able to set out all my stuff and not in a tiny pile or on the floor. providing adequate counter space both to work and to rearrange and sort through my belongings is important.  The Hard Rock Hotel, my LEAST favorite on the list, was particularrly guilty of a lack of horizontal space.  There was probably about 1 1/2 square feet in the bathroom to set out my toiletries and was just generally an epic fail ergonomically.
• Well placed and copious electrical outlets.  OK, I have three computers, two portable hard drives, an iPad, an iPhone, a bluetooth headset that requires an occasional recharge…  I really hate crawling under the desk to be able to plug in a couple devices, or even only one.  I don’t like stretching my iPad charger across the room so I trip over it during a midnight trip to the bathroom, because I wanted to curl up in bed with Netflix.  Some of the better hotels have figured this out, and have power outlets built into the bases of the lamps or even into the bedside table.  Others, not so much.  You better have long arms to reach behind the bed.
• The food.  Well, yeah.  Most of these hotels have great restaurants associated with them, so if I’m living large anyway… I have gotten room service or even eaten in the restaurants at most of these hotels.  This crab cake sandwich I’m munching on right now at the W is stellar BTW.  Another food point that I always take note of, but very rarely indulge in, are the in-room snacks and minibar.  I’ve seen a couple noteworthy things that I’ll describe in the hotel reviews.
• Internet.  Everybody has wifi.  The nicer the hotel, the less likely it is to be free.  Sometimes it’s ridiculously expensive, and they find extra ways to rip you off, like charging per device or surcharges for decent bandwidth.  I had really bad connectivity issues in my favorite hotel room of all (The Sax) that took over 90 minutes on the phone with tech support peeps before it was finally cleared up.  But no matter the cost or hassle, I must has my interwebs.
• TV.  I totally don’t care, I watch everything on my iPad with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and HBO Go.  All the hotels have 56″ plus TVs, but I usually never even turn them on.

I’m sure I’ll think of other factors to add to this list, but I guess that’s all I can think of for now.

• Holiday Inn Merchandise Mart
• Sheraton
• Hyatt Regency
• Swissotel
• Rennaissance
• Sofitel
• Hard Rock Hotel
• The Sax
• The Dana
• The James
• The Ivy
• The Intercontinental
• W Chicago City Center

Since I work at the Merchandise Mart building, my choice when I first started this gig was the Holiday Inn.  I could get up in the morning, shower and dress, go out of my room, take an elevator, walk down 100 yards of corridors, ride up another elevator and be at work.  Chicago in January and I literally never had to put my coat on.  This convenience, coupled with the spectacular view and surprisingly tasteful modern decor, made me a big fan of the Holiday Inn.

When I arrived late one night for my second or third stay there, the bored elderly night clerk chatted me up about politics and history in Chicago. I must have provided him the most cheerful and attentive audience he’d seen for a while,  because he gave me a free upgrade to what has to be the best room in the hotel – the top floor, corner suite with the most glamorous view – a room which has been lavishly renovated pretty recently (ask for 2214 if you ever stay there).

Now, let’s talk about money.  I’ve only been staying in Chicago since January, and I’m sure prices will go up in high tourist season.  In “low” season, Holiday Inn which is considered a 3 1/2 star hotel, listed for $165 a night, but it was pretty easy to find deals and get a room there as low as $100.  I think I paid $120 for my stay in that corner suite.  However, prices fluctuate not just with the seasons but with convention schedules, etc, and one week the best rate for the Holiday Inn was $225.  That’s when I started shopping around.

Using my favorite pricing aggregator Kayak, I found that you can usually find a four star hotel in Chicago this time of year for under $200, sometimes as low as $120.  That’s when I started sampling the list of hotels you see above.

I’ve also become brave enough to roll the dice with Priceline.  The gimmick?  You tell them what part of town you want to stay in, the star rating you’ll accept, and the amount you want to pay.  You run a search against that price, and if any hotels with those qualifications are willing to go that low, you’ll get a message that there’s a match.  The trick is, you must commit to buying the room before you learn which hotel you’re staying at.  ( I usually make my reservations the same day on priceline).  I’ve stayed at the Intercontinental and the James this way and they were both very nice 4 1/2 star hotels for $130  – unbeatable if you’re willing to experiment with the luck of the draw.

A tip I’d offer in getting the best room:  Chat up the hotel staff.  I’ve had free upgrades several times just by chatting up desk clerks, managers, concierges and last week, the bellman at the Intercontinental when I commented on the crappy view from my 9th-floor room of the side of another building, made a big production of moving me to the 37th floor facing the Lake.  Ask the front desk clerk if there is an upgrade available.  Sometimes it’s $60-100, which I don’t go for, but I got a $25 upgrade at the Sax and paid about $200 for absolutely the best room I’ve had in town.  I’ve gotten cheap upgrades other times too, and these have always been worth it.

{ The Allerton Hotel }

{ Dana Hotel & Spa }

{ Ivy Hotel }

These gorgeous hotels start at just $149 per night, and if you use the code JETCHICAGO at check out you’ll get an extra 10% off! Click here to see more hotels & deals at Jetsetter.

although large, the Great outdoors Club Lima hotel in San Isidro has a warm and comfy and comfortable encounter to it. Built back found in 1927, this place has an neat feel to the item and is some nice contrast with regard to the high-rise modified five star regions found in Lima. All rooms have either queen size beds or even two double beds. The three presidential suites continue to be truly fit with regard to any VIP and as a result include views associated with the golf track across the street where hotel loved ones have privileges, seeing that well as terraces to enjoy a . m . coffee or fantastic afternoon cocktail. The hotel catering has won quite a number awards, no more compact feat in a very city known to work with its fine eating out.

Hyatt* – Global Hyatt Corporation, headquartered within Chicago, owns, operates, manages or operations more than 365 hotels and resorts worldwide under 6 distinct brands extra properties under expansion on five places. For many years, Hyatt has ran gay-specific ads in hundreds of both text and online suppliers. Following the disclosure how the owner of some of the San Diego Stansted Grand Hyatt promoted Proposition 8, a major boycott was invented against that hotel; however, the boycott organizers have already very vocal regarding support of Hyatt as a entire.

The final word is a upcoming brand in welcome. Inspired by a family’s aspire to find and so share Africa’s oases of sanctuary and furthermore sanity, four stunning yet distinctive towns have been naturally hand picked to provide savvy travellers having a unique adventure.

There are tons of swanky hotels in edinbrugh in New You are able to that offer drapes getaway for a captivating weekend. There are a number of news document and websites providing information about all hotels. But in the case you are interested in some place that is a little different, here is a list of specialist hotels in Los angeles that are the most suitable for the super romantic week end.

At the Riviera Hotel, the climate is a little more somber but cozy, with guest places that feature Wi-Fi internet, flat screen TV, in-room safe, coffee and green tea maker, mini bar, bathrobe and house and designer toiletries.

The right boutique hotel is larger and much a lot more innovative than a condo or possibly a rental rental yet is a little more intimate than a big hotel. A good why you ought to be in a boutique is the intimacy which hotel associates and also colleagues bring with off obtruding your personal data and the process they address you with your very names. In larger hotels, you may notice comparable attentiveness however it lacks affection as well as staff somehow dog treats you as a tremendous client and not as a “guest” in the house. A few boutique hotels which come with even made true clients treat those former guests as friends.

The establishments offer world-class entertainment right in the hotel. There also make available huge high-definition tv set with satellites beaming in programming originally from around the realm. Internet access, Skype and connections with regard to teleconferencing are most likely included. Currently the sound systems established in the accommodation provide crystal clears sound, track splitting up and tons to hidden speakers setting up a concert suffer.

If you thought it might be hard to locate a premier Boutique Vacation resort in Llandudno in that case think again! The Space Specialist is one of the most individual and hospitable Boutique Hotels Llandudno has to current – So, if you are coming this way early please feel liberal to contact us…You actually are welcome!

While you want that will help experience the well-being of hotel stay, then you ought opt for boutique hotels in London. You should think why shop hotels and why not any similar hotels? To be honest the answer to be found in its very much personalized service and even personal attention that most is unfound operating in other hotels. The staffs of boutique hotels take personal interest as well as thus make your trusty stay pleasant as well as the special. Any time you’re you are into London either with business or down stay, these shop hotels in The capital are perfect college dorm.

Shop hotels are too appropriate for a holiday trips, honeymoons properly as for business support groups. The target market of these specialist hotels is relating to the age group of 25 and fityfive with middle or high-profit levels. Corporate travelers the actual most aimed subscribers because they often travelling, and they’ll offer repeat marketplace to the villa. This particular tourist will even one on one the others to the hotel.

Experienced ski hotels use to offer kind of difference facilities in support of skiing clientele. Aside from wanting a perfect location, they also develop to be in the to store skis, boots and other useful equipment safely and / or provide the sort of of food in addition to drink that may be expected at the time of a seasoned skier. Comfort as well as , quality are imperative too, as has always been access to closest aprs-ski scene, boutique hotel sellers in these resorts are making favourable that their vacationers want for naught. Blessed at fantastic views, great cuisine and offering all your requests anticipated by one particular attentive staff, some of these are the types of hotels of the fact that turn your annual ski trip in a holiday to remember.

Various companies are indicating their interest in just Asian markets too. Market in Parts of asia is huge and even has got the best huge potential. Many boutique hotels edinburgh are already operating by countries like Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand. An Australian boutique hotel franchise has decided to assist you to open 50 specialist hotels in overall Asia and some of them are already opened in too popular international tourist destinations of Asia like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tahiti but also Maldives. As outlined by the spokesperson off that company that region of Asia especially South-East Japan is a truly huge market in addition the company is undoubtedly enjoying its business there as the application is getting huge acclamation. So, in overall, it would be said that the industry relating to boutique hotels is on the best suited path of success.

Even when you have come to the city for business purposes, a lot of these hotels offer you actually excellent facilities out and about. You won’t feel home throw up. In fact, you feel like happening here again and also again. If you would like to relish most of the delicious food, why these hotels offer customers excellent buffet meals. You can also take advantage of room web site and enjoy tasty cuisines right in your bed. They understand all wants and requirements help make all efforts offer the best they have found that.

During times of Siem Reap minor have to worry about the accommodation accessible here. There are definite hotels in Siem Reap which offer range of facilities. If you want to ensure your stay in Siem Reap is an opulent one, you will be able to check out that this boutique hotels doing Siem Reap. Boutique hotels proposal state-of-the art solutions and a the world class experience to their guests. Passaggio Boutique Hotel is among one of the best shop hotels in Siem Reap.

For contact information for our guests and places we mention in this episode [click here].

I’m still a little biased towards the over the top Presidential Suite at the Hilton Towers but these are awfully sweet as well…

In years past, business trips inevitably meant lonely hours spent working in hotel rooms. But a new generation of hotel concepts—as well as non-hotel rentable work space—has brought fresh options to travelers who want to stay productive without being sequestered.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts is among the companies paying a lot of attention to the changing work patterns of today’s business traveler. Through consumer research, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts learned that a large percentage of road warriors prefer to conduct business outside of their hotel room, so in 2006 the brand launched Link@Sheraton, a social space for doing work that’s now located in every Sheraton lobby—it’s something like a 21st-century version of the old business center.
Westin Hotels & Resorts, meanwhile, calls its new workspace Project Hive, and furnishes it with media:scape by Steelcase technology, floor-to-ceiling white boards, office supplies and room for small meetings. Starwood’s Four Foints by Sheraton brand has also invested heavily in addressing the new demands of business travelers, with lobbies that offer free WiFi and an ambiance that’s as conducive to socializing and interacting as it is to sitting in front of a computer.
Individual properties have also made strides in providing business-friendly yet social environments for working. In Miami Beach, the Surfcomber, a Kimpton Hotel recently unveiled The Docking Station, a so-called “Travel Lounge” that provides free Wi-Fi, enhanced bandwidth and the opportunity to buy food and drink by texting from your cell phone.
Outside of hotels, other options include companies like LooseCubes, OpenDesks and LiquidSpace, which help connect business travelers with temporary work space.
If all else fails, of course, there is still Starbucks. – Working on the go: Hotels make productivity more social

Taking a break-off from hectic schedules and getting into a paradise of fun, entertainment can bring about peace to the touring people. However, the right destination alone can create an atmosphere of grandeur and excitement filled in with great ambience to celebrate your vacations. Certain destinations are more mind-blowing that stretch across the continents and exciting ones lay in Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa , Middle-East and South Pacific. Interesting to say that almost every place has great hotels to match the luxurious and beautiful resorts forming an assemble of the lasting environment. Some of the famous places where hotels meet tourists with high endurance and hospitality when you make your trips by signing up with packages. Here are a few places, which do rank for high preference and luxurious hotels at an inexpensive cost. To get a list of hotels and services, you will be surprised that certain well established companies will provide you with total information about it. Luxury Links is an exceptional company that provides Hawaii vacation packages, Costa Rica vacations, Mexico vacations, Puerto Rico vacations and so on.

Experience Differently at Napa Valley hotels, Calistoga Hotels

All tourists may not like to get into an atmosphere of calm and tranquillity, there are places where people may like to explore the stored literature and culture of the society in museums, or seek entertainment in parks and other amusement places. Hotels in New York City, hotels in Chicago, hotels in San Diego, hotels in Los Angeles, hotels in San Francisco. At the same time, if you are a wine lover then you can have the excellent blaze of wine taste and thousand of acres of vineyards and deer parks in the Napa County, California. Tourists can engage more time in the valley and experience the greatest pleasure and ecstasy. Although, the valley is sparsely populated luxurious hotels have made their Way-in. And, you will find fantabulous Calistoga hotels, and Napa valley hotels that can provide you with greater accommodation by the hillside.

Puerto Rico Resorts Next to Beautiful Sea Coast

South America has a wonderful coastline with places like Miami and every year thousands of tourists both on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Huge infrastructure does support Miami beach hotels, south beach hotels, and Miami hotels and the hotels are raised at the most favored locations to benefit tourism. Puerto Rico is one of the most natural beauty spots wherein people get to experience the beautiful seacoast, surfing, play or take skiing classes for fun and so on. Tourists can fix booking with Puerto Rico resorts, Cancun all inclusive, Cancun hotels to seek the best entertainment. Chicago is just another big tourist spot for people who come across the world to witness the oldest city in America, and through the year, the city is floated with tourists and luxurious Chicago hotels and downtown Chicago hotels are existent to provide the best services in the city.

For contact information and locations for today’s guests, [click here].

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are now gym nights. Tuesdays will become date night and Thursdays will become chore nights. since our seven year anniversary is quickly headed our way (January 1st), we’ve decided to spend a little time each Tuesday trying to figure out just what we’re going to do. so far, we’ve decided that we’re going to spend the night (or possibly two nights) in Chicago, IL. but we’re taking any suggestions for places to dine and things to do and see. we aren’t even sure on a hotel yet. I’ve stayed at The James downtown and also a Hampton Inn, just outside of town. both were nice, but I’m looking for something different this time. I’d love your thoughts on it!

When my girl friends and I were in Chicago for Lollapalooza last week we wanted a hotel that was a) close to Grant Park b) cool, safe, clean and had a boutique vibe c) was going to offer us luxury after long days in the hot summer Chicago sun.

Our choice?  The Allerton Hotel Chicago on Magnificent Mile and it was truly magnificent.

The Allerton Hotel Chicago recently had a multi-million-dollar renovation to match the dynamic downtown setting on the Magnificent Mile.  Every element of the engaging redesign reflects a contemporary and sophisticated, yet residential, feel. Luxuriate in sleek, modern rooms and suites appointed with every conceivable comfort, along with a few surprises. Dine in the chic, trendy M Avenue Restaurant. For meetings, weddings, and special events, their venues have been stunningly modernized to stage signature gatherings.

The historic configuration of the hotel ensures a memorable experience in each of the hotel’s  443 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and 84 suites.

We took the train from the Midway airport to the hotel – it took less than 30 minutes and was an easy and non complicated ride.  The check in was easy upon our arrival and we were able to leave our bags with the bell men whilst we set off to explore the city.

When we finally did settle into our rooms, we found the space to be warm, inviting, clean, with new carpeting; sweeping panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, majestic cathedral ceilings, the rooms were free of any weird odours and emanated an elegance right out of Domino Magazine.  I was impressed.

I loved the heavenly beds, the puffy and yet firm pillows, the powerful shower heads and soap sets, the pale blues and marshmallow shades in the rooms were soothing and serene, the padded white punctuated headboard felt like I was staying in a South Beach hotel suite, the abundance of towels and huge TV monitors which played HBO series (a blessing for a girl who doesn’t have cable at home) along with loads of other great entertainment channels made me feel like I was staying in a palace.

I liked that the Allerton Hotel was not a ‘party’ hotel but more a professional and mature space.  This was huge when we came back after a 10-12 hour day.  Relaxation was key and is what we got for the 6 days we stayed at the Allerton Hotel.

In the morning if you need a quick caffeine fix – you can venture down to the 2^nd floor where from the hours of 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. you can have a lovely cup of Joe on the house.  The coffee was indeed very yummy.

I loved the overall aesthetic of the hotel.  This is a listed building and it is lovingly maintained.  From the brickwork, exquisitely decorated rooms, hallways and common spaces, always helpful staff and overall architecture I definitely felt like we were staying in a building full of history and interesting stories.  I felt instantly comfortable and very much at home.

After long days at Lollapalooza and trekking around Chicago, I really appreciated coming back to the Allerton Hotel Chicago and kicking back on my King Size bed.

I heard a few complaints from fellow guests about the elevators – ok, fair enough they are small.  But this hotel was built in 1922 so the elevators speak to a time where North American elevators weren’t built to the size of sitting rooms.  Personally, we never had to wait long for an elevator and to be frank I thought the elevators harkened to times of old and had a European feel.

Quick facts:

•  Located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, home of world-class entertainment, exquisite restaurants, and unmatched shopping

•  Only blocks from the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Rush Street nightlife district

•  Ten minutes from McCormick Place Convention Center

•  Only 20 minutes from Midway International Airport ( MDW) and 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Would we stay at the Allerton Hotel Chicago again?  Yes!   I would give the Allerton Hotel Chicago a 4.5/5.

Bring on Lollapalooza 2013!   

Book your room for the holidays now.  Black Friday is just around the corner.  Thank you Seona for helping me craft this piece!

The Allerton Hotel Chicago on Magnificent Mile, 701 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL Phone: 312.440.1500 312.440.1500 Toll Free Reservations: 877-701-8111 http://www.theallertonhotel.com/

Today while chatting and planning with a girlfriend over Skype for an upcoming bachelorette party, Public came to mind as a potential recommendation for the girls coming in from out of town. If you’re not from Chicago, the Gold Coast is a neighborhood just north of what you’d consider downtown, and about as far east as you get, meaning super close to the lake. Basically, primo Chicago real estate!

The entrance is striking and perfectly symmetrical – there’s a large awning or overhang covered in bright lightbulbs, with uniformed doormen and lit torches at night.

> Via

I love hotels, and especially boutique hotels. So naturally, I was pretty excited to have an excuse to head to their website and check out some pictures… but even with high expectations, I was blown away.  I mean, look at this place!

> Photos via PublicHotels.com

I am absolutely obsessed with the black, white, neutral and green color scheme, the intricate details and the incredible lighting.  After doing a little reading, the caliber of design is no surprise – Public is the brainchild of Ian Schrager, one of the co-founders of Studio 54.

Chicago is slated to be the first of many Public Hotels – I hear New York is up next.

Here’s the best part – its totally reasonable. Compared to New York or Miami, Chicago’s hotels are not SO expensive, but I’d still anticipate a $300+ price tag for any hotel right in the heart of the city.

At Public? Rooms start at $150.

I may be booking a staycation soon!

]]> http://vinoconvistablog.me/2012/08/01/the-naperville-wine-festival/ Wed, 01 Aug 2012 16:36:26 +0000 www.vino-con-vista.com http://vinoconvistablog.me/2012/08/01/the-naperville-wine-festival/

Image via Wikipedia

Plan to attend the Naperville Wine Festival 2012. Wine festivals offer outstanding and affordable Vino con Vista opportunities. Wine connoisseurs can discover new wines, attend wine seminars and meet wine-makers in an outdoor festival setting.

Here’s a short video with some of my favorite Vino con Vista Buddies that I met at the Naperville Wine Festival in 2011:

http://youtu.be/gPrJhCRmXSQ

WHEN: Friday, August 24, 2012 from 4-10 pm

Saturday, August 25, 2012 from 3-9 pm

WHERE: City Gate Center in Naperville

From author: “From left to right: Iron Horse 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Testarossa 2006 Garys’ Vineyard Syrah Calera 2006 Ryan Pinot Noir Chateau Montelena 2007 Chardonnay Ridge 2007 Zinfandel” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tickets: Adult Wine Tasting Ticket – One day admission
$28 in advance or $35 at the door.
Admission ticket good for either day. This ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount.Designated Driver Ticket – One day admission
$10 in advance or at the door.
Admission ticket good for either day. This ticket includes two non-alcoholic drinks, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, souvenir wine glass upon departure. Under 21 admitted free when accompanied by paid adult.

Assortment of wine from Domaine Chandon in Yarra Australia showing their sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot noir wine as well as a still pinot noir. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Local chefs will offer foodies an opportunity to taste some of their cuisine. Here’s a list of the restaurants that will be serving food at the 2012 event:

The outdoor festival will feature more than 200 wines from around the country and the world with wine seminars and cooking demonstrations. For a nominal charge you can sample pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and chardonnay wine from various regions.

Here’s a complete list of the wineries and distributors that will be attending the 2012 event:

Peterson    Spirits and Fine Wines Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc Lake Sonoma Chardonnay Kenwood Table Red Peterson Zero Manipulation Peterson Dry Creek Zinfandel Cantina Aurora Dolce Stilnovo Peterson    Spirits and Fine Wines Villa Puccini Pinot Grigio Villa Puccini Tuscan Red Entwine Pinot Grigio Entwine Chardonnay Entwine Merlot Entwine Cabernet Sauvingon
Haus    Wines Schug Sauvignon Blanc Cline Albarino Cline Field Blend Scott Harvey Red Label Barbera Scott Harvey Red Label Zinfandel Schug Pinot Noir Jarvis-Tomei Coloma Chardonnay Lady Slipper Pinot Noir Nomad Red Blend Tomei Barbera Jarvis Tomei Syrah Lonati Moscato d’Asti
Essential    Wines Arabella Chenin Blanc Enon Chardonnay Arabella Viognier Arabella Merlot Arabella Cabernet Sauvignon Grinder Pinotage Laird    and Company Moletto Prosecco Stival Pinot Grigio Lunae Vermentino La Pisara Primativo Pietrafitta Chianti Moletto Refosco Wine    Cru Secret Coast Sauvignon Blanc Bennett Lane Maximus White Prezzolini Chianti Zolo Malbec Zolo Cabernet Sauvignon Bennett Lane Maximus Red
Eola    Hills Eola Hills Pinot Gris Eola Hills Chardonnay Eola Hills “La Ceole” Reserve    Chardonnay Eola Hills Pinot Noir Eola Hills “La Creole” Reserve Pinot Noir Eola Hills Vin d’Or LH Sauvignon Blanc
Martin    Ray Winery Angeline Sauvignon Blanc Martin Ray Chardonnay Angeline California Pinot Noir Martin Ray Pinot Noir Angeline Cabernet Sauvignon Martin Ray Merlot Cabernet    Corp La Playa Sauvignon Blanc Don Rodolfo Torrentes La Playa Cabernet Rose La Playa Cabernet Sauvignon La Playa Block Selection Carmenere Don Rodolfo Malbec
Ventana    Winery Ventana Riesling Ventana Sauvignon Blanc Ventana Gewurztraminer Ventana Pinot Noir Ventana Rubystone Syrah/Grenache Ventana Syrah Broadbent    Selections Broadbent Vino Verde Broadbent Gruner Veltliner Dr. Hermann H Riesling Chateau Musar Rouge Quintas do Crasto Flor Warwick Three Cape Ladies
Small    Vineyards Trevisiol Extra Dry Prosecco Tre Donne La Perlina Moscato d’Asti Giocato Pinot Grigio Perazzeta Sangiovese Palama Negroamaro Antonio Sanguineti Nessun Dorma Red Fess    Parker Family of Wines Fess Parker SBC Riesling Fess Parker SBC Chardonnay Parker Station Pinot Noir Fess Parker SBC Pinot Noir Hodge du Podge Red Big Easy Syrah Vinilandia Good Pinot Grigio Belpoggio Verdicchio DOC Nicolis Valpolicella Classico Poggio Amorelli Chianti Classico Villa Donna Moscato d’Asti Scagliola Petali Di Rose Brachetto
Hahn/Other    Guys Huntington Sauvignon Blanc Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio White Knight Viognier Cycles Gladiator Syrah Leese Fitch Pinot Noir Plungerhead Lodi Zinfandel Duck Pond Winery Duck Pond Pinot Gris Duck Pond White Blend Duck Pond Pinot Noir Duck Pond Red Blend Desert Wind Ruah Desert Wind Barbera
Hook and    Ladder Winery Hook and Ladder Chardonnay Hook and Ladder Pinot Noir Station Ten Zinfandel Blend Hook and Ladder Zinfandel The Tillerman Cab Blend Hook and Ladder Cabernet Sauvignon E&J    Gallo La Marca Prosecco Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Martin Codax Albarino Las Rocas Garnacha Bridlewood Cabernet Sauvignon Louis Martini  Cabernet Sauvignon
E&J    Gallo Laguna Chardonnay William Hill Chardonnay Bridlewood Blend 175 MacMurray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir William Hill Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Gascon Reserve Malbec Kobrand Domaine Carneros Sparkling Brut Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Benziger Sangicamo Chardonnay Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir Benziger Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinnacle    Fine Wines Long Boat Sauvignon Blanc La Crema Monterey Chardonnay Gaga Rose Gaga Rouge Calina Carmenere Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon
Bronco    Wine Silver Ridge Sauvingon Blanc Silver Ridge Chardonnay Silver Ridge Pinot Noir Hacienda Riesling Hacienda Merlot Hacienda Cabernet Sauvignon Maritime Graham Beck Brut Sparkling Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc Skyleaf Riesling Graham Beck Game Res. Chenin Blanc Jules Taylor Pinot Noir Graham Beck Game Res. Cabernet Wente Hayes Chardonnay Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2009 Tamas Double Decker Red Wente Reliz Creek Pinot Noir Spur Meritage Wente Charles Wetmore Cabernet
Quintesential    Wines New Age Rose New AgeWhite Elsa Bianchi Torrentes Simonsig Chenin Blanc Grand Rojo Garnacha Morse Code Shiraz Prestige    Wine Group Starling Castle Riesling Michel Picard Vouvray Michel Picard Bourgogne Pinot Noir Broke Ass Red Le Grand Noir GSM Luccio Moscato d’Asti
Jomad    Imports San Hubberto Torrentes San Hubberto Reserve Chardonnay San Huberto Bonarda San Huberto Malbec San Huberto Reserve Syrah San Huberto Cabernet Sauvignon Cartlidge    and Browne Winery Cartlidge and Browne Sauvignon Blanc Cartlidge and Browne Chardonnay Cartlidge and Browne Pinot Noir Cartlidge and Browne Zinfandel Cartlidge and Browne Cabernet C&B Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Vibrant    Rioja Cortijo White Cortijo Rose Ramon Bilboa Ramon Bilboa Limited Edition Gloriso Reserva Campo Viejo Gran Reserva CIV Vina Arnaiz Roble Tinto Salneval Albarino Antano Virura Conde de Valdemar Reserve Opera Prima Moscato Don Simon Sangria
V2 Wine    Group Toad Hollow Risque Sparkling Dry Creek Chenin Blanc Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc Steel Head Chardonnay Steel Head Pinot Noir Dry Creek Meritage Indigo    Wine Group Bon Cap The Ruins Organic Sparkling Bon Cap The Ruins Organic Sauvignon Blanc Bon Cap The Ruins Organic Syrah/Cab Robertson Shiraz/Mouvedre/Viognier Casa de Campo Moscato Robertson Sweet Red
Classical Wines Mont Marcal Cava Rosada Brut Legado del Conde Morgadio Albarino Bodegas Garci Grande Verdejo Guelbenzu Red Lorinon Crianza Carchelo “C” Lagnaippe    Beverage Boomtown Pinot Gris Schild Estate Chardonnay Schild Estate GMS Dexter Lake Red Boomtown Syrah Revah Pomegranite
Maverick Alias Chardonnay Cannonball Chardonnay Alias Merlot Cannonball Merlot Alias Cabernet Sauvignon Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon Cape    Classics Buitenverwachting Beyond Sauv Blanc Indaba Chardonnay Mulderbosch Rose Buitenverwachting Beyond Cabernet Mulderbosch Faithful Hound Red Jam Jar Shiraz
Robert    Kacher/Winebow Tariquet Classique Tariquet Rose de Pressee Clean Slate Riesling Gournier Grenache Noir Cazes le Canon du Marechal Rouge Root 1 Carmenere Winebow Kris Pinot Grigio Argiolas Costamolino Catena Chardonnay Valle Reale Vigne Nuove    Montepulciano Allegrini Palacco Della Torre Catena Malbec
Palm Bay Twin Vines Vinho Verde Arrogant Frog White Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir Arrogant Frog Lily Pad Red Periquita Duoro Red Santa Rita Reserve Malbec Hess Peter Lehmen Layers White Glen Carlou Chardonnay Peter Lehmen Layers Red Sequana “Sarmento” Pinot Noir Artezin Zinfandel Amalaya Malbec Blend Sequana Pinot Noir
Boisset L. Buillot Rose DeLoach Heritage Chardonnay Lyeth ‘Fleur de Lyeth’ Red Blend Raymond ‘R’ Merlot Raymond ‘R’ Field Blend Batoisiolo Moscato d’Asti Winesellers Francois Lurton Blanco Tortoise Creek Pinot Noir Santa Julia Reserva Cabernet Tortoise Creek Zinfandel Araucano Carmenere Familia Zuccardi  Q Malbec
Heritage Hirschbach & Sohne Liebfraumilch Lucky Star Pinot Noir Milbrandt Traditions Merlot Oxford Landing GSM Oxford Landing Shiraz Bricco Riella Moscato d’Asti Diamond    Imports Domaine Sigalas Athiri/Assyrtiko Blend Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko Domaine Skouras White Domaine Skouras Moscofilero Domaine Skouras St. George Alpha Estate Xinomavro Hedgehog Vnyd
CLD Sidewood Sauvignon Blanc Deviation Road Chardonnay The Garden Path Shiraz/Cab Smidge Houdini Shiraz/Zin Deaf Galah Red Alliance Shiraz Opolo    Winery Opolo Chardonnay Opolo Viognier Opolo Sangiovese Opolo Maestro Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel Opolo Serenade Cab/Malbec
Underdog    Wine Merchants A Mano Pinot Grigio Concannon Conservancy Chardonnay Concannon Conservancy Crimson &    Clover Cupcake Red Velvet Flip Flop Moscato Helfrich Gewurztraminer Barefoot    Wine and Bubbly Barefoot Pinot Grigio Barefoot Bubbly Brut Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Spumante Barefoot Moscato Barefoot Sweet Red
Easley    Winery Reggae White Reggae Rose Reggae Red Evaton, Inc Anakena Sauvignon Blanc Gazela Vino Verde Gazela Rose Finca Flichman Cabernet Sauvignon Finca Flichman Reserve Malbec Finca Flichman Tupungato
Lynfred    Winery Vin de City White Vin de City Red Illinois Seyval Blanc Oktoberfest Wine Rose Plum Wine St.    James Winery Velvet White Velvet Red Cherry Blackberry Blueberry Strawberry Raspberry
Cooper’s Hawk    Restaurant & Winery Almond Sparkling Semi-Dry Riesling Cooper’s Hawk White Barbera Cabernets Rhubarb Fruit Wine
Cass Winery Cass Winery 2010 Oasis Rose 2010 Roussanne 2009 Grenache 2009 Mourvedre 2008 Syrah 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Cass Reserve Constellation Wines Blufield Riesling Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Estancia Pinot Grigio Toasted Head Untamed White Diseno Malbec Primal Roots Red Blend

Wine Festival

The ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides and Apps @ www.vino-con-vista.com and attend many food and wine events.

Last year, I fell in love with Cass Winery’s Reserve and had a case shipped to my home from the winery. Try the Cooper’s Hawk Barbera; it’s from a local winery near Naperville.

Naperville Wine Festival

For more information visit http://www.napervillewinefestival.com

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Trevi Fountain – The fountain filled with coins, from another perspective. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you going to Taylor Street’s Taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 2012 in Chicago? You can engage in the “Great Grape Stomp” at the Vintage Lounge and take your picture in front of the replica of the Trevi Fountain or participate in the Meatball Eating Contest.

Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

You have to go to Rome to see the real Trevi Fountain.

A 5×5 segment panorama taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. Stitched with rectilinear projection to keep lines straight. This view is about 100 degrees horizontally, close to the upper practical limit of rectilinear projection. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italian neighborhoods in Chicago celebrate summer with annual traditions in historic Italian neighborhoods. Taylor Street was the port-of-call for many Italians who immigrated to Chicago from the shores of southern Italy. This landmark Southern Italian neighborhood hosts an annual “Festa Italiana” from August 9-12, 2012.

Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

This year you can see the Legendary Drifters perform on Friday night and Sunday night! Listen to them play their famous repertoire including: “On Broadway”, “Dance with Me”, “Saturday Night at the Movies“, “Under the Boardwalk”, “There Goes my Baby”, “This Magic Moment“ and “Save the Last Dance for Me”.  There are plenty of dancing opportunities at this annual event.

Legendary Drifters at Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

Legendary Drifters perform on Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

On Broadway (song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hours:  Thur 5 – 9pm, Fri 5 – 10pm, Saturday 12 – 11pm, Sun 12 – 9pm

The Drifters’ Golden Hits (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHERE:  Little Italy

Address:  Taylor St. at Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60606

In Little Italy, Chicago, some Italian language signage is visible (eg. Banca Italiana) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s the 2012 Entertainment Line-up from their FaceBook Page:

Ron Hawking; The Legendary Drifters; Dominic Mantuano; Moreno Fruzzetti; Tony Spavone; Peter Guerin; John Vincent; Packy Angelo Ciaravino; Aaron Caruso Hairbangers Ball; This Must Be the Band (Talking Heads tribute); Mike & Joe; The Breakfast Club; Your Villian My Hero; Liquid Soul; Hot Sauce Committtee; Jaw Potato and more!

Here’s the entertainment schedule from the webpage:

Taylor Street

Thursday, August 9 through Sunday, August 12

Festa Hours: Thursday 5pm to 10 pm / Friday 5pm to 10pm / Saturday 12pm to 10pm / Sunday 12pm to 9pm

Thursday

5:00 Opening Introductions / Anthem’s 6:00 Jaw Potato 5:30 Dj’s Dominic Cantore & Lenny Laino

5:30 Joe Martino & The Volare Dancers 8:00 Breakfast Club 7:30 TBD

6:45 Packy Angelo Ciaravino

8:15 Moreno Fruzzetti

Friday

5:00 Joe Martino & The Volare Dancers 5:00 Ten Foot Tail 5:30 Brooklyn James

7:00 The Legendary Drifters 6:15 Your Villain My Hero 7:30 Nick Pontarelli

8:15 Moreno Fruzzetti 8:00 This Must Be The Band

Saturday

1:00 Dick Sisto featuring Bobby Broom Trio 12:30 Acoustic Generation 1:00 TBD

2:30 Rosebud Chef Demo, Michael Ponzio 2:30 Brooklyn James 3:00 Dj’s Dominic Cantore & Lenny Laino

3:30 Packy Angelo Ciaravino 4:00 Hot Sauce Committee 3:30 Grape Stomping Contest, Vintage Lounge

4:30 Italian Fashion by Zzazz Productions 6:00 Liquid Soul 5:00 Hurricane Reggae

5:00 Tony Spavone 8:00 Mike & Joe 7:00 TBD

5:45 Peter Guerin 9:00 Dj’s Dominic Cantore & Lenny Laino

6:30 Aaron Caruso

7:15 Dominic Mantuano

8:45 Ron Hawking

Sunday

12:30 Packy Angelo Ciaravino 1:00 Acoustic Generation 1:00 Dick Sisto featuring Bobby Broom Trio

2:30 Rosebud Chef Demo, Michael Ponzio 3:00 Nick Pontarelli 3:00 Hurricane Reggae

3:30 John Vincent 5:00 Liquid Soul 5:00 Packy Angelo Ciaravino

4:45 Tony Spavone 7:00 Hairbangers Ball 7:00 Brooklyn James

5:45 Peter Guerin

6:45 Aaron Caruso

There Goes My Baby (The Drifters song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

8:00 The Legendary Drifters

Here’s a link to the schedule:

http://www.festaitaliana2012.com/upload/ScheduleBandsPublish072712.pdf

There’s also a fun Italian Festival held annually over Father’s Day Weekend at 24th and Oakley in Chicago. For information on that Festival visit: http://wp.me/pRq9Q-3Ea

Here’s a short video of the Festival

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za3laHrq66I

Cover of The Drifters

They anticipate 55,000 visitors to the historic Italian neighborhood over the weekend and many will be Italian American. Many suburban Italians, whose roots trace back to Taylor Street maintain a regular pilgrimage to “the old neighborhood” on the near-west side.

Taylor Street Italian Festival in Chicago

RoseBud Restaurant on Taylor Street During the Festival 2012

Many businesses have been in this neighborhood for many generations like Chicago’s legendary Gonnella bread family.

Alex Dana runs the famed Rosebud Chain in Chicago and has earned his own street sign in the neighborhood. The Taylor Street location has an incredible outdoor space for dining alfresco.

Another one of my favorite Taylor Street eateries is Tuscany with multiple locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Try the Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich or the Pork Chop Vesuvio.

The festival is a mecca for foodies who want to enjoy Italian cuisine and listen to live entertainment on multiple stages.

This weekend when you attend the annual event on Taylor Street on the near-west side of Chicago, you can enjoy treats from the food booths of legendary establishments like Rosebud, Pompei and Francesca’s as well as new-comers like Ethyl’s Beer and Wine Dive.

Trattoria-style restaurants, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the historic Roman Catholic churches like the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii and Holy Family populate Chicago’s most popular Little Italy precinct.

Visit Joe DiMaggio Piazza with the fountain. Enjoy a frozen lemonade from Mario’s Italian Lemonade or an Italian Beef sandwich. I enjoyed the “Juicy” (dipped in gravy) combination beef/sausage from The Patio food booth and the baked clams from Pompei.  All of my friends that are not from Chicago make fun of the way I say “saaaa-sage.”

Buy some olive oil from the “Italian Iron Chef”. The Conte di Savoia Italian grocer and deli are offering meatball sandwiches, Italian subs and Italian desserts. Scafuri’s bakery will all be offering tasty cookies. Don’t forget to take a stroll in Arrigo (Peanut) Park to see the statue of Columbus.

Piazza DiMaggio on Taylor street in Chicago

Last year, I went on Thursday night so I could see  the “Bronx Wanderers” at the Italia Stage.  On Sunday night, attendees listened to the Rat Pack Tribute to Frank, Dean and Sammy. There is also a Rock Stage with live entertainment.

English: Chicago-style deep dish pizza from the original Pizzeria Uno (restaurant credited with originating the style) in Chicago, Illinois (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Italian West-Fest will be held on the same weekend in August in Addison Illinois on Route 53 and Lake Street with entertainment by Onesti @ www.oshows.com.

You can see the Bronx Wanderers and James Darren!

Here’s a list of Italian Festivals around the country: http://www.niaf.org/research/festivals.asp

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides and Apps @ www.vino-con-vista.com

The Bronx Wanderers on Taylor street in Chicago

Live Music on Taylor Street in Chicago

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Image via Wikipedia

Enjoy a glorious Vino Con Vista of Chicago from the NoMI Restaurant on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago at 800 N. Michigan Avenue. From the street, the glass and steel facade shows the floor to ceiling windows. I love the panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the historic Water Tower from this dining room.

Image via Wikipedia

The Park Tower skyscraper , located at 800 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, was completed in 2000. It structure has 70 floors. It was designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Lucien Lagrange Architects. The Park Tower is a mixed use tower; the lower floors of the building are the Park Hyatt Hotel and the upper levels contain luxury condominiums.

This was an excellent choice for Chicago Restaurant Week 2012.  The last time I had lunch at NoMI, I enjoyed the following meal: a seasonal field greens salad with roasted beets, manchego cheese with walnut vinaigrette dressing as a first course; roasted Amish chicken served over beluga lentils and for dessert, an assortment of colorful “Le Mac” cookies including passion banana, lime mint and milk chocolate Grand Marnier. I ordered a 2008 Meiomi Belle Glos Pinot Noir  from Sonoma that was divine.

Check out the Super Bowl Chili Recipe on Executive Chef Ryan La Roche’s Blog. Make your reservations for lunch or brunch at www.nomirestaurant.com.

The NoMI Kitchen at Park Hyatt Chicago will host a special culinary event as part of their “Chicago Masters of Food and Wine” program. The event will be held on Friday, March 23, 2012 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. At this event, participants will learn about goat cheese from artisanal cheese purveyor Judy Solomon. This interactive experience will be held in the wine cellar. Contact the restaurant for more information and reservations.

For a calendar of all Masters of Food an Wine Events follow this link: www.mastersfoodandwine.com

Buon Appetito from www.vino-con-vista.com

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Edward Fox’s Assistant Director of Photography, Tuwna Yee, captured these beautiful images.

Just when I was recovering from the weight I gained during Restaurant Week. I feel compelled to make reservations for the 3rd annual Chef’s Week extravaganza. It will take place between March 20th and March 26th when about 40 top-notch Chicago restaurants will offer special menus and signature dishes www.chicagochefweek.com. Make your reservations ASAP at www.opentable.com

Executive Chefs will prepare outstanding meals at bargain prices. A three-course prix fixe lunch will set you back $22 and dinner will be $33. Chef Giuseppe Tentori’s Michelin-starred Boka is on the roster. So is Green Zebra’s Shawn McClain. He won the James Beard’s “Best Chef for the Midwest” and will dazzle you with his vegetarian cuisine.

Here’s a list of some of the restaurants that didn’t participate in Restaurant Week:

 Hawaiian-inspired Sola www.sola-restaurant.com 

Greek inspired Taxim www.taximchicago.com.

 More new comers include:

www.Avecrestaurant.com

www.BigStarchicago.com

www.CustomHouse.cc

www.MKchicago.com

www.ManaFoodBar.com

www.Nightwoodrestaurant.com

Buon Appetito from www.vino-con-vista.com and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites
 

• Family reunions/bachelor party groups – not enough rooms (only 2 beds)
• Tourists – why Lakeview when they can stay downtown
• Suburban couple on a date night – Why are they coming in to go on a date in Lakeview, downtown is more romantic and not so vintage.
• Corporate housing – There’s more of this inventory in the West Loop closer to the financial district

Who is paying the below rate with all the fees and taxes when there are traditional hotels downtown? Maybe a wealthy 30 something couple who are going to get wasted on July 4th with friends, go to a cubs game and don’t want to crash on the floor of their friends small apartment and want to stay in the neighborhood for the night and have a fear of tall buildings. Or if there’s no hotels available due to a convention. VRBO Listing Here

$159/wknight winter special jan. 3 – apr.15 2010
$159 m-thurs $179 fri. sat and sun.
***NOTE: STAY 4 NTS & GET THE 5TH NT FREE!!!!
*Indoor garage $10/nt *$10pp additional guest fee > 4 persons
*reservation requires 1 nt dep. w/ cc
$85 cleaning fee, 11.9% hotel tax
IN SEASON BASE RATE $249/NT FRI,SAT,SUN $229 M – THURS +++
IN SEASON APR. 16 – JAN. 2

The letter which a union spokeswoman said has gone out to approximately 200 people booking events in Chicago also recommends that hotel customers put protective language into any contracts they have made with Sheraton, W Lakeshore, W City Center, Westin Michigan Avenue and Tremont Hotels. Employees at those Starwood hotels have voted to authorize a strike if necessary.

Union contracts covering 6,000 workers at 31 hotels in downtown Chicago expired Aug. 31, and the two sides have not been able to agree about issues spanning health coverage to overtime hours. Unite Here has ramped up demonstrations at hotels around the country and is supporting a city ordinance that would require hotels to inform customers if and when a strike occurs. That ordinance will be heard in the Finance Committee Monday.