Contract - May 2016 - S36

Favorite Places of Chicago Designers
Contract asked two of Chicago's designers
of commercial interiors-Scott Delano
and Jeannette Peruchini-for the top
places to eat, drink, and visit in their city.
a sunset tour, or a kayak tour that is followed by
beers called Paddle & Pints. If you don't want to be
on the water, head to the Art Institute and explore
the Modern Wing, the impressive collections, and
the cherry tree bosque at Dan Kiley Plaza in the
museum's south garden.

Scott Delano, AIA, IIDA
Design Director
IA Interior Architects
Favorite restaurant with a well-designed interior
I have really enjoyed Momotaro and Duck Duck
Goat in the West Loop lately. Visitors should also
check out Tanta (3) in River North, Rural Society
just east of the Magnificent Mile, or Terzo Piano (2)
at the Art Institute.
Favorite bar or lounge with a welldesigned interior
Venturing out of the immediate area of The
Merchandise Mart, visitors should check out
Scofflaw in Logan Square, Violet Hour in Wicker
Park, Sparrow in the Gold Coast, or the Game Room
at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (CAA).
Favorite restaurant or bar with an outdoor
rooftop or sidewalk patio
There are beautiful views from Cindy's on the rooftop
of the CAA. Hampton Social has a nice area with
open-air seating, and it is a quick walk from the Mart.
I am always happy when I have a little food and
drink in the courtyard at Piccolo Sogno. If you
are headed west of the Mart, check out The Dawson
or the roof terrace at SoHo House.

Top destination to take a breather
within reasonable walking distance of
The Merchandise Mart
The Chicago Riverwalk steps on the south side
of the river, which will be new to those who have
not visited the city since last NeoCon, are great.
Nearby is the new City Winery Chicago at the
Riverwalk for a glass of wine. Or take a stroll
alongside some of the amazing public art pieces
by Picasso (Richard J. Daley Civic Plaza), Bertoia
(Aon Center, southeast corner of the plaza), Calder
(Federal Center Plaza), Chagall (Chase Tower
Plaza), Dubuffet (James R. Thompson Center
Plaza), and Miró (Cook County Administration
Building), or through Millennium Park and Maggie
Daley Park.
The reason you love Chicago, in two sentences
Chicago is a wonderful mix of the best that
any city has to offer: waterfront parks, beaches,
amazing architecture, fantastic restaurants,
great arts and theater, and a metropolitan lifestyle
in a vibrant and diverse community that has
remarkably down-to-earth values. It is a city
of tremendous opportunity and balance.

Jeannette Peruchini, IIDA
Associate Principal
Stantec

Favorite restaurant with a well-designed interior
GT Fish & Oyster serves small plates of seafood
in a casual, comfortable, yet sophisticated
environment. The interior provides the perfect
combination of the rustic details of an old fisherman's
cottage and the modern, sleek elements of
a yacht. It is the perfect setting for any
seafood lover.
Favorite bar or lounge with a welldesigned interior
Untitled Supper Club recalls the Chicago
speakeasies of the 1920s. Each room is designed

Best activity for designers visiting Chicago
Chicago Architecture Foundation's architectural
boat tours are always fun. You could kayak (Urban
Kayaks) the river for an historic Chicago tour,

with Prohibition-era decor in mind. The dark,
intimate spaces provide the perfect companion
to craft cocktails and live burlesque shows.
Favorite restaurant or bar with an outdoor
rooftop or sidewalk patio
The J. Parker (1) on the rooftop of the Lincoln Hotel
serves amazing signature cocktails with the best
views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan.
Best activity for designers visiting Chicago
Take a tour of Salvage One at 1840 West Hubbard
Street. You'll find unique salvaged architectural
elements to help breathe life into your next project,
as well as things you cannot live without but did
not even know you needed!

Top destination to take a breather
within reasonable walking distance of
The Merchandise Mart
Beatrix River North is a great place to have a quick
bite to eat, a tasty juice, or a cocktail. The front of
the restaurant opens up to the outdoors, creating
an environment that makes the most of Chicago's
beautiful spring and summer seasons. It's an ideal
setting to escape the hustle and bustle of NeoCon!
The reason you love Chicago, in two sentences
I love being able to go to the Art Institute one
day and the Museum of Science and Industry (4)
the next. Chicago's arts and culture provide
something for everyone.

Official NeoCon® Product Preview

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF TANTA CHICAGO (1); DIRK DENISON ARCHITECTS (2); BOKA RESTAURANT GROUP (3); J.B. SPECTOR/MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY(4)

NEOCON® 2016

Contract - May 2016

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