Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
yet to see a group of guys huddling on one of the hot-pink couches.
But what better way to catch up with a girlfriend than over a selec-
tion of gourmet truffles or a pot of hot chocolate? Ethel's also has
locations inside the 900 N. Michigan Avenue mall (
&
312/440-
9747
) and along the Armitage Avenue shopping strip, 819 W.
Armitage Ave. (
&
773/281-0029
).
520 N. Michigan Ave. (inside the West-
field North Bridge mall).
&
312/464
-
9330.
www.ethelschocolate.com. Subway/El:
Red Line to Grand.
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Chocolatier Katrina Markoff 's
exotic gourmet truffles—with fabulous names such as absinthe, mint
julep, wink of the rabbit, Woolloomooloo, and ambrosia—are made
from premium Belgian chocolate and infused with rare spices, sea-
sonings, and flowers from around the world. The store—which
looks more like a modern art gallery than a chocolatier—includes a
gourmet hot-chocolate bar, where you're welcome to sit and sip.
Vosges also has a small store on trendy Armitage Avenue (951 W.
Armitage Ave.;
&
773/296-9866
).
520 N. Michigan Ave. (in the Westfield
North Bridge shopping center).
&
312/644
-
9450.
Subway/El: Red Line to Grand.
CLOTHING BOUTIQUES
Chasalla
More low-key than many of its Oak Street neighbors,
this cozy, minimalist boutique specializes in men's and women's
clothing from designers' younger, slightly more affordable labels,
including Versace's Versus, D&G, Hugo Red Label, and Cinque.
70
E. Oak St. (between Rush St. and Michigan Ave.).
&
312/640
-
1940.
Subway/El:
Red Line to Chicago.
Ikram
Run by Ikram Goldman, a former saleswoman at
well-known women's clothing store Ultimo (see below), this shop
stocks all the big names, from Valentino to Yves St. Laurent—and
whatever else
Vogue
has declared “hot” for the season. Tucked among
the high-priced pieces are jewelry, stationery, and decorative acces-
sories that give the place a personal touch.
873 Rush St. (between Delaware
and Chestnut sts.).
&
Finds
312/587
-
1000.
www.ikram.com. Subway/El: Red Line to
Chicago.
p45
You'll find a number of cool boutiques aimed at the
younger crowd clustered along Damen Avenue in Bucktown, but
this is the most cutting-edge, with a vibe that's funky rather than
girly. A gold mine of urbane women's fashion, the dark, spare space
is filled with a unique mix of hip national labels (Michelle Mason,
Susana Monaco, Lauren Moffat) and local designers you've never
heard of. If you're looking for something no one else at home will be
