November 19, 2018 | Lifestyle
Soak up the holiday cheer in high style at a Gold Coast go-to.
(Photo © Steven Errico)
Just like that, the holiday season is upon us. While it seems like just yesterday we were flipping the calendar to 2018, a new year is right around the corner, with fall and #SummerTimeChi all but a fleeting memory. And while it’s certainly an exciting stretch, it’s not without its challenges, from planning the perfect Thanksgiving feast and starting (read: procrastinating) your holiday shopping, to figuring out the most fab New Year’s Eve plans and more. Cap off the year in sophisticated (and stress-free) style with this tony trio of offerings from the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
(Photo © William Huber)
Turkey time gets a magnificent makeover with the hotel’s day-of holiday feast, boasting a slew of sumptuous items from executive chef John Taus. Here, the staples are anything but basic; think: sweet potato ravioli, roasted pheasant, and foraged mushroom quiche. Pastry toque Tim James works wonders, too, with sweet creations that include pumpkin verrine with vanilla cremeux and almond shortbread. Enjoy specials at Le Bar through midnight, and sip spiked hot chocolate and cider at lobby-level resto Café des Architectes. Make room for leftovers you’ll actually want to reheat the next day.
Enjoy the art de noel with the hotel’s winter wonderland experience. It might be cold, but you don’t need to remain shuttered inside: With a heated patio, Le Bar invites guests to indulge in an upscale outdoor experience reminiscent of French chalet. Relax over seasonal sips as a crackling fire pit warms you up, while you wind down.
It’s a tall task to pull off a seriously memorable New Year’s Eve celebration. After years of the same by-the-books parties, throwing “one for the books” is a difficult adage to execute in reality. Luckily, The Sofitel is seriously switching up the routine with an après-ski-style soiree, replete with desserts, libations, tunes, and other effects that will whisk you away to the French Alps (in spirit). And if you’re sweating your personal style, fret not: flannel and leisure wear, not cocktail dresses and lapels, are the evening’s suggested dress.
