A Class Above the Rest

I attended an event last night at the Drake in Chicago. It's a world-famous hotel at 1000 N. Michigan Ave., the corner of North Michigan Ave and Lake Shore Drive. (That's the corner with Chanel and Louis Vuitton, as well as the corner next to 900 N. Michigan with Michael Kors, Gucci, etc.) So we can safely say this is one of the “it” places on Michigan Avenue.

For those who may not understand the prestige following the Drake, it can look a little underwhelming from the outsides, at least by today's skyscraper, modern-everything standards. It's a modest 10 floors (guest floors) or so, the outside is of the 1920s style, but the inside demands reverence. It's stunning. It's like the Chicago version of the Waldorf in New York. It's gorgeous. In fact, on of its banquet rooms is famous: the Gold Coast Room. Yes, the "Gold Coast Room". The ceiling and pillars are painted in gold flakes, and it's on the gold coast. Gorgeous! Breathtaking. Hi, I want to be married there.

The night ended at the Coq d'Or, a dining room on the ground floor. It's dark wooded, heavily paneled, smoke room lounge chairs, and it just gives you the feeling of being in a 1920s speakeasy. The menu is unique but pricey, however, it is worth the price as the company and atmosphere are great. As are the French fries. Wow. They're also known for their bookbinder soup. I haven't had it yet, but it's supposed to be yummy.

In all, this is a place you need to add to your list of Chicago attractions, even if it's just for a quick walk-through. The Christmas decorations were impeccably done. I'm just sorry I forgot to take pictures. Next time, maybe even soon, I'll be sure to right that. Until then, it's just a fond memory.