Hello readers,
Get ready to eat (and drink) your heart out with these tempting new menus from two of Illinois’ popular hotels. First, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center now offers uniquely themed break menus, all inspired by local touchstones. For your next meeting or event you can choose from:
Illinois Farm Table: Local crops are the focus with fresh ingredients, such as kale carrots and beets used to make smoothies, juices and pastries. Chalkboard signs and straw accents round out the theme.
Nuts on Clark: The ballpark staple hits a homerun with a selection that offers caramel- and cheese-flavored popcorn, mixed nuts, lemonade and sweet tea.
Sweet Home Chicago: Guests get a basket full of Chicago-made sweets, including Tootsie Rolls, Lemonheads, Snickers, Red Hots and Dots.
To book your next function, visit lemeridienoakbrook.com or call 877.782.0116.
Across a few interstates, The Gwen Hotel, located on Michigan Avenue, has announced a sophisticated new beverage program. Several specialty cocktails, created by a team of in-house mixologists, and local craft beers on tap, including selections from Marz Community Brewing, Revolution Brewing and Off Color Brewing, are now served at Upstairs at The Gwen, a bar and lounge space on the fifth floor of the property. The following is a sampling of some of the new drink menus.
Classic Cocktails
Blackberry Basil Julep: Old Forester Signature Bourbon, basil, blackberries
Barrel-Aged Boulevardier: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth; aged in-house
Craft Cocktails
The Urban Buzz, The Gwen’s Signature Cocktail: Koval Bourbon, locally sourced honey syrup, lemon juice
The Last Cocktail, Inspired by The Luxury Collection: Hendrick’s Gin, pear puree, prosecco, rosemary infusion
Sweet Bud Sazerac: Monkey Shoulder Whisky, grade A maple syrup, orange bitters
Cucumber Splash: Reyka Vodka, cucumber, mint, elderflower liqueur
The Mixologist Corner
Luxe Champagne Cocktail: Ruffino Prosecco, Peychaud’s Bitters, Luxardo Cherry Liqueur, lime cordial, sugar cube
Creole Maple Old Fashioned: FEW Rye Whiskey, Clémente Créole Shrubb Liqueur, maple syrup, Angostura Bitters
Jalapeno Rosemary Sour: Casamigos Tequila, lime juice, rosemary syrup, egg whites, cranberry bitters
The Green Lady: Nolet’s Gin, Chartreuse Liqueur, lemon juice, cucumber, mint syrup
Upstairs at The Gwen is open 11–12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The bar and lounge also feature a daily happy hour from 4–6 p.m. For more information, visit thegwenchicago.com/cuisine.
Happy Planning!
Selena Fragassi
Editor
Illinois Meetings + Events