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The summer is the perfect season to explore new parts of our favorite city. Wicker Park has long been a destination for new and unique restaurants, but with the addition of The Robey Hotel {2018 West North Avenue, Chicago; 872.315-3050} guests have even more to explore. The hotel is located on the bustling intersection of the six corners of Damen, Milwaukee, and North Avenues, and has a whole host of restaurants and bars. Some are open to the public, and some warrant a stay at the rt Deco building. To learn more about just what The Robey has to offer, we spoke with Kaley Vander Kodde, Director of Food and Beverage at The Robey.
DiningOut: There are a number of different culinary spots in the hotel. Why was it important to offer so many different concepts?
Kaley Vander Kodde: Each of our outlets offers a different overall vibe, allowing our guests to find the perfect spot just for them. Whether it’s sipping a poolside frozen margarita, a chill classic cocktail overlooking a sunset cityscape, or a cozy shared dinner with friends, our outlets allow for diverse experiences for any time of day.
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Photo via GRUPO HABITA
What is the vibe of each spot?
Café Robey offers classic breakfast and brunch items in the mornings and afternoons with French/American inspired shareable dishes in the evening. The Café is the perfect spot for all occasions, whether it be a peaceful breakfast for one, a casual business lunch, a quick bite to eat after work, or a birthday celebration.
Our 2nd Floor Lounge is a unique spot that morphs from a quiet coffee bar and work lounge to a cocktail bar at night. From local pastries and Metric coffee in the AM to cheese plates, charcuterie, and mini sliders at night, the lounge has your cravings covered. The Lounge offers chill vibes all afternoon and picks up the tempo just a bit for the evenings. Weekends are full of groups taking over the large over-sized couch areas surrounding the exterior of the room.
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H! Bar offers a little bit of everything, from quick pastries and coffee in the morning to beer, wine, and cocktails in the evening. H! Bar hosts a slew of events featuring local artists and business in the form of pop-up shops and concerts. A very chill, hip little spot that is sure to please.
Up & Up is all about the cocktails and the view. Our tallest rooftop bar offers the best view available of not only the surrounding Wicker Park neighborhood, but clear views of the entire downtown area as well as glimpses of Lake Michigan on clear days. The rooftop offers intimate indoor seating and can accommodate small groups both inside as well as outside on the surrounding low seated patio chairs.
Cabana Club is a place for all to sit back, relax with a frozen margarita, snack on some tostadas, and soak in the sun. Our poolside bar helps ease the stress of the day away, and hotel guests are welcome to don their swimming wear and hop in the pool on hot summer days.
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What do you want people to feel when they dine with you?
Whether you’re eating dinner at Café Robey, snacking on our 2nd Floor Lounge, or sampling a variety of tostadas in Cabana Club, we want our guests to feel at home and welcome. Our outlets are casual and non-pretentious, open to our hotel guests as well as the public. We want you to feel like you’re joining part of the neighborhood when you join us at any of our outlets.
What is your current favorite menu item for summer?
Café Robey’s new Bread of Canard features a deliciously tender sliced duck breast served over cous cous, mint pesto, and orange reduction. It’s surprisingly refreshing with the mint pesto, and is easy to order for one, or share as a group. Cabana’s new vegetarian roasted corn tostada is to die for. Think classic elotes meets crunchy tortillas with spicy mayo, crumbled cotija, and black beans to round it all out.
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Tell us about the new rooftop concept as well!
Cabana Club is our rooftop pool and bar. We wanted to create a simple, yet delicious assortment of fun summer drinks which include piña coladas, frozen margaritas, and daily rum punch specials. The Cabana Club features both an indoor and an outdoor bar, and has plenty of seating for both lounging in the sun and sitting and eating. Even on rainy days there’s still a party going on as our indoor bar features a fireplace that cozies up the room. The food menu is just as fun and weather appropriate as the drink menu, featuring an assortment of fresh, made to order tostadas, crudité, skewers, and even local ice cream from Jeni’s.
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The Michelada
How are hotels stepping up their game to be a larger part of the Chicago food world?
Well, worldwide, you see more and more hotels with restaurants that can stand alone as local destination restaurants within their neighborhoods and cities. Hotels do this either by either creating and operating dining outlets themselves or via partnerships. This trend is continuing in Chicago as well as the lifestyle hotel model continues to grow in the city. Having a great restaurant or two just adds built-in awareness and value to your overall hotel business.
By Kaleigh Glaza, Online Editor
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