Chicago Lifestyle S1, E1: River North
/Welcome to the Chicago Lifestyle Series! The season premier with host Samuel Ciochon has officially released on our Youtube as of 7pm on Tuesday September 10th. In this first episode, we are exploring the River North Neighborhood by interviewing Richard Townsend of the Driehaus Museum, Giuseppi Tentori of Boka's GT Prime and GT Fish & Oyster, and a couple past clients that live in the neighborhood.
The Chicago Lifestyle series is a way for individuals to visit and understand each Chicago neighborhood by connecting with local businesses and residents of each neighborhood. In the season premier, Samuel Ciochon, the host and a Chicago Realtor with Compass, will take you into the depths of the city by exploring River North.
When most people think of Chicago, they think of either the Loop or River North. There are destinct differences in the two neighborhoods though. River North gets its name from being, you guessed it, north of the Chicago River. Bordered to the South and West by the river, its northern border is typically deemed as Chicago Ave and while the eastern border to Michigan Ave (or better known as the "Magnificent Mile"). This pocket in the Near North Side is a diverse melting pot of the best the city has to offer. Even the different micro-pockets within the neighborhood give off a different feel for the residents. Needless to say, there is a little bit of something for everyone, which is unlike any other neighborhood.
Unlike the Loop, River North housing is incredibly diverse in this neighborhood. Known for it's high rise developments, residents can also find a mixture of homes ranging from vintage to new, high rise to low rise, single families and lofts.
On top of it, River North is grounded by great commercial space which brings big companies and jobs to the neighborhood. Merchandise Mart was the largest commercial space when it opened in 1930 with over 4M sq ft of space, and is now host to a bunch of tech firms including an incubator called 1871.
The city never sleeps in this neighborhood and is known for it's restaurant and bar scene. With two nightlife hotspots in the neighborhood, one can find the level of trouble they want to get into. Kinzie, Hubbard and Illinois streets are where a host of nightlife bars have congregated for an easy bar hop experience! If you are looking to dance, the Franklin St corridor has all of the best underground clubs! On top of going out, River North is home to many fine dining experiences with many restaurant groups putting their heavy hitters here, while a large steakhouse community is peppered throughout the neighborhood too, including our third interviewee GT Prime.
Shop Local
The Driehaus Museum
40 E. Erie St
Hours: Tues to Sun. 10am to 5pm
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a hidden treasure in the center of the cathedral district in Chicago's River North. We interview Richard Townsend, the Executive Director, as he gives us an insight into the rich history of the museum and what you can expect to find when you enter the front doors. Completed in 1883, the Nickerson Mansion is the perfect backdrop for a museum that specializes in art, architecture and design. The Driehaus always has a multitude of events and exhibitions taking place. You can tour the home, see an exhibit or even come to a private concert!
For the Driehaus Museum site and a list of all the exhibitions, click here.
GT Prime and GT Fish & Oyster
Prime: 707 N Wells St, Fish & Oyster: 531 N Wells
On the ever expanding Wells St hub, a once thriving furniture retail section has now become host to many restaurants, including two of Chicago's best restaurants - GT Prime and GT Fish & Oyster. Flagged by famed Chicago restauranteur and chef, Guiseppe Tentori, these two restaurants mystify the tongue and play at the mind! Chicago Lifesytle was lucky enough to sit down with Guiseppe himself to see why he loved River North so much that he put two of his three restaurants here. GT Prime, the newest adventure of the Boka Restaurant Group, is a different take on the classic steakhouse but done with a flare that only Mr. Tentori is known to bring to his dishes. On top of award winning meals, the atmosphere will draw you in. There is something primal about animal trophies, rich fabrics, mood lighting and watching the chefs cook over open fire.
For the websites and to reserve your spot, click here for GT Prime and here for GT Fish & Oyster.