Where & Wear: Nellcôte
Nestled among the West Loop's trendiest restaurants like Au Cheval and Girl & the Goat, Nellcôte pulls off European opulence without being over-the-top.
Its namesake, the Villa Nellcôte chateau, was built on the Côte d'Azur in France and marked a new era of the Rolling Stones, when they recorded their innovative double album Exile on Main Street there in 1972. This fusion has continued in Chicago, with house-made cuisine influenced by European flavors, but completely sourced from the Midwest.
The menu includes everything from venison tartare to pumpkin agnolotti pasta, with this author's personal favorites being the burrata and the sunny-side up egg pizza.
Adventurous foodies will be drawn to Nellcôte's selection of cocktails (including one that mixes cucumber-infused vodka with chile liqueur and red bell pepper syrup), while the beer-inclined can enjoy a curated selection of IPAs from around Chicago and the world.
Nellcôte's well-curated bar and prime Randolph Street location call for an outfit that can handle dinner, drinks, and a night out.
Velvet joggers, block heels, and a structured jacket tick all the boxes, balancing comfort with style. The options below have been inspired by the European minimalism that has become de rigueur stateside, with injections of detail that elevate the look.
Joie / Gap / Vanessa Moe
If you're looking for an elegant, welcoming atmosphere with locally sourced but adventurous cuisine, stop searching and head to Nellcôte. Happy eating!
Address: 833 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
