Saltaus

On the weekends, my girlfriends and I usually choose a neighborhood dive bar or BYOB sushi spot to celebrate our singledom (and stretch our inadequate pay checks). But I’m afraid Saltaus, a contemporary, Zen-inspired destination in Chicago’s West Loop, has changed our low class taste for good.

This posh restaurant and lounge, located at 1350 West Randolph Street, is where “the hottest of the hot” gather, per the restaurant owner’s beaming declaration. The VIP space reserved for a friend’s Bachelorette party was ideal for the small plates/wine pairings that were previously arranged. And to top it off, our attentive waiter couldn’t have been more adorable, I mean, knowledgeable about each course.

The sleek architectural design of the interior and minimalist outdoor patio highlighted the contemporary chef-selected canapés, including the group fav-Risotto Cakes. These lightly fried spheres, made with parmesan cheese and served with a pesto sauce, were crispy on the outside and had a creamy, risotto-y center. The Crabcakes, flavored with fennel and lemon and served with red pepper vinaigrette, were another favorite while the Curry-Coconut Chicken Satay kabobs served with tomato ginger jam proved to be a dipper’s delight. Each finger food was more fab than the next and I definitely plan on hitting up this hot spot again.

During the experience, my friends and I felt very city, so now, if you will, just sipping vino and noshing on our bite-sized savories in the most chic way. Until I get a job promotion, however, I’ll have to settle for $5 bottles of Barefoot Pinot and $6 California rolls. Guess I’ll just have to ask our waiter from Saltaus to join us until that raise kicks in.

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Edison

Pull out your flapper dress and come on down to The Edison. If you ever wanted to feel old-timey and experience the glamour of old Hollywood- this is the place. The establishment is mostly underground, literally. The space is huge, 3 floors in total. There are many dark, private corners. Jazz bands reminscent of the 20s- sax, standup bass... play on a large stage that can be seen from floors above. There are copper walls, excellent artwork and old turbines. 1920s images are playing on the walls. The light fixtures are raw and awesome. Booths are roomy and comfortable. The dance floor is inviting. By the entrance is a sitting room filled with high tops, ferns, baby palms, and classy patrons.

Drinks and food at The Edison are excellent. Names of vintage libations are such- Peach Whisper, Charlie Chaplan, Lover's Temptress, Singapore Sling and the like. They are hand crafted right before you at a number of bars. The beer selection is good- with Hefeweissen, Chimay and others. There are many, many wines to choose from also. If you are hungry- you are in luck. You can choose from nibbles such as the Tesla Fries (sweet potatoes fries), Oysters Rockefeller, wings, crabcakes, salad, salmon and calamari- all with fancy names of course. Then you can get an array of sandwiches featuring The Boilerroom pork with pickles, burgers, BLT, and hotdogs.. For dessert- you can have milk & cookies, mini cupcakes- or The Elvis fluffernutter.

The ambiance of The Edison is unmatched. It's about time Los Angeles got a really classy joint with that speakeasy feeling. It is nestled on the bottom floor of The Higgins Building. The entrance is in the alley, where a well dressed maitre'd will check your ID. If nothing else, The Edison must be checked out for its architecture. If you go here, you will be in awe and never leave disappointed.

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