Paris-born, Chicago-based Catherine Sarr is the creative force behind Almasika, a jewellery brand whose fans include Michelle Obama, Lizzo, Zoë Kravitz and Reese Witherspoon. An avid art collector and patron, she supports artists from across the globe, and in 2022 was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) in recognition of her creativity and contribution to the arts in France and throughout the world. She is part of the inaugural ‘Experimental Design Lab’ cohort, an initiative of Theaster Gates and the Prada Group.
This is Catherine’s personal guide to the hottest spots in the city (it’s jewels, you may say). If you are still hungry for more great places to explore in the windy city, though, you should also check out our design lover’s guide to Chicago.
Decoration & design
Haute Living My go-to, this is known for seeking out and promoting new designers and progressive brands. Its thoughtfully curated collection of furniture and objects represents the best in contemporary design. 213 W Institute Place, haute-living.com
What's everyone reading?
Minotti There is a real emphasis here on seamlessly blending tradition and technology, so you cannot go wrong with any piece – I am eyeing anything by Christophe Delcourt. 419 W Superior Street, minottichicago.com
Sasha Adler Design I met Sasha soon after moving here and greatly admire her work. She began her fashion career in New York and draws on her editorial background to compose her interiors. 202 E Walton Place Suite 2E
Jorje Design As well as being a friend, founder Jordana Joseph is a visionary who trained in 20th-century furniture and decoration at Sotheby’s. 440 N Wells Street, Suite 500, sashaadler.com
Beauty & wellness
Woman’s Athletic Club This private club feels like a sanctuary. Its early 20th-century beaux arts- and art deco-designed rooms make the perfect meeting places. Guests are welcome at its full-service spa. 626 N Michigan Avenue, wacchicago.com
Food & drink
The Kismet Table Run by Oprah Winfrey’s former chef Taryn Huebner, this spot in Lincoln Park is part private-dining experience and part gourmet-provisions emporium. 2142 N Halsted Street, kismettable.com
Virtue A soul-food restaurant in Hyde Park led by chef Erick Williams. The chef de cuisine is my friend and fellow Experimental Design Lab awardee Damarr Brown, who serves a mix of the comfortable and the new. The caramel apple cheesecake is a must-order. 1462 E 53rd Street, virtuerestaurant.com
Les Nomades Located in a Streeterville townhouse, this Michelin-approved French restaurant has to be my favourite. The atmosphere is warm and the food is exceptional. I’ll go there for special occasions and indulge in a lavish six-course meal. 222 E Ontario Street,
lesnomades.net
Three Arts Club Café A beautiful, sprawling green space inside a six-floor warehouse in the Gold Coast area, with an interior courtyard that’s great all year round. Head to the rooftop deck for an underrated sunset view of the city. 1300 N Dearborn Street, rh.com/us/en/chicago/restaurant
Where to stay
The Peninsula My ideal hotel for a staycation. The spa is a favourite: start with the ‘Half-Day De-stress’ treatment, hit the pool then finish at Z Bar with the lavender and champagne ‘Pen20’ cocktail. 108 E Superior Street, peninsula.com
Art
Public art installations City-wide Chicago has superb public art. As well as Anish Kapoor’s famous Cloud Gate (aka ‘the Bean’ at Millennium Park’s AT&T Plaza, there’s work by Pablo Picasso, Jaume Plensa, Alexander Calder and more.
Mariane Ibrahim Gallery French-Somali Mariane’s space shows artists of the African diaspora, including Amoako Boafo, Clotilde Jiménez and Maïmouna Guerresi. 437 N Paulina Street, marianeibrahim.com
