September 2002

In The Hood -
Armitage & Halsted

Kim Colwyn

When two streets come together… Armitage & Halsted

If you like to shop till you drop, but the huge crowds of Michigan Avenue aren't your idea of a good time, head north. For years now, serious shoppers have been heading to the trendy intersection of Armitage & Halsted. No longer a hidden gem, Lincoln Parks most famous intersection is a one stop shop to eat, drink and dress anything from your tootsies to your, well, unmentionables.

The stores line both streets, but the main draw are the eclectic boutiques along Armitage like Lori's Shoe Store, 824 W. Armitage. For 19 years feet from across the country have been sliding into pumps, mules and boots at Lori's. The shoe selection is so vast the boxes sometimes pile up over four feet high and the expanded selection of handbags now covers four walls. Find: Enrico Antrinori saddle suede pointy toe tall boot and the Vic Matti sophisticated motorcycle boot.

Celeste Turner's, 859 W. Armitage, urban chic layout is almost as hip as it's designers like Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, Bianca Nero and Chaiken. The upscale boutique has active wear, work suits and don't miss the back area of cocktail and evening dresses. Fall find: Shin Choi sweaters and 3-dot cashmere so soft you'll want to sleep in it.

Illinois bread Cynthia Rowley, 808 W. Armitage, may be famous, but she still has her roots planted in Chicago. You can get her whimsical dresses and spirited separates at her Armitage boutique. A glimpse at her shoe and purse collections is worth the trip. Fall find: her new makeup line and the bohemian sheer pink paisley poncho.

With designer labels from Tahari, Diane von Furstenberg and Laudry mixed in with the funky designs of Tessuto and Work Order, Studio 910, 910 W. Armitage, is sort of a smorgasbord of fashion. This fall the trend continues with the bohemian look and come September you can head there to get the new shipment of lines like Haley-Bob, and the gypsey-like t-shirts by Deesh. Fall find: their gorgeous leather and fur-trim sweaters by the Italian line Gazebo & Emma Black beaded chiffon peasant blouses.

And now that your feeling dressed to the nines, Trousseau, 711 W. Armitage, will help you take it all off. This Armitage boutique has a beautiful collection of European lingerie from designers including Princess Tam Tam and Aubade that will leave you feeling sexy all over. Their men-only nights in December and February are already a hit so you guys out there can get something nice, or naughty, for your sweetie. Fall find: Sortilege Shelf Bra (so demi it's almost not there) and any of the beautiful and delicate lace from the new line Khurang.

We haven't forgotten Halsted it's just we weren't hungry yet. Tilli's, 1952 N. Halsted, not only offers a relaxed atmosphere with exposed brick, a fireplace and alfresco dining; it offers great American food with ethnic influences. Try the grilled Cajun spiced catfish and the Milanese Wrap (parmesan breaded chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, onions and ceaser dressing).

Aubriot, 1962 N. Halsted, contradicts the traditionally stuffy feel of a French restaurant, as does the menu of light French fare and contemporary classics. Go for the Crab and Celery Root wrapped in smoked salmon with a cucumber, chive & tomato vinaigrette and the Goat Cheese Ravioli with asparagus, oven dried tomatoes, enoki mushrooms & herb broth.

At Café Ba-ba-reeba, 2024 N. Halsted, the tapas-style menu is perfect for trying a bunch of selections and sharing. The paellas ranging from portabella mushrooms to one with shrimp, squid and monkfish are standouts.

The mixture of a diner-like atmosphere with the Italian cuisine you'd find at an upscale restaurant makes Pasta Palazzo, 1966 N. Halsted, a perfect fit for Armitage and Halsted's eclectic mix. Start with the grilled calamari (fresh squid grilled in lemon, garlic and herbs) and move on to the cavatappi pollo (chunks of chicken tossed with corkscrew pasta, sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms in a smoky cream sauce. The flourless chocolate cake is divine and best of all nothing on the menu is over $9.

Lincoln Parks not too tame to offer great nightlife and if you want something a little more laid back than the typical Lincoln Park bar, Beaumonts, 2020 N. Halsted, is the place for you. Pool, live music and late night hours have kept this place a favorite. It's more than just the place to go when everywhere else is closed, The Store, 2002 N. Halsted, is a great little sports bar that can hold it's own. On a busy night it's standing room only and since it's popular with Chicago night owls you may find yourself getting up close and personal with the crowd. Which, by the looks of the locals, may not be so bad after all.