Renny and I were treated to a delish lunch this afternoon at The Pump Room. While it proved to be quite the mid-day scene, I had just come from a long overdue cut & color and felt as if I partially passed muster.
The Pump Room is housed in the incredibly chic Public Chicago, formerly the Ambassador East. The menu was created by renowned chef, Jean-Gorges Vongerichten and features fancified favorites that are absolutely approachable. A few of the original Pump Room’s menu items are still on the menu, simply re-imagined by Genius Jean-Georges, along with many newly created items as well as some existing dishes taken from Jean-Gorges’ other successful restaurant, abc kitchen. They are working on a rooftop garden to further support their farm-to-table concept.
Mixed muted metallics, grainy wood, orb-like chandeliers and unexpected pops of kelly green dress up the Pump Room.
The bar at the Pump Room casts a golden glow on it’s already glossy guest.
The former Pump Room was frequented by the likes of Sinatra & Bogart during the Golden Age and while the vibe is decidedly current and fresh (not a lick like the old space), I hope our dear city (with the help of chic spots like this) can attract our own modern day Grant’s and Hepburn’s.
The Ambassador East has been reborn as Public Chicago, conceived and designed by Ian Schrager (known for other hotel hotshots like the Delano, the Sanderson and the Paramount, to name(drop) a few). The bones of the hotel remain (along with the stunning molding!) with the rest having experienced more than a major facelift.
There is such a feeling of serene chicness – crisp bold white paired with worn mirrors and warm woods. It’s perfect.
The gorgeous lobby features bright white walls, smokey mirrors and a repurposed clock that runs backwards…back in time.
My favorite room may be the Library, set with cozy couches, faux fur lounge chairs, a flickering fire and rustic wood touches.
The Library Bar serves espresso by day and trendy spirits by night. PS: Bottle service available in the cozy screening room, late night.
The rooms are incredibly simple, white on white on white.
“What do you do when a couch gets dirty?” “We were told to throw it away.” Crazy talk.
(PPS: The one bedroom suites are simply perfect for bridal parties.)
While I’m disappointed there isn’t any event space that can hold more than about 50 people at once, the hotel itself has me seriously smitten.
(image credits) photos from public chicago collateral