Andrew's Chicago Restaurant Picks for IRDC

This year the International Retail Design Conference heads to Chicago for its 2012 educational and networking event for retail design professionals. KRS' creative leaders look forward to attending the IRDC again this year fresh on the heels of winning VMSD retail renovation of the year in 2011 for our design of Robért Fresh Market, New Orleans.

Want to know where you MUST eat while in Chicago? KRS' EVP, Andrew Swedenborg, called Chicago home prior to moving to the Pacific Northwest, and shares his "Can't Miss" food spots for IRDC 2012 (all within a seven-iron of the Renaissance Chicago Hotel).

Top Choice... Mr. Beef (map)

This place is ideal for a classic Chicago beef. Also a classic instance of no frills function, not to mention beef, triumphing over form. Down and dirty and delicious. May we recommend the Breakfast Beef as the perfect pick-me-up meal after a late night out. Mmmm Mr. Beef.

Snacks and Vino... Bin 36 (map)

Lavish selection of wines, cheeses, meats, entrees, and desserts in a great space. The atmosphere is laid back and the menu extensive.

Fresh Produce and Prepared... Chicago French Market (map)

An in-door collection of over twenty local food stalls in the Euro fashion. The worst part about this eclectic space is choosing just one or two eateries to patronize, honestly. Favorites include Saigon Sisters Vietnamese food and Pastoral gourmet cheese and sandwiches.

For People Watching... Hub 51 (map)

Great food, great people, great club. Hub 51 was created by Jerrod and RJ Melman, sons of Lettuce Entertain You founder Rich Melman, and creating "ermagersh" gastronomic experiences is clearly in this family's blood. Hub 51 is at once a great restaurant, a great bar, and a see-and-be-seen spot all within a gorgeous space.

Coffee... Intelligencia (map)

 Best coffee in the city. Period. It's frickin' great.

Oprah's Old Stomping Ground... La Sardine (map)

Across the street from the old Oprah Winfrey show studios, La Sardine is a classic French bistro in the best possible sense. Rich sauces, fancy desserts, and spot on cuisine without pretention.

When in Rome Chicago... Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (map)

Order the butter crust.

Where Local Foodies Go... Naha (map)

Simple flavors executed to perfection. City folk frequent this modern American space for its crisp, polished ambiance, exciting cocktails, and most of all... amazing food.

For the Bubbly... Pops (map)

This longstanding Lincoln Park institution for champagne is reimagined here for River North and it's awesome. A posh vibe, live music, and an extensive drink selection make Pops a go-to place for late night gatherings in Chi-town.

Get Yo Lounge On... Redhead Piano Bar (map)

Old school piano bar where you can still smoke on the patio. Martinis flow while the piano man does his ivory-tickling thing. Yes, it feels a little worn but that's really just part of the charm.

Get Yo Noodle On... Slurping Turtle (map)

Beautiful modern space, heaping noodle bowls, and other Japanese fare à la Michelin-starred chef Takashi Yagihashi. Nuff said.

In Andrew's own words, "I could go on and on..." If you have any questions for KRS' resident Chicago tour guide, feel free to shoot us an email. Otherwise, we hope this list comes in handy for those of you traveling to the windy city and look forward to IRDC next week and hopefully seeing you there.

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

KRS and Pizza Today

KRS Creative Director, Christopher Studach, was recently interviewed by Pizza Today on ROI and best practices when it comes to a pizzeria remodel.

Click the link above to view the article in its entirety. Here are a few snippets of wisdom, straight from the Chris' mouth:

"Any trendy design element will quickly date itself and negate much of the benefits of the remodel in the first place... If you don’t have that synergy between design, brand and target customer, then you won’t be maximizing sales. Not at all... How successful over time is a direct result of an educated and targeted design process... A simple face-lift (no kitchen, furniture, etc.) can be very affordable..."  

There's more, of course there is, so click that link up above to read the whole article. 

pssst. Looking for pizzeria eye candy? We were. Here's what we found... 

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

From traditional to industrial modern to just super mod modern these stylin pizza shops from around the world each represent pitch perfect design in a thoughtful environment. Che bello!

Just Right: La Padá Brazilian Bakery

On one of my city-walking outings, while visiting family in Florianópolis, Brazil, I stopped for a coffee with snack at La Padá Bakery.

this photo via La Padá

From the outside the place really caught my attention by the cool modern architectural building and sidewalk sign – very unique.

Metal structure + Concrete + Wood + Brick + Green Wall – honest materials

While inside, everything made sense – the layout, spatial distribution, and the visuals expressed by a balanced interior design and branded graphics.

La Padá opened in the beginning of 2011 and its space is described as gourmet bakery/coffee/bistrô with a mini-market.

I had a “cafezinho” – small brazilian-style espresso with cheese and meat empanada. Good service, good snack in a very charming space.

It was a nice and pleasant find.

A happy marriage between good architecture and visual design – just right.