I recently took a short trip to Chicago for a family visit, primarily because my father has numerous health issues, but also to see my darling niece and nephew, brother, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins. Between family visits I reserved one night at Public Hotel for fun with long-time friends.

Public delivered. First of all, the location is my favorite neighborhood, in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast on North State Street. The atmosphere is old world Chicago; it used to be the Ambassador East, now turned minimal and chic by Ian Schrager. After an alfresco lunch at the Tavern on Rush Street, Rachel and I met at 7 pm in the Public Library bar for cocktails, followed by light bites with more friends in the Living Room. By 9 pm our party was back in the Library where Paul Oakenfold’s grooves had us dancing the night away. The vibe was incredible. We shut it down. Thankfully, a comfortable and luxurious room awaited where I rested for another day of family visits. Until next time I’ll miss you Chicago, but my heart is in San Francisco.