If you've been to a Bisnow event in Chicago, then you've heard at least two panelists say their favorite restaurant to celebrate the closing of a deal is Chicago Cut Steakhouse. We've heard it so often we wondered if it was the only place Second City power players visit.
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Conlon COO Melissa Archer-Wirtz (left, with Conlon chairman Sean Conlon) calls Chicago Cut "the boardroom of Chicago real estate." And for good reason: The food is excellent and Chicago Cut's staff provides an added personal touch real estate pros instantly recognize from their daily interactions.
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Silva Brand principal (and Alter Group SVP of marketing) Tom Silva agrees and says Chicago Cut owners David Flom and Matt Moore created an elegant space and do an exceptional job of providing a top-notch customer experience. Tom says David and Matt greet frequent customers by name and seat them at the same tables, every time. David and Matt also keep these customers' info handy in their databases so there are no hiccups if they aren't around. "It's very old school," Tom adds.
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Tom has other standbys to celebrate closing a deal, depending on the client. Tom's favorite district for entertaining is the West Loop, which has the best restaurants in Chicago, block for block. For unique experiences, Tom says you can't do better than Vera, a Spanish-influenced restaurant at 1023 West Lake St, steps from the Morgan Street "L" station. Owners Mark Mendez and Liz Mendez have created a gorgeous restaurant that's equal parts old Chicago saloon and upscale restaurant. Mark's cooking is impeccable (we recommend the chicken thighs) while Liz put together the best sherry program in Chicago.
Tom also recommends RM Champagne Salon at 116 North Green St. He says this is one of the most striking rooms in the city, resembling a beautifully appointed apartment. During the warmer months, the room is open to the elements, allowing a breeze to flow through that adds to the atmosphere.
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The Private Bank president of commercial real estate Karen Case told guests at our May multifamily summit her favorite place to celebrate a deal is La Sirena Clandestina at 954 West Fulton Market. The room is hip, sparsely decorated and filled with a soundtrack of Latin American music including Brazilian tropicalia, mambo and salsa. But the star of the show is chef/owner John Manion's cooking, which is a splendid mix of traditional and progressive Latin styles. Manion recently opened a second restaurant in Fulton Market, El Che (845 West Washington).
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