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TOUR
CHICAGO EAT
DIG IN Feast on the best Cubano in the country.
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BY FRANK ROFFERS
River Roast, 315 N. LaSalle St., Chicago 312-822-0100 // riverroastchicago.com The River North waterfront is the setting for this contemporary American tavern, known for serving up some of the best chicken in the Windy City. In addition to its choice poultry, River Roast was recently spotlighted for its Cuban sandwich, which was named the best in America by the editors of Restaurant Hospitality magazine. Originating as a sandwich called a mixto, a true Cubano consists of ham, mojo roast pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed between Cuban bread. River Roast chef John Hogan’s take was originally designed as a staff meal to make use of leftover roast pork. It eventually found its way onto the eatery’s menu and is now the best Cubano outside Havana.
SHOP
LOOKING DAPPER Personal styling for the Everyman.
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BY AMBER GIBSON
BOGA, 133 N. Jefferson St., Chicago 312-801-8662 // boga.com
“The BOGA man is urbane, uncompromising, charitable, humble, stylish and kind,” says founder and CEO Jeffrey Burkard. His goal? To make getting dressed easy for these ambitious men. “Our approach addresses the demands of juggling long hours at the office with an active social life,” he notes. The latest collection features 191 pieces, from luxe wool vests and blazers to belts and casual tees, providing a smooth transition from day to night. Patterns and clothing are designed in Chicago using cotton, leather and wool sourced from the finest mills in Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. This season, BOGA debuts pocket squares in 28 patterns, a calf and buffalo leather boot, and even a denim dress shirt. Although some may be skeptical, Burkard insists that every man can pull one off: “It’s the perfect shade of light blue that works well with a broad range of navy and gray suits and blazers,” he explains. Most of BOGA’s customers opt to stop by the West Loop headquarters and showroom rather than ordering online. They sip whiskey cocktails and browse while a trained stylist tailors a wardrobe, finding the perfect fit and style. Perhaps shopping isn’t so bad after all.
100 Artful Living
| Magazine of the North