The former Chaise Lounge spot is beginning to seem like something straight out of the Houdini handbook - one day it’s there, the next day it’s not. Read More
Haute Author
- NAME Lauren Monitz
- BIO Thanks to a childhood on the North Shore, Lauren gained an appreciation for the finer things in life at a very early age and grew up immersing herself in as much of Chicago’s nightlife, theater, and cuisine as possible. From brunching at Bongo to cinnamon spice mani/pedis at Mojo, she can usually be found somewhere in her haute Wicker Park ’hood. Currently working in digital marketing, she is pursuing a master’s degree in E-business from DePaul University. An extreme go-getter, globetrotter, and cultural connoisseur, Lauren is actively involved in the DePaul MBA Association and a PR and Web volunteer for the Keep On Keeping On Foundation, she is also an avid Chicago sports fan and loves rooting for the Bears, Sox and Blackhawks. And yes, having lived in Colorado, she is also a Jay Cutler fan, don’t hold it against her. Connect with Lauren on Twitter @laurenmonitz or on the web at www.laurenmonitz.com
Articles By Lauren Monitz
Bunnies, Eggs, and Mimosas, Oh My!: The Haute 5 Easter Feasts in Chicago
The relatives are in town. You have two choices: slave over the hot stove for hours or dine out and brunch in style. Actually, there’s really only one option there, but where to go is another story. To make it easy for you, we want you to leave the hunting for the eggs because here are your Haute 5 Easter brunch spots. Hop to it! Read More
The Suite Life: The View is Better from the Top
Ride in the same elevator as the ordinary folk? Not you. Welcome to the United Center’s 200-level Lexus Club, the most exclusive floor of the stadium club. With the Bulls and the Blackhawks both closing in on Playoff hopes, it’s time to get your ticket to the big game. Read More
Polish Me Pretty: The Haute 5 Manis/Pedis in Chicago
With sandal season fast approaching, it’s time to bust out those pampered fingers and toes. Here are your Haute 5 hautest mani/pedi locales to indulge in a little spring fever. So sit back, relax, and go spa-stic. Read More
Your New Gilty Pleasure
With a name synonymous for your most precious metal, nothing but decadence comes to mind. Gilt, opening in the former Aigre Doux space on Kinzie has no relation to the Gilt of NYC, but is making a name for itself in its own right. Despite its 24-karart moniker, Gilt is more rustic than showy. Clad with vintage revolving doors, salvaged tables with mismatched chairs, and seating from a reclaimed dollhouse, Gilt is well, refreshingly unpretentious despite the large press its been getting. Read More
Where the Beautiful People Play
On Thursday, the Windy City opened its doors to Beauty Bar, of NYC hipster fame. The ninth installment of the makeover series, Chicago scensters are sure to offer bumping beats, beautiful people, and a unique Midwest charm. The Original Beauty Bar in the East Village has been serving up cocktails and musical throwbacks since 1995 in the former "Thomas Beauty Salon" space. Seeing its quirky potential, Paul Devitt magically transformed the 40-year-old blue-haired hangout into a one if a kind beauty "saloon" and then took his rockstar concept global. Beauty Bar has locations all across the West Coast, Vegas, and Austin. Read More
Location, Location, Location: The Haute 5 Neighborhoods in Chicago
From River North to South Loop, West Town to Uptown, Chicago neighborhoods can leave you in a tizzy as to whether you are north, south, east, west, up, down, backwards, or forwards. But don’t worry; all you need to know is right here. Haute Living’s got you covered on Chi’s five best hoods to lay your roots. Read More
Dec This: Gourmet Mac and Cheese?
March is usually known for one kind of Madness, in the form of sweaty men, an intense drive to win, and fierce competition. Enter: a different kind of Madness. Mac Madness. This week and this week only (March 22-26), Rockit Bar & Grill, the upscale eatery normally known for truffle fries and lobster burgers is going in, well, a different direction. Read More
