Reasonable room rates and reciprocal arrangements are proving to be just part of the appeal for a growing interest in private city clubs as an alternative to boutique hotels or Airbnb. “The access, the exclusivity and the amenities” are also proving to be strong draws, one young woman said in describing why she prefers staying…
Best Practices for Controlling Food Costs
Four club chefs share insights into how they keep costs in line. Without constant vigilance, food costs can spiral out of control. And the subsequent “solutions”—raising prices, lowering quality, or worse—can be damaging to a club’s food-and-beverage operation. The better way to maintain a budgeted cost structure is to control it in a sustained fashion.…
Historic Chicago Clubs Broaden Appeal by Relaxing Dress Codes
The 138-year-old Union League Club of Chicago now allows denim in all areas of the club, while the 130-year-old University Club of Chicago is building a $13.5 million addition in which members will be allowed to wear “smart casual” dress, including jeans and Bermuda-length shorts. Union League Club of Chicago, the 138-year-old private business club,…
Corrections: Union League Club of Chicago Renovates the Wigwam
An earlier report that attributed the design of the space to a Chicago architect was inaccurate, as Chambers, the Baltimore, Md.-based architecture and interior design firm, created the designs for the project.
Union League Club of Chicago Renovates the Wigwam
The three-month, $630,000 renovation of the third-floor breakfast and dinner spot now features a massive temperature-controlled wine wall, wool carpet imported from Egypt, hand-scraped wood flooring and travertine tile to create a space that’s “smart but not stuffy.”
CMAA Names 15 New Certified Chief Executives
The CCE designation augments the Certified Club Manager certification and identifies club managers who have shown the ability to successfully serve as the most senior manager in a club.
Union League Club of Chicago Marks 125th Anniversary of Art Collection
Every first Friday of the month, the renowned collection is on view via docent-led tours to the public.
The Oeno Files
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ Wine Director, Raj Parr, has created a stellar list for the property’s Bourbon Steak restaurant, focusing on reds from around the world, including the U.S., France, Spain, Italy, Argentina and New Zealand. Here, he shares some of his tips for creating pairings that work: Q: How did you choose your pairings?…
Volume Control
A procession of sampler portions sets a new pace at the buffet line.
Making Up for Meltdowns
When it’s carved or colored, ice can be art. But, in the buffet service area, a meltdown can make a major mess. At Chicago’s Union League Club, drips and sloshes were actually causing damage on the dance floor, according to Michael Garbin, the property‘s Executive Chef. Garbin solved his problem by replacing his traditional buffet…
Disaster Planning: No Time Like the Present
References You Can Use Web sitesFires: http://www.firewise.com/Hurricanes: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ & http://www.weather.com/General Preparedness: http://www.attainium.com/ & http://www.fema.gov/ BooksAvoiding Disaster by John Laye Disaster Recovery Planning: Strategies for ProtectingCritical Information Assets by Jon William Toigo Introduction to Emergency Managementby George Haddow & Jane Bullock If your club isn’t in a zone especially prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, forest fires,…