For the past seventeen years, Chicago Restaurant Week has celebrated the culinary feats and explorations of the city’s best and brightest restaurants, and the beloved event is back for 2024! The 17-day festivity is a celebration of the city’s award-winning culinary scene. From January 19 to February 4, participants will have the opportunity to indulge in an endless list of Chicago’s most delectable eats. Here is our guide to Chicago Restaurant Week 2024.
The flavor-filled event features more than 350 restaurants, representing nearly every cuisine from across the world. Participating restaurants are found in both the city and its suburbs. So, whether you’re in Optima Lakeview, Optima Signature or Optima Verdana, there’s sure to be an abundance of choices around. Each restaurant will feature curated prix fixe menus filled with a variety of tasty eats.
Brunch at Mia Frencasca, Credit: Kurman Communications flickr
The multi-course meals vary in price, costing $25 for brunch or lunch and $42 or $59 for dinner (depending on the location). Many restaurants this year are also continuing to take advantage of both takeout and delivery options for those looking to enjoy their meals from home.
Whether you’re craving French cuisine from Aboyer in Wilmette, pasta from Mia Francesa in Lakeview, or cocktails and the classics from Current Chicago in Streeterville, there are more than enough options to last you through the full Chicago Restaurant Week experience. It’s a great way to get to know your Chicago communities, and a great way to support local businesses.
For those planning to savor some of the mouth-watering cuisines, Choose Chicago has created a list of participating restaurants, complete with menus and the opportunity to book tables throughout the event. And for those of us unsure of where to start, they have also curated lists of must-try restaurants in and around the city that you can find here.
As 2023 comes to a close, we’re taking this moment to reflect on how we’ve continued to grow, learn and serve others over the past year. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Awards
We were honored to have attended the 2023 Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA) Tribute Awards where professionals are recognized for their tremendous achievement of leaving a positive impact on both their industry and community.
Optima Verdana Phase 2 Rendering
Projects and Properties
2023 was a year of growth and many exciting announcements for us at Optima. In Chicago, we finished construction and opened Optima Verdana. Residents at Optima Verdana are surrounded by experiences and spaces that delight and surprise around every corner, from our pickleball court and fitness center to the rooftop sky deck garden lounge and a heated, glass-enclosed pool. With residents continuing to move into Optima Verdana, we’re thrilled to announce Optima Verdana Phase 2. The mixed-use development will be six stories and be home to 150 rental units in a mix of one-, two- and three bedroom layouts.
Playing pickleball at the opening of Optima Verdana
Construction was also completed on 7190 Optima Kierland, the fifth and final tower within the development. With the new tower, not only did we grow the community at Optima Kierland Apartments, but, we also welcomed Optima’s first Olympic-length pool. Following the announcement of Optima McDowell Mountain Village late last year, in 2023 we broke ground on the project. The mixed-use development will include six eight-story buildings – a mix of apartments and condominiums – 12 acres of greenspace and a 210,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system for reuse on-site.
Optima McDowell Mountain Village Rendering
Culture
Throughout 2023 our culture at Optima continued to thrive through rewarding avenues of affinity and connection. We celebrated with each other at our fourth annual costume and pumpkin carving contest, observed Mardi Gras, St Patrick’s Day, International Women’s Day, Earth Day, Cinco de Mayo, Pride Month, Halloween, various other Holiday celebrations and held our annual master architect challenge. In anticipation of the 7190 Optima Kierland Apartments grand opening, we welcomed the new project with a lively BBQ on the rooftop sky deck where we shared delicious food, and following Optima Verdana’s completion, we celebrated a grand opening filled with laughs.
The Halloween Costume Party at Optima Lakeview
We continued to embrace and internalize our shared values more than ever. We are proud to have participated in the Highland Park Strong Run, where we came together to support the Highland Park community and enjoyed a race with family and friends.
We can’t thank our leadership, team members and Optima communities enough for making 2023 one to remember. Heading into 2024, we are excited to continue innovating and achieving great things together.
At Optima®, art is a piv-otal part of our design philosophy, breathing life into our spaces and making them more than simply places to live. We recently sat down with Ellison Keomaka – the artist behind the captivating work in Optima Lakeview and Optima Kierland Apartments – to delve into his creative journey, inspirations, and his special bond with Optima. In our conversation, he shed light on his process of creating the artworks exhibited at Optima Verdana, turning each corner into an expressive play of shapes and hues below:
What did the creative process entail when first conceiving and planning the artwork for Optima Verdana?
The artwork for Optima Verdana followed the work I created for Optima Kierland 7190. Interestingly, I integrated a few ideas and inspirations from my 7190 artworks into the pieces I crafted for Verdana. However, with the Verdana artwork, I wanted to integrate more of the earthy, verdant tones associated with the community.
From left to right, Sunset and Matte by Ellison Keomaka at Optima Verdana
We’ve understood that you frequently experiment with diverse materials ranging from soil to fabric to add texture to your artwork. What materials did you utilize for these specific pieces, and why?
I’ve been combining old and new elements in my work since my pieces for Lakeview and Optima Kierland 7180. I feel that this technique has been refined further in these new projects. For World Scapes in Optima Verdana, I created pieces measuring 20 by 30 inches, which is smaller than the pieces where I’ve previously incorporated magazines. It’s neat because I ended up fitting entire magazine ads in each piece, which ended up having a huge impact.
It’s fun working with smaller pieces because they create a whole new vibe compared to the larger 48 by 60-inch pieces where I’ve had to stick a bunch of ads together to make it stand out. So using magazines on smaller canvases, like in World Scapes, introduces a refreshing dimension to the work. What I truly cherish about this work is the fusion of vintage and modern elements. The color of the paper, with its earthy tone, contrasts remarkably with the bright, modern colors.
Portals by Ellison Keomaka at Optima Verdana
I also utilized magazines for the Portals series at Verdana. These pieces consist of magazine clips I discovered that convey a sense of motion. Creating these pieces was quite a challenge. I needed to adhere the images to the canvas, and only after that do they get cut out. I drew the black lines first and applied the yellow background, then cut the images to fit the black lines. It was a delicate balance – waiting for the glue or polymer I use to reach the right level of dryness so I can still cut it. So those pieces were rather complex to create.
What role does color play in these works?
Verdana stood out with its characteristic earth tones, marking a slight shift from the vibrant tones used in my work for other Optima buildings. My goal was to use more complementary colors to accentuate the warmer hues while preserving the vibrancy. I didn’t have a full understanding of the building’s size or the amount of art it would host, but I knew that Verdana was smaller. So, my approach was to focus more on the details and textures, magnifying them since they were less in quantity. The goal was to create an engaging experience for the residents.
From left to right, Swatches and Around by Ellison Keomaka at Optima Verdana
Blossoms are some of my favorite pieces that embody the earthy tones used throughout Verdana. They abstractly represent a cherry blossom tree. I’ve tried to deviate the image as much as possible from a recognizable tree, but I’ve preserved some elements like the blue texture, reminiscent of bark. Instead of literal flowers, I’ve scattered colorful dots throughout the piece, with a hidden explosion of color behind it all for contrast against the bright pinks.
In the Around series at Verdana, you can see how I continued to experiment with different hues – the teal juxtaposed with a pinkish-mauve tone. These pieces were created using a unique type of graffiti ink pen. The pen’s shape left a more rounded edge to the strokes. Every piece is designed to fulfill a certain narrative, and in that journey, there’s always something that I find gratifying, whether it’s the balance, color, or textures. However, these pieces hold a unique place in my heart.
Is there anything else we should know about the creative process for these pieces or the work itself?
Creating a few of the pieces was extraordinarily challenging. One of the pieces in the Spring series stands out due to a five-minute variation in the timing of the spray application while the paint was still wet. I used a pressure sprayer and experimented with different paint viscosities to achieve the desired effect. Despite the difficulty, I love that they invoke a fresh, spring-like sensation. Since they’re smaller, I wanted to incorporate more texture into them. They feature different colored dots and are strongly influenced by Calder and Miró.
At Optima, our commitment to crafting vibrant communities extends beyond architecture — it embraces a vision of harmonious living with nature. In properties like Optima Verdana®, Optima Kierland Apartments® and Optima Sonoran Village®, we’ve taken this commitment to new heights — quite literally, with green roofs elements that redefine modern living.
Amidst the greenery, residents find not only a physical haven but a sanctuary for the mind year-round. The lush landscapes stimulate cognitive skills, and echoes the enriching effects of art, where the subjective nature of greenery allows residents to explore their creativity and free thinking.
In the spirit of art therapy, our green roof communities become a refuge for stress reduction. The calming influence from a communal herb garden or native flowers and trees, provides a mental retreat, minimizing worries amid life’s challenges. It’s an oasis that mirrors the positive impact of art in promoting relaxation and inspiration.
Living with greenery encourages residents to delve into their own emotional landscapes. The transformative experience of nature’s presence becomes a sensorial, emotional, and sometimes even spiritual journey. Here, Optima’s commitment to well-being extends beyond physical spaces to nourish the soul.
Green roof elements at Optima Kierland Apartments®
Optima’s green roofs don’t just enhance the lives of residents; they also embody our commitment to environmental stewardship. By providing insulation and mitigating the urban heat effect, these green roofs contribute to energy efficiency, aligning seamlessly with our dedication to sustainable design and living. They also play a crucial role in stormwater management by absorbing and retaining rainwater, reducing runoff and minimizing flood risks.
Green roofs actively improve air quality by capturing pollutants, offering a breath of fresh air in urban environments. Beyond architectural features, they become habitats for wildlife, enhancing local biodiversity and promoting a holistic approach to community development.
In the heart of Optima’s green roof communities, residents experience a dual benefit: enhanced well-being and a commitment to sustainability. The greenery surrounding our residents tells a tale of cognitive enrichment, stress reduction, emotional healing, and environmental stewardship. As we invite nature into our designs, we reaffirm our dedication to access to greenery and sustainable living.
At Optima®, our appreciation for public sculpture runs deep. For those who are always on the lookout for memorable leisurely activities, we have a truly special recommendation. The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, situated just south of Optima Verdana®, presents a captivating mix of artistic wonder and natural splendor to explore.
The history of the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park began when the land along McCormick Boulevard and the north channel of the Chicago River had deteriorated into a “neglected eyesore” and was in desperate need of revitalization. This land was owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. In the mid-1980s, the Village of Skokie envisioned transforming it into a recreational haven, complete with jogging paths, biking trails, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Concurrently, a group of citizens saw this as a canvas for displaying large-scale contemporary sculptures.
Jim Agard – Gapingstock. Photo: Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
By 1988, Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park was realized. Through the combined efforts of the Village and its citizens, the park was transformed into an amenity rich, open-air art exhibit. Today, the park stretches two miles, from Dempster Street to Touhy Avenue, and proudly houses over 60 sculptures. These art pieces come from local, national, and international artists, making it a repository of diverse artistic expressions.
Visitors are encouraged to delve deeper through expert-guided tours which offer rich insights into the stories behind each sculpture and the artists who created them. Additionally, the park has fostered an educational environment, hosting tailored workshops and sessions. These sessions are designed to cater to schools, groups, and individuals, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of sculpture and art.
Ted Gall – Charger I and II. Photo: Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park is open year-round with free admission, underscoring the park’s dedication to making art accessible to all. It’s a haven for joggers, cyclists, and families who enjoy picnics. Additionally, the park is fully accessible, accommodating individuals with disabilities.
While the park is open seven days a week, access is limited between 11 PM and 4:30 AM. For art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park provides an unforgettable experience!
As the holiday season approaches, we’re gearing up for a delightful array of activities around the Optima communities. Thanksgiving is a time to embrace the company of family and friends, and both Scottsdale and Chicago offer a fantastic range of activities to make this season truly special. Here are just a few exciting things you can do to celebrate Thanksgiving and welcome the holiday season:
Chicago
The Winnetka Turkey Trot and Turkey Trot Chicago have become cherished Thanksgiving Day traditions. Participants in both races, dressed in festive attire, embark on a thrilling journey through cherished communities, combining fitness and festivity. The lively atmosphere and communal spirit make these events a perfect start to Thanksgiving day.
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Following each trot, join the jubilant crowd at the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a beloved spectacle that has graced the city for decades. With vibrant floats, marching bands, and larger-than-life character balloons, this parade captures the essence of the holiday season. Families and friends gather along the parade route, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Cap off the Thanksgiving weekend by welcoming in the rest of the holiday season with a visit to Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The enchanting display, combining light and sound, transforms the garden into a magical realm, providing a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Reservations usually fill up fast, so make your plans now!
Scottsdale
In Scottsdale, Thanksgiving morning begins with the Phoenix Turkey Trot—a lively event that brings the community together for a morning filled with fun. Participants of all ages join in the spirited run, fostering a sense of cheer that extends beyond the finish line.
Chicago Turkey Trot
For those seeking outdoor adventures, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Desert Botanical Garden offer breathtaking landscapes to explore. Whether you prefer a scenic hike or a leisurely stroll, these natural gems provide the perfect backdrop for a Thanksgiving spent in the heart of Arizona’s beauty.
Complete your holiday experience at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. Whether you’re gliding across the ice at the skating rink or diving into holiday shopping, the district offers a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.
As we approach Thanksgiving, embrace the season of gratitude, warmth, and togetherness. From the lively Turkey Trots to the grand Thanksgiving Parades, the festive events bring joy to individuals and foster a sense of community — a sentiment we hold dear at Optima. Dive into the enchanting celebrations our communities have to offer and create lasting memories with loved ones that will last forever.
Autumn in Chicago isn’t just about the crisp air, colorful leaves, and pumpkin-spiced everything. It’s also about the thrilling sound of thousands of feet pounding the pavement, as the city gears up for the iconic Bank of America Chicago Marathon. For our residents at Optima Signature and Optima Lakeview, this October isn’t just any other month; it’s a front-row seat to one of the world’s premier running events.
Circle Sunday, October 8, 2023, on your calendar. The marathon unfolds in Grant Park, with gradual starts ensuring smooth sailing. For those not racing, join the celebration at Abbott 27.2 Fest from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. near the start line for a day full of music, food and fun. While Grant Park’s start and finish zones have some viewing restrictions, the race course offers numerous sweet spots for spectator cheering and encouragement.
The first mile of the marathon, Image via Flickr by Paladin27
The annual footrace is truly a global gathering, where more than 45,000 runners from every state in the U.S., and over 100 countries worldwide come together. Taking the runners on a grand tour, the 26.2-mile route dives deep into the city’s heart, stretching from Wrigleyville to the North, Pilsen and Little Italy to the West and the historic Douglass, near Guaranteed Rate Field, to the South.
The prestigious event is more than just a marathon; it’s one of only six World Marathon Majors across the globe. For Optima Signature and Optima Lakeview residents, you have the privilege of stepping right outside to cheer on the incredible racers. And for the Optima Verdana community, consider making the short trip down from Wilmette. It’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss. You can find more details about the iconic event here!
With Optima’s passion for having nature within reach, it’s no wonder that we are drawn to sumptuous gardens in and around the communities where we build. Imagine our delight in discovering the Shakespeare Garden on the Northwestern University campus, with its rich mix of history and modernity.
Planted in 1917, the Shakespeare Garden has had its home on Northwestern’s Evanston campus for over a century. Emerging from the vision of The Garden Club of Evanston members, it was crafted both as a wartime gesture of solidarity with Britain and to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s passing.
Measuring 70 by 100 feet, this garden sits just north of the Frank W. Howes Memorial Chapel, bordered by hawthorn hedges that create an intimate haven. As you enter, the garden reveals a curated collection of flora mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. From fragrant lavender and vibrant marigolds and daffodils in Winter’s Tale, to the rosemary and pansies in Hamlet.
Jens Jensen, the illustrious Danish-American landscape architect, brought this garden to life. Known for his influential works on Chicago’s West Side, including Garfield Park and Columbus Park, Jensen took inspiration from Sir Francis Bacon’s essays on gardens. On entering the Shakespeare Garden, you are greeted by two Hawthorn trees, symbolic bridges between the Prairie and the garden. These trees, along with the foundational hawthorns that germinated from French seeds, have stood the test of time, providing a consistent backdrop to this historic site.
Elizabethan-style stone bench. Photo: In Memoriam mmmmarshall
Over the decades, the Shakespeare Garden has seen numerous enhancements. In 1929, an Elizabethan-style stone bench and a captivating fountain became part of this serene landscape. The fountain, a generous donation by architect Hubert Burnham, showcases a bronze relief of Shakespeare’s visage crafted by the French-American sculptor, Leon Hermant. Further augmentations followed, including the addition of a sundial in 1990 and later, a reshaping of the garden’s layout based on the recommendations of the English garden designer, John Brookes.
Hawthorn Trees in Shakespeare Garden. Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Brookes’ suggestions, which included moving the sundial to the garden’s center and adding antique brick edging, have given the garden a touch reminiscent of traditional English gardens. This shift also marked the garden’s evolution from a knot garden to a more fluid, perennial-focused design.
Northwestern’s Shakespeare Garden is not only a place for quiet reflection but also a venue for countless weddings, tours, and cherished moments. It’s entirely free and open to the public, but special tours and events may have to be scheduled.
Located in Evanston, the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is a testament to the deeply entrenched histories and cultures of North American indigenous peoples. For Optima Verdana® and Optima Lakeview® residents, the museum is a treasure trove, making it an ideal destination for a weekend visit or a day of exploration.
At its core, the museum is a dedicated guardian of indigenous cultures, dedicated to preserving the stories, arts, and traditions of the diverse cultures that make up North America’s historical fabric.
The museum boasts an impressive collection, with artifacts from the Paleo-Indian period to present day. This vast arc of time provides an educational experience for visitors of all ages. For children, it’s a unique opportunity to connect with rich histories through hands-on exhibits, such as the full-sized birchbark canoe in the Woodlands Gallery, that offer tactile experiences that make learning immersive and engaging. Meanwhile, adults can appreciate the deeper nuances and intricate details of indigenous artistry and traditions across various tribes and regions.
Birchbark canoe in the Woodlands Gallery. Photo: Central Street Evanston
As with all great museums, there’s joy and discovery in visiting often. Its collections, encompassing regions from the Woodlands to the Arctic, ensure there’s always something new to discover. whether you’re captivated by the beadwork designs of the Plains or the stone carvings from the Arctic.
The museum is a place to connect, understand, and appreciate a vital part of America’s heritage. With its mix of education, preservation, and continuous innovation, it stands out as a vital cultural destination for all. The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, is open Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-3pm. For ticket information, click here.
For Optima Verdana® residents who have a penchant for outdoor activities and scenic views, the Green Bay Trail is a must-visit. This 9-mile asphalt and crushed stone trail runs parallel with Chicago’s Metra commuter rail line and weaves through Kenilworth, Winnetka, and Highland Park. Flanked by eateries, shops, parks, and stunning residences, the trail offers a unique blend of nature and urban vibes for bikers and hikers alike!
What’s especially captivating about the Green Bay Trail is its heritage. It stands on what was once the route of the former Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee electric railroad. Following its path, visitors are essentially retracing the steps of history from downtown Wilmette to Highland Park. Beyond being a route for history buffs, the Trail also provides families with even the youngest of riders a leisurely day out.
While daily commuters use Green Bay Trail to reach Metra stations, tourists and locals frequent it for recreational purposes to access Starting from Wilmette, you might be immediately captivated by the pristine beachfront atmosphere, juxtaposed beautifully with bustling business districts. And if approaching Highland Park on an early summer evening, you might get a glimpse of the euphoric energy emanating from Ravinia®, one of the region’s most celebrated music venues.
Green Bay Trail. Photo Credit: Illinois Bone and Joint Institute
For those looking to extend the adventure, at the Braeside Metra Station, the trail offers a gateway to the Chicago Botanical Gardens via the North Branch Trail. And for those who conclude their journey at the St. John’s Avenue trailhead, they’ll find a slew of amenities like restrooms, playgrounds, and parks, courtesy of the adjacent rail line.
Living at Optima Verdana® isn’t just about unrivaled luxury; it’s about experiencing the richness of the community and embracing the outdoors. So, dive deep into history, bask in nature, or simply hit the Green Bay Trail for an invigorating walk or relaxing ride. No matter the season, weather or time of day, new experiences await each and every time.
