Chicago’s Pump Room Restaurant Jumping Once Again

Long a hangout of A-list celebrities, the Pump Room Restaurant in Chicago is still ‘hopping’ in the 21st century. The restaurant, memorialized in Frank Sinatra’s classic “Chicago”, was one of the first high level restaurants to open in Chicago after the Prohibition era. The eatery has seen countless celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan, John Barrymore and countless others. For a while, it’s luster faded somewhat as the dining scene in Chicago led by Charlie Trotter passed it by.

The Pump Room opened in 1938 under the ownership and management of Ernie Blyfield. He took the name from an 18th century London pub favored by celebrities and nobility, including Queen Anne. The original pub got its name from the hot drinks pumped into the cocktails of its stylish clientele.

The Chicago Pump Room was an immediate hit, and for a time its Booth #1 may have been the most sought after table at any dining establishment in the country. In addition to Sinatra, who frequently held court with Jilly Rizzo and a number of other associates in Booth 1, it was occupied at various times by Clark Gable, John Barrymore, Gertrude Lawrence, Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Liza Minnelli may have been the youngest Booth 1 regular, taken there many times during her childhood by her mother Judy Garland.

Blyfield died in 1950, but the Pump Room remained a Chicago hot spot and hosted a new era of superstars including Mel Brooks, Beverly Sills, Paul Newman, Robert Redford. More recently, Michael J. Fox, Eddie Murphy and Mick Jagger have made appearances. A funny story involves former Genesis drummer Phil Collins, who was refused entry for not wearing a jacket. The incident was commemorated in the title of his next solo album No Jacket Required which has since sold over 14 million copies worldwide and launched Collins into solo superstardom. Following its release, the Pump Room sent Collins an apology”and an appropriate jacket so that the incident wouldnt be repeated.

The Pump Room experienced a revitalization in the late 1990’s when it was purchased by a large restaurant management group. They spent a lot of money to renovate the facility, overhaul the menu and hire a top flight staff. While the Pump Room’s golden era trade mark flaming food served on a sword was a tragedy of city fire codes, the menu is now on par with any in the city serving a sophisticated interpretation of classic American cuisine. In addition to the revamped cuisine, the Pump Room upgraded its wine offering and expanded the bar area.

Current Executive Chef Nick Sutton has continued the restaurant’s tradition of excellence. The big draw of the Pump Room, however, remains the amazing sense of history that the dining room offers. The realization that a who’s who of civilized American culture from Bogart and Clark Gable to Sinatra and Jackie Gleason broke bread in the room is a pretty amazing vibe. The good news is that the Pump Room again offers the quality of food and service worthy of such icons, and is a victory for culinary excellence amid the national infestation of mediocre chain restaurants.

Ross Everett is a Las Vegas and hospitality industry historian as well as an expert on NFL football betting. He has served as a customer relations consultant for many restaurants, casinos and other hospitality firms. In addition, he’s a noted fight sport journalist, and writes extensively on strategies to successfully bet on NFL football, MMA and boxing.

Restaurants near Deer Valley Resort

The ski resorts in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado have been competing over the last 20 years to create the perfect mountain vacation getaway. The ski vacation is no longer the same experience it was in the 1980s when lodgings of marginal quality were considered the norm.

The last ten years have brought continual expansion to the size of resort facilities, on mountain services, shopping, and dining. While there are many top quality ski destinations; Vail Resort in Vail, CO and Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT consistently fill the #1 and #2 spots as rated by Ski Magazine readers. Deer Valley Resort has taken the number one honors in 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2008.

Deer Valley focuses on the quality of its finely groomed trails, on mountain services, and on mountain dining to retain its #1 ranking. The resort prides itself on its award winning lunch menu as well as its fine dining restaurants open every evening during the ski season. The restaurants are located in Deer Valley Resorts opulent ski lodges.

Selections at Deer Valleys three fine dining restaurants include continental and European fare at Mariposa, fresh seafood at the Seafood Buffet, and Swiss alpine selections at Fireside Dining. Mariposa consistently receives top reviews with the Seafood Buffet and Fireside Dining not far behind.

The town of Park City Utah has followed suit by increasing the number of luxury accommodations, fine dining, and shopping options. The expansion over the last 10 years has been very dramatic with literally hundreds of new luxury lodging options gradually replacing the more traditional ski vacation accommodations.

As a result of the recent transition towards a more discerning palate, area restaurants have responded by introducing a rich dining experience worthy of top honors. Distinguished rating agencies such as the Michelin Travel Guide, Mobile Travel Guide, and Zagat Restaurant Guide have awarded Deer Valley area restaurants with their highest ratings.

My favorite is the Goldener Hirsch Restaurant because of its timeless Austrian decor and the delicious cheese fondue appetizer. The Goldener Hirsch Restaurant is located in the Goldener Hirsch Inn situated in the Silver Lake Village area of Deer Valley. The Glitretind Restaurant is another highly rated option which is located in the world famous Stein Ericksen Lodge.

Deer Valley resort definitely lives up to its #1 North American ski resort reputation. Why not have it all and visit a resort that not only provides the utmost experience on mountain, but also the perfect balance of off mountain dining and shopping as well? I definitely recommend taking a closer look.