Chicago Sips at The Esquire Champagne Room

Why do I love Chicago so much? You’d think that this Virginia girl (that’s me…) would miss the burst of colors from azaleas in the spring, weekend trips to the beach, or fresh crabcakes from the Chesapeake Bay. I do! Having lived in this city or the suburbs for decades, I’ve certainly had my share of winter (and spring) snowstorms and blustery summer days on Lake Michigan. But there’s something about the vibrancy of Chicago. Its history, architectural beauty, award winning restaurants and wine bars, and people (just as genuine as those I know in the South) are elements that entice me to discover unique adventures at every opportunity. And now I have one more reason to wax poetic about Chicago: the exquisite Esquire Champagne Room.

Located on the third level of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse at 58 E. Oak Street, I was mesmerized by its elegance when I visited a few weeks ago. Named after the Esquire Theater that occupied the space until the 1980s, the The Esquire Champagne Room is where you need to be after a day of shopping, for a relaxing evening with friends, or to engage in a bit of celebrity-watching. And while you’re soaking up the gorgeous surroundings, enjoy each swirl and sip of wines from its stellar wine list, choices from the magnificent caviar service, and savory bites from their large, creative selection of hors d’oeuvres.

The Esquire Champagne Room is a new destination for those seeking a chic setting filled with reserve bottles of sparkling wine, decadent bites, live piano, and more. The luxurious lounge features an extensive list of 60 Champagne and sparkling wines in addition to a range of fine spirits. The culinary menu showcases selections exclusive to the Esquire Champagne Room, different from those offered in Del Frisco’s main dining room. Diners can indulge in caviar, oysters, uni, foie gras, crudo, charcuterie, and more. A variety of Champagne cocktails highlights a range of bubbles in a festive manner. The Esquire Champagne Room

Just as stylish and welcoming as The Esquire Champagne Room itself is Mandy Sparacino, Director and Sommelier. She’s responsible for its ambiance, service and hospitality, staff selection and training, and the entire beverage program, including the wine list. She was a crucial member of the wine team at Del Frisco’s for almost two years and now, The Esquire Champagne Room is in expert hands.

And that incredible wine list? Mandy explained that we’ll “see changes from time to time. For example, Sherry, which I have a great love for, will be making an appearance very soon. We have bubbles from all over the world…from South Africa to Tasmania to the United States and to (of course!) Champagne”. With interesting choices to satisfy everyone’s palate, The Esquire Champagne Room is doing it right.

Not too long ago, I successfully braved a mild snowstorm to attend a media opening of The Esquire Champagne Room… nothing would stop me from enjoying a glass of bubbly from Man Family Wines “Methode Cap Classique” Brut from South Africa, a sip or two of Langlois-Château Brut Rosé Crémant de Loire, or a pour of Elk Cove Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley in Oregon. As I perused the wine and cocktail lists, I noted a plethora of impressive choices from still red and white wines to exclusive spirits.

Appetizers that paired beautifully with the wines were offered, too. Caviar service included Classic White Sturgeon, Galilee Prime Osetra, and Royal Belgium Osetra…(seriously!). Oysters on the half shell with Champagne Mignonette Caviar, Fois Gras Mousse with apricot jam on a baguette, Smoked Salmon with caper cream cheese and gaufrette potato chips, and Lamb Lollipops with eggplant caviar, romesco sauce, and pesto were just a few of the luscious tidbits I savored. The evening was perfect and I was pampered from the moment I walked in the room.

 

The Esquire Champagne Room is open Tuesday through Friday from 6pm-11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 6pm-midnight. The magnificent space is perfect for larger groups that want to book exclusively for themselves or for a party of two for any occasion. Mandy Sparacino shared that guests “rave about the giant glass bubble chandelier and the ambiance. The experience is quite exquisite, one that allows the guest to sink into an indulgent evening surrounded by beauty. Once you arrive, you have no idea the rest of the world exists”.

I can’t wait to return to The Esquire Champagne Room in Chicago and be spoiled once again.

Cheers~ Cindy