Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Geneva ....Places to Eat, Drink and Shop

OK I have been soooo behind on the blogging! Please forgive.... but I hope its worth the wait.... its the little black book, the secret must know about places to enjoy while in Geneva...think of it as an editors guide making it easy for you to hit some of the top spots around Geneva...all you have to do now is print this out, call The Herrington for your hotel and spa appointments, book a makeup with Bridget or Chelsey at Odalisque before dinner....make reservations at Niche - they feature some of my favorite dishes from the days of 302 West. Which will forever go down in my book as one of my favorite places to eat. EVER, too many fine memories.

So if I had one day to spend in Geneva here is where I would go..........

Start with some yummy energy to fuel the shopping.....for Breakfast..............

Mel's Diner 630 West State Street
Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs, all the traditional yummy breakfast treats

Chez Moi 415 West State Street
Lovely and amazing quiche, croissants and other fresch specialties, great cappaucino. The restaurant is really a sweet cafe that reminds me of being in Paris.

Nosh 211 James Street
Really amazing cup of coffee, and fresh OJ and Grapefruit juice, I blend mine and they have amazing Plain Ole Janes-their version of a traditional eggs benny! Yummy. if you want to hear yourself think never mind carry on a conversation request a table outside.... love the place....... hate the noise...


Let the fun begin.............Shopping for Clothes & Other treasures

Fuschia 9 North 3rd Street

You can find contemporary  mix of ageless classics amongst hard to find jewelry. Trendsetting designers that include some of my favorite: Elizabeth and James (Olsen Twins other line) Milly, Haute Hippe & TIBI.

Nora's Shoe Shop 12 North 2nd Street
This is the second store, to the sister store in Oak Park. Designer shoes mixed with many imported brands that offer a wide range for fit, comfort and most importantly confidence when chosing brands that include Matt Bernson, Antelope, Biviel, & the hard to find Chie Mihara

Jane Pabon 220 South 3rd Street
A unique boutique that mixes resale with new designers featuring sought after consignment high end bags like Louis Vuitton, Bottega Venata, Chanel, along with carefully selected career, casual and party wear. New clothing includes Velvet and YA from Los Angeles.

Artemisia 101 South 3rd Street
Right next to our favorite Geneva store ever (ODALISQUE) you will find another adorable store to go thru, I love this store for gifts that are truly unique and memorable. I have purchased many of their jewelry pieces among my favorite is a long rosary inspired cross, + baby gifts, and other treasures. Don't miss it!

Jobella Vintage 310 Campbell Street
A perfect place to do some serious hunting! i love working this shop over, from fun furs, and vintage bags and jewelry there is always a treasure to be found and something unique to add to your wardrobe.


By now you will need to feed your soul from all the shopping!

For lunch there are 2 places you have to hit...

Bien Trucha 410 West State Street
This super highly rated restaurant is hard to get in but worth the wait! Fish tacos cannot be missed, their daily fresh guacamole and classic margarita will set the world right! Trust me on this, you wont be disappointed! PS my sister in law always wants to go there but I think its 'cause she thinks the waitstaff are so handsome.....nuff said.......(and their sister store is right next store if you cant get in, its called A Toda Madre try their grilled whole fish! Chili Butter on bread is worth breaking your carb restriction!)

Moveable Feast 321 Franklin Street
Real Food, made from scratch, with the freshest and finest ingredients available. Every time I eat here every cell in my body is celebrating how delish and getting all the nutrients of live food...to stand before the case and chose what to have is overwhelming! Too many amazing choices but here are some suggestions..........grits with shrimp, crab cakes, or the jicama, pineapple and mango salad........ They do this crazy meatball with sweet potato and it is so amazing...and then I cannot forget the desserts.
Most people ride their bike for 6 hours in the morning some club of bikers just so they can have lunch at MF!! Because the desserts are out of this world. Fairy Tales, Deeply Fudgy Brownies (if they are good enough for Oprah and her friends, they are good enough for me LOL)


More Specialty Joints not to miss....

Floral Wonders in the same building as Jobella Vintage you will find Floral Wonders, flowers by Eva. Beautifully creative you will find the most elegant arrangements that are modern and fresh in their designs. She stocks a beautiful assortment of home fragrance which make lovely hostess gifts.

Just next store joining Floral Wonders is Past Basket hands down the best place to dream about a new kitchen. They are custom kitchen designers (drool over their kitchens!) with wonderful retail stores featuring wedding registry and some of my favorite linens for the kitchen. In addition to the store in Geneva, they have a store in Milwaukee, Wis too. My wish list always includes Le Jacquard Francais textiles for the kitchen, these oversize colorful designs are always a tasteful gift for housewarming parties and look amazing in the kitchen. Libeco Linens are also stocked along with dinnerware lines including Mariposa, Simon Pearce, Juliska & The Good Earth Pottery.

610 Home 610 South 1st Street
Love this store, you can find the most unique home furnishing to fluff your nest. What a great mix of vintage and new, the owners all have a unique eye for home decor and it is the perfect blend of contemporary and modern with a twist.

bb interiors 600 South 1st Street
Claudia Beebe has been a Geneva staple and has decorated many homes in the area, her shop is unique from the space to the eclectic mix of retail offerings. In her studio, she carries a wide range of fabrics (Toiles de Mayenne) to chose and select your custom furniture, drapery, bedding etc. Recently she started carrying Pine Cone Hill Bedding. She has a pair of tufted canary blue chairs that I have to find a place for!  What a great pop of color they would add to my very neutral space...but You can get them customized to your color palette...




Enjoy exploring some of the many wonders of Geneva....

Cocoon 212 South 3rd Street

From Comfy Furniture to great signs, gifts, cards, stationary, sweet smelling soaps, jewelry etc you will find gifts for everyone on your list.

Graham's Chocolate 302 South 3rd Street
Tasty sweets, delightful ice cream, with a warm welcome and easy chairs to rest while eating your sweets!


Dont forget to tell me your favorite spots!








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