Joining the ranks of The Hotel Rafaello's Drumbar and Roof at The Wit, The Ritz-Carlton currently is constructing its own sky-grazing patio and lounge, The Dec, set to open in May.
Located on the hotel's twelfth floor, The Dec will have a capacity of approximately 120 people with seats for 57 guests on sofas, traditional tables and bar stools.
The focal point of the bar will be "The Lens," a reflective statue designed by "Cloud Gate" (The Bean") artist Anish Kapoor.
"It's using the same materials that 'The Bean' is made out of. There's a fireplace underneath it, and when the flames are flickering and bouncing off 'The Lens', it's going to be really beautiful," said Vinod Narayan, the hotel's director of food and beverage.
The longer view will be notable as well; Narayan says both the Hancock Building and the lake are visible from The Dec. The entire space will be surrounded by a clear, wave-like wall with embedded lights that can be programmed to change colors or remain still.
Though the barrel-aged and signature cocktails and light food menu will reflect the elegance that the Ritz-Carlton is known for, Narayan said the hotel also hopes The Dec will appeal to a new crowd.
"It's obviously a little bit of a departure for us, since we've always been known to be a very traditional hotel," he said. "We've gone for something that can entice the younger demographic."
In other patio news, Joe's on Weed Street also plans to unveil a rooftop addition this spring. Owner Ed Warm said the 3,500-square-foot space will be accesible via its own street-level entrance and will have a seperate cocktail menu from Deca's bar, as well as full food service.
Besides offering a clear view of Willis Tower, the patio may also host special acoustic performances from the country music acts for which Joe's is known.
"We're hoping to have it open for a festival for Kentucky Derby day on May 4," Warm said. "It's licensed and ready to go, if this weather ever gets warm."
kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeeatdrink
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Located on the hotel's twelfth floor, The Dec will have a capacity of approximately 120 people with seats for 57 guests on sofas, traditional tables and bar stools.
The focal point of the bar will be "The Lens," a reflective statue designed by "Cloud Gate" (The Bean") artist Anish Kapoor.
"It's using the same materials that 'The Bean' is made out of. There's a fireplace underneath it, and when the flames are flickering and bouncing off 'The Lens', it's going to be really beautiful," said Vinod Narayan, the hotel's director of food and beverage.
The longer view will be notable as well; Narayan says both the Hancock Building and the lake are visible from The Dec. The entire space will be surrounded by a clear, wave-like wall with embedded lights that can be programmed to change colors or remain still.
Though the barrel-aged and signature cocktails and light food menu will reflect the elegance that the Ritz-Carlton is known for, Narayan said the hotel also hopes The Dec will appeal to a new crowd.
"It's obviously a little bit of a departure for us, since we've always been known to be a very traditional hotel," he said. "We've gone for something that can entice the younger demographic."
In other patio news, Joe's on Weed Street also plans to unveil a rooftop addition this spring. Owner Ed Warm said the 3,500-square-foot space will be accesible via its own street-level entrance and will have a seperate cocktail menu from Deca's bar, as well as full food service.
Besides offering a clear view of Willis Tower, the patio may also host special acoustic performances from the country music acts for which Joe's is known.
"We're hoping to have it open for a festival for Kentucky Derby day on May 4," Warm said. "It's licensed and ready to go, if this weather ever gets warm."
kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeeatdrink
Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye's Facebook page.