Chicago Source

What’s a très chic Swiss girl to do when she finds herself transplanted to the heart of the Midwest? If you’re Geneva-bred Lorraine de Tymowska and working for the uber-luxe jewelry house Graff, you discover the best Chicago has to offer. I met Lorraine while she was still living in New York during one of my back-and-forth phases, and although I’m firmly situated in California we still manage to meet up on both coasts, but never in Chicago…yet. I think a visit to the Windy City may be in order, but not until the temperatures hit at least 50 degrees.  In her words, here’s Lorraine’s experience under a European lens.

My suggestion for Sunday brunch would be the large buffet at the Peninsula Hotel which offers a diverse selection of food. Perfect place if you wish to continue with an afternoon of pampering and relaxation at the Spa- one of the best in the city for a massage. www.peninsula.com

Nomi Garden is located on the 7th floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel where this chic, beautiful little European-like terrace serves great cocktails and small bite appetizers. The perfect spot for happy hour and to start your evening! www.hyatt.com

RL Grill is the only Ralph Lauren restaurant in the country serving traditional American food with the typical RL interior design for a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The crab cake appetizer is an absolute success! www.rlrestaurant.com

Anybody who knows enough about Chicago knows that it is a seasonal city and on a nice summer night I suggest the charming hidden Italian garden of Piccolo Sogno. Its Mediterranean food is excellent and my favorite dish is the Branzino. www.piccolosognorestaurant.com

The best for last, my absolute favorite restaurant is the infamous Pump Room at the Public Hotel. Extremely popular in the 40’s and 50’s the Pump Room has hosted many celebrities which you will find in pictures hanging on the very retro black and white wall. Recently renovated with a more avant-garde decor, the Pump Room is now one of celebrity chef Jean-George Vongerichten’s latest in his ever-growing restaurant collection. www.pumproom.com

Oak Street The Chicago version of New York’s Madison Avenue- yet smaller- has many luxury brand boutiques such as Hèrmes, Lanvin, Prada, Armani, Escada, Graff etc. A must-see one of a kind boutique is Ikram, known for its forward thinking architecture and clothing. The owner, Ikram Goldman, is renown nationally for her taste in picking unique, edgy and trendy clothing, accessories and home accessories. This great boutique, where Lanvin is on speed dial, carries many high-end international and affluent designers and even has a little café area for a full experience. www.ikram.com

The free Summer Concert Series of the Chicago Symphony- very much like New York’s Central Park series- at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is simply wonderful for classic music lovers. You can either sit on the chairs or make yourself comfortable on the grass with- if you wish- your little picnic…perhaps with a stash of goodies from Eataly’s newest Chicago outpost.  www.grantparkmusicfestival.com

I love my weekly Summer Walks starting on Oak Beach going all the way up north to Lincoln Park. After several months of hibernation everybody will rush out for outdoor activities that will make your walk quite dynamic and crowded with all the cyclists, runners, roller bladders and volley ball players. The scenery is simply gorgeous and very relaxing.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the biggest museums in the country. The museum offers a vast and large collection and amazing exhibitions that are often shared with the Metropolitan Museum of New York.  www.artic.edu

Lorraine de Tymowska is a sales executive at Graff Diamonds in Chicago; the London-based leading luxury jewelry company. She began her jewelry career interning with Christie’s Jewelry Department in Geneva, Switzerland. Afterwards, she moved to New York where she completed the Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist and Jewelry Designer programs in 2007. She works closely with clients developing all stages of their jewelry collections and closely advises couples on buying engagement rings and wedding bands. Lorraine consults with clients on how to buy diamonds intelligently and as an investment, as well as sketching and designing custom pieces. Lorraine lives in Chicago with her dog, Bandit.

Editors Note: Lorraine is wearing a scarf by Chicago designer Atelier Azza www.atelierazza.com