Macy’s Department Store on State Street in Chicago, is located in the center of downtown. The store operated as Marshall Field’s from 1902 until it was purchased by Federated Department Stores in 2006. At the time, there was an outcry by a sentimental public, about the decline of the venerable Marshall Field Brand.
The Marshall Field’s nameplate still resides on the high profile Chicago corner, under the “Great Clocks” that hang 17.5 feet above the sidewalk. The first historic clock was installed in 1897, with a second installed ten years later.
Inside the store is a grand Tiffany vaulted ceiling. The Tiffany ceiling, the largest of its kind, was installed under the supervision of Louis Comfort Tiffany himself.
Marshall Field’s created a Christmas shopping tradition, long cherished by Chicagoans. Macy’s has continued the traditions, including the elaborately decorated windows, The Great Christmas Tree and dining in The Walnut Room. Chicken Pot Pie in the Walnut Room is a cherished tradition for many.
At the beginning of this Christmas season, I explored the delights of Macy’s and the Walnut Room. It was a magical experience, which I can understand being the highlight of the Christmas season.
I arrived at Macy’s after a long day in the city. It was 3:30 pm, so I decided to study the store windows before it got dark. This was the best view I have ever gotten of the windows. I have usually visited when it was too crowded to get to the windows, or too cold to stand outside in the gusty Chicago wind. This year’s theme: “The Nutcracker Suite.”
This is the 40th anniversary of the annual animated holiday windows. The display celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Joffrey Ballet production of “The Nutcracker Suite.” The window displays tell the story of the classical tale with hand sculpted figurines, spectacular costumes and exquisitely detailed scenery.
The inside of Macy’s is elaborately decorated with giant garlands, trees and ornaments. The entire store is a tribute to the holiday season.
The Walnut Room
The Walnut Room is situated on the seventh floor of Macy’s The elevator stops directly in front of the famous restaurant. The Walnut Room, is paneled with polished wood. Sparkling crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceiling. In the center of the Walnut Room is a Christmas Tree that is two stories high. This year’s tree is decorated in a colorful array of ornaments. The Centennial tree features Martha Stewart Collection Kugels. Kugels, which is German for balls, are decorations that were first used as decorations in the mid 1800’s. Martha Stewart was part of the tree lighting ceremony that took place November 10.
The tree was the centerpiece of the elegant room. There was a cord outside the restaurant, that would be used to keep guests in line while waiting for a table. I was in luck, however, as I had arrived at a slow time and there was no line. I was seated immediately, at a table directly beneath the great tree, which is a wonderful dinnertime view.
A woman dressed in a blue fairy like costume greeted me and told me that my timing had been good, as it had been very busy, but I was there during a lull. It also seemed to be the changing of shift.
The hostess had given me a menu and pointed out the specialties. The menu featured a number of scrumptious sounding dishes, created by star chefs. They were tempting, but for this trip I had decided to try the famous Chicken Pot Pie. Walnut Room Chicken Pot Pie still uses the original recipe, created by Mrs. Hering, who created the pie to give shoppers sustenance, many years ago. The pie is filled with white meat chicken in a yeloute sauce with peas and carrots, topped with puff pastry.
The black coated waiter took my order for the pie and a holiday drink, called Eggnog Alexander. The drink, with its frothy topping, was delivered first. After a sip of the rich beverage, I put it aside for dessert. The salad and a white roll were promptly brought to the white table clothed table. The salad greens were fresh and the dressing was tangy and tasty.
I was still eating my salad when a server delivered the chicken pot pie. The meal was served in a shallow bowl, with two triangles of puff pastry resting on top. I put the meal aside and finished the excellent salad. When I returned to the pie, it had cooled to the correct temperature for eating. The flakey crust broke apart easily under the fork. The rich white sauce coated generous portions of chicken with peas and carrots. I was enjoying the meal, when my original waiter brought another pie, not realizing that someone had brought me one earlier. He looked a little confused and took it back. I wanted to offer to take it off his hands, but was not sure my humor would be appreciated.
After I finished every bite of the delicious pie, I drank my rich drink. It was very tasty, but I would probably not pair the creamy drink with the creamy pie again. The pie would be better complimented by wine, coffee or tea.
There was a wonderful sounding dessert menu, which I looked at wistfully, not having room for another bite. I will save room for dessert on another day.
The waiter delivered by check along with two Frango Mints. Frango Mints are another Chicago Marshall Fields institution. Although they are now made in Pennsylvania, instead of Chicago, they are still wonderful. The silky chocolate mints melted in my mouth creating a wonderful, sensuous taste sensation as they slid down my throat..
My meal at the Walnut Room was a real treat. The decor was elegant and enjoyable, the food was excellent and the service was terrific. The cost, including tip, was just under $20.
Macy’s on State Street is located at 111 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois. 1-312-781-1000.
Macy’s is one block from Daley Plaza and the German Christkindlmarkt. The Winter Wonderland at Navy Pier is a terrific family destination. Chicago Taxis are a great way to get around in the Windy City.
Enjoy the spirit of Xmas during the holiday season.
