Godfrey Hotel – Page 11 – Building The Godfrey

Name The Element Contest

Did you hear? Scientists discovered a new element – and it needs a name! Help us name our Element 139 for a chance to win a low rate ($139 for an entire year!) and more.

Entering is easy: Just “Like” our Facebook page, and submit the Element name and your reasoning (1-2 sentences max).

Need some ideas? At The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, we created a rare spot where guests will feel entirely at easy and will “Discover Your Element.” The hotel’s 42-element chart allows guests to define their own travel experiences.

Here’s a few of our existing Elements for your creative inspiration:

– Io with the Element number of 4 and the name of “Roofscape” represents I|O Urban Roofscape, Chicago’s largest indoor/outdoor lounge perched on the hotel’s 4th floor.

– Sp with the Element number 5 represents Spa●Boutique located on the 5th floor.

So tell us – what do you think Element 139 should be named and why?

The winner will receive 1 complimentary night, plus a great rate of just $139/night plus tax for all of 2014 (some restrictions and blackout dates apply) and a $25 gift card to I|O Urban Roofscape. The second place winner will receive a one-night complimentary stay (some restrictions and blackout dates apply). The third place winner will get a $25 gift card to I|O Urban Roofscape (www.facebook.com/iogodfrey).

Contest runs from Jan. 7 – Jan. 21, 2014.

The Godfrey Hotel wants to hear which Element you like the most. Please vote and let us know – the management will take all voting into consideration. Winners will be selected by hotel management. Some restrictions and blackout dates apply in this contest. Be creative – no profanity please. Must be 21 or over. You must enter by 11 p.m. CST, Jan. 21, 2014. One entry per person. You are supplying this information to The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, not to Facebook. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By participating, you hereby release and hold harmless Facebook from any and all liability associated with this promotion.

Good luck!

New Year’s Resolution to Stay Healthy

With health and fitness on everyone’s mind this New Year, we want to share an update on our fitness center. It will be open 24/7 for hotel guests, and includes treadmills, ellipticals, and strength and weight training equipment.

The fitness center at The Godfrey Hotel.

Start 2014 the right way with strength and weight training equipment.

Happy New Year to everyone from The Godfrey Hotel! Set a goal to stay active and eat healthy this year, and come visit us in 2014.

Delicious Tasting for I|O Urban Roofscape

Some projects and decisions with opening a hotel and restaurant are difficult – and some are downright delicious. On Friday, we conducted a fantastic tasting, and the combination of flavors from Chef Riley Huddleston is unique and inspired. From the dressed-up comfort food favorite Truffled Mac and Cheese to the beautifully executed Salmon with Fingerling Potatoes and Citrus Onion Marmalade, guests at The Godfrey Hotel and I|O Urban Roofscape will find the perfect culinary treat for every occasion.

Salmon with Fingerling Potatoes and Citrus Onion Marmalade

The new I|O Burger will surprise Chicago burger connoisseurs, and the fries alone would be a excellent late-night snack.

Imagine amazing food and a unique Chicago skyline view… We look forward to seeing you in 2014!

How to Stay Warm with Us

Let’s light it up! Chicago’s chilly winters won’t keep our guests away. I|O Urban Roofscape is specially designed to withstand all four seasons in Chicago. From our outdoor fire pit to our indoor fireplace, the cold winters will feel like no big deal.

A rendering of I|O Urban Roofscape featuring an outdoor fire pit.

As indicated in the above rendering, the fire pit is surrounded by luxurious seating, and is located just outside the bar and kitchen. Guests will be able to sip festive cocktails, order delicious appetizers and enjoy the unique Chicago view from the rooftop of The Godfrey Hotel – all the while staying warm during those cold-weather months.

A closeup view of the indoor fire pit during construction.

The indoor fireplace will be a central meeting spot for good company and great memories. Also situated closely to the bar and kitchen, guests can toast to a great evening in Chicago. We look forward to seeing you there!

Welcome Chef Riley Huddleston

Welcome, Chef Riley Huddleston! The newest member of The Godfrey’s team is Chef Riley Huddleston for our I|O Urban Roofscape.

Most recently, he worked as part of the culinary team at The Aviary and he brings eight years of experience in acclaimed restaurants across the country to IO Urban Roofscape. He will not only creating a menu featuring tasteful preparations of Chicago’s favorite foods, but he will also oversee the execution of the concept’s math-produced cocktail program.

“Our cocktail culture, especially here in Chicago, is becoming just as important as the food so we’re using scientific measurements to ensure consistency for each and every signature cocktail,” he says. “We’re weighing every aspect of the cocktail. From testing water ratios to using a refractometer to measure sugar levels in our flavored ice program, all of the signature cocktails will begin in the kitchen.”

He joins us after spending time at Gramercy Tavern and Tribeca Grill in New York as well as the former Mortimer’s in Idaho, which earned a James Beard nomination with him as chef, he most recently served as executive chef of Prasino Restaurants in Chicagoland and chef de partie of the Aviary in Chicago. Riley is also founder and owner of Boise Fry Company, a Midwest fast casual concept that was named “America’s Best French Fries” by U.S. Travel News in 2013 and “Best French Fries in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure in 2012.

With experience in all aspects of the restaurant business from beverage director to pastry chef, Chef Huddleston applies a four ‘S’ philosophy to IO Urban Roofscape: sensible food with sustainable consistency coupled with a bit of scientific measurement to lead to customer satisfaction. “Our ultimate goal at I|O Urban Roofscape is to create quality, approachable food and cocktails with a chef’s palate in mind.”

IO Urban Roofscape will offer an array of signature kitchen-crafted cocktails, including a selection of retro-inspired, blended concoctions available by the pitcher including the Brandy Alexander, with Remy Martin, crème de menthe, vanilla ice cream and nutmeg. The menu will feature Chicago favorites such as the Pastrami Sandwich with spicy pickles, garlic aioli and manchego cheese and the Seared Ahi Tuna with avocado and housemade spicy soy mustard.

Chef Huddleston will be diligently curating IO Urban Roofscape’s food and drink menu in preparation for the February 2014 opening. You’ll be seeing more sneak peeks and menu details from us!