This summer, when looking for an apropos place to quench your cravings downtown, look no further than Block Thirty Seven, the sleek behemoth resting right in front of your face. Within those shiny walls, unbeknownst to many, lies a hotbed of cooling bites and drinks through several different cafes, making it entirely possible to utilize Block Thirty Seven as your go-to Loop oasis. And with the announcement of Richard Sandoval’s forthcoming Eataly-esque Latin food hall and a new restaurant from the folks behind The Gage, it’s only getting better. In the meantime, here’s a map to Block Thirty Seven dining success this summer.
Godiva
The best new way to cool down this summer is with the Trufflelatas at Godiva. These frappe-like creations derive inspiration from Godiva’s famous truffles with their myriad flavors and colors. Blended into thick, fudgy desserts, Trufflelatas are at once rich, decadent, and refreshing. I like the strawberry cream version, a lustrous pink mixture that sort of tastes like pureed strawberry shortcake. In addition to Trufflelatas, Godiva is also offering Belgian soft-serve ice cream, perfect for licking as you meander around the Loop or just linger in Block Thirty Seven and bask in A.C.
Magnolia Bakery
Two words for you: icebox cake. Remember it well, because it’s your new summer sensation. This classic, Americana cake traditionally consists of wafer cookies striated with sweet whipped cream, cooled in a refrigerator. Magnolia Bakery offers their version in hulking slices with about one million layers of dark chocolate cookies and minty cream. In addition, the bakery also offers seasonal flavors, such as a strawberry version for June. In addition to cookies and cream, this one also contains a bit of strawberry jam thrown in for good measure. While you’re here, you may as well pick up an iced coffee and some banana pudding for the road. Or for five minutes after you finish the icebox cake.
Starfruit
Here’s something to scream for this season: frozen kefir. Why? Because it offers the cooling, sweet sensations of ice cream minus the guilt. Starfruit peddles a plethora of iced kefir flavors for overheated customers, the perfect remedy for summer sweats. Tangier and more vibrant than frozen yogurt, kefir is zesty and vigorous, perfectly toeing the line between sweet and tart. Order it with any and all toppings you desire, then go to town.
Other Restaurants nearby:
Lavazza (Washington St.) – 27 W. Washington St.
June 27, 2014 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Stop by the Block Thirty Seven Bucketfeet shop on June 27 from 5 until 7 PM to celebrate their Artist-in-Residence and all-around awesome Chicagoan Erin Burke. Erin’s Delta design has made it’s way to socks, shoes, and prints—and for $85 you can get all three in their official Erin Burke Bundle.
They’ll be decorating wooden coasters etched with the Delta Print and Erin will be in attendance to sign any of your wears. Plus, there will be food, drink, and 30% off the WHOLE store. Don’t miss this one!
RSVP Here
July 3, 2014 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to make your own BucketFeet but didn’t know where to start? Never fear! Artist-In-Residence Erin Burke is at their Block Thirty Seven store to show you the ropes at our Build-Your-Own Buckets party. The Erin Burke bundle ($85 for a Delta mini print, socks, and shoes) is back and each purchase gets you entered to win a custom, one-of-a-kind pair of shoes designed by the one-and-only Erin Burke.
RSVP Here
July 10, 2014 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
There’s a new Artist-In-Residence in town and his name is Brandon Breaux. The multi-talented artist will be ringing in his month-long residency to the rhythms of DJ Earn Money on July 11th. Stop by Bucketfeet at Block Thirty Seven and see some of his amazing work, you can grab the Brandon Breaux Bundle ($85 for the Desperado shoes and Desperado mini-print) while you’re at it!
RSVP Here
July 19, 2014 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
It’s a birthday party—BucketFeet’s birthday party! BucketFeet’s been kicking it at Block Thirty Seven for a whole year now, and we think it’s high time for a celebration. Join us July 19, 2014 from 3 until 6 PM for the BucketFeet at Block Thirty Seven Birthday Party. We’ll be clinking glasses, chomping down on snacks, and selling everything in the store at 30% off! Plus, you can get in on all the artistic-action—they’ll be working on a large, collaborative mural, which everyone is invited to help paint!
RSVP Here