Bloomie's Opens At Westfield Old Orchard And More On The North Shore This Month

Big-name brands, award-winning productions and more are all on our radar this season on the North Shore.

Matt Mueller and Dana Saleh Omar star as the lead duo in Once.

SEE

Tony Award-winning musical Once, based on the 2007 motion picture of the same name, takes center stage at Writers Theatre in Glencoe this season. With a unique blend of romance, touching humor and folk music, including songs like Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly,” Once tells the story of a Dublin street musician and a young woman who share a passion for music, leading them on a journey of creativity and self-discovery. Director and choreographer Katie Spelman says she was inspired the moment she saw the film. “The lyrics are poetic,” she adds. “We are seeing two characters’ souls connect through the way they play music together.” Through March 26, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe

The arrival of Bloomie’s adds even more luxury appeal to Westfield Old Orchard.

SHOP

Fashion aficionados across the North Shore are buzzing following the splashy opening of Bloomie’s at Westfield Old Orchard. Inside the 51,000-square-foot fashion haven, shoppers will find a highly curated, ever-evolving selection; tech-enabled styling services; and elegant new eatery bCafe, which dishes out light American fare with a modern twist like Gruyere cheese fritters with sea salt and fine herbs, and tuna tartare with cassava chips. Of-the-moment brands on offer include Rag & Bone, Theory, Chanel, Givenchy, Cult Gaia and more. Says CEO Tony Spring, “While Bloomie’s is a new take on Bloomingdale’s, our guests will still be offered an assortment of contemporary and luxury brands across men and women’s fashion, home and beauty, but with a fresh take on the shopping experience.” 4999 Old Orchard Road, Ste. B10, Skokie

Don Mitchell, Harris Paseltiner and Auyon Mukharji of Darlingside

LISTEN

Mark your calendars, live music fans: Indie-folk band Darlingside, known for their harmonic arrangements and literary songwriting, are set to perform at the North Shore Center. The band’s recent album, Fish Pond Fish, celebrates the quartet’s decadelong career via a journey through the natural world in its distinguished layered harmonies, which make for an unforgettable live show. “There’s truth beyond your horizons,” says violinist and vocalist Auyon Mukharji, offering insight into the group’s inspiration. “[It] brings you to a new place you couldn’t imagine; you move beyond yourself.” March 16, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

District Brew Yards is the nation’s first collective brewery, pour-your-own-beer hall and shop under one roof.

SIP

The West Loop’s pour-your-own-beer hall District Brew Yards comes closer to home with the opening of a second spot in Wheeling. Complete with a taproom, bottle shop and outdoor beer garden, the nearly 12,000-square-foot space is already buzzing—and is sure to be a hot spot for gathering with friends and family this summer. A curated selection of high-quality local microbrews from Twisted Hippo, Burnt City Brewing and more, plus barbecue, fried chicken and other tasty bites, are all on the menu. Exclusive to the Wheeling location, Brew Yards has welcomed Histrionic Brewlab, the experimental microbrewery from founder Lincoln Arbogast. “We love finding and experiencing the new breweries coming out of [Logan Square brewery incubator, tasting room and cafe] Pilot Project Brewing,” says owner Steve Soble. “We’re proud to be a part of Histrionic Brewlab’s growth.” 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling

The Bologna briefcase and Jessica handbag, both from Selleria Veneta

BROWSE

Luxury Italian boutique Selleria Veneta is a go-to for chic leather goods in Oak Park, and now, the shop’s impressive lineup of handbags, cashmere, jewelry and more is available in the suburbs following the brand’s expansion to Winnetka. The new location’s opening date is set for this spring; until then, fashionistas can visit Selleria Veneta’s pop-up location at Winnetka Galleria, where exclusive collections of artisan-crafted products offer a taste of the latest Italian fashion trends. Co-owner Cecilia Romanucci shares, “We continuously find new and exclusive Italian pieces from Milan and small boutiques in the Eurozone to bring to Oak Park and now Winnetka.” Pop-up, 564 Lincoln Ave.; permanent location, 986 Green Bay Road, Winnetka