08/18/03

Power-shopping, grand-scale entertainment, plenty of parking and upscale restaurants make this mall a North Shore favorite.

by Elisa Kronish

The Scene

With the addition of trendier, more upscale shops; a 14-screen movie theater; and more out-of-the-food-court-box restaurants, this sparkling north suburban mall is finally catching up to downtown big wigs like 900 North Michigan Avenue. Added bonuses include complimentary gift-wrapping, a personal shopper, free stroller and wheelchair, rental, and occassional live entertainment and events. Kids flock to the indoor tree house playground, while parents relax on nearby benches. Dining options include popular quick eats like Corner Bakery, McDonald's, Taco Bell and Johnny Rockets, as well as sit-down restaurants such as P.F. Chang's, Stir Crazy Cafe, and Bice Restaurant and Grill.

The Stores
Three high-end department store anchor the mall--Neiman Marcus, Marshall Field's and Lord & Taylor--and 125 retail shops fill the two floors. Upscale boutiques seen in only select malls include BCBG, Coach, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, Sephora and Nicole Miller. Other mall regulars include Ann Taylor, the Gap, Express, Crate and Barrel, Nine West and J. Crew.