As much a landmark as the famous skyline of Chicago, The Pump Room at the Ambassador East Hotel has become an integral part of the history of the city. Built in 1938 along with the hotel itself, Ernie Byfield, Hotel Manager and owner created a legend. The restaurant, named after a famous location at the resort town of Bath, England, where Queen Anne and high society would go to relax after a busy day. The name the Pump Room is derived from the fact that the drinks were pumped into the guests cocktails. The Pump Room wan an instant hit with the Chicago social scene where both Chicago socialites and celebrities mingled. In the 1930’s and 1940’s Mr. Byfield himself would drive to the train station and collect the movie stars of the time and bring them to the Ambassador to stay and eat. Of course such high profile guests received the attention of royalty and would be spoiled when they dined at the restaurant. Over the years many famous people have faced the tables of the restaurant including Judy Garland, Paul Newman, Mel Brooks, Mick Jagger, Michael J. Fox, Humphrey Bogard and Liza Minelli to name only a small number on a long list. One of the well-known movie stars that always stayed at the hotel was Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Famously, Sinatra would always buy the checks of people dining at the Pump Room so when he went to eat, there would be nobody else eating at the time he showed up. Sinatra would always choose the Green Booth which had room for eight people. Sinatra and his guests would sit there for hours on end with the drapes closed drinking whiskey and smoking. To this day celebrities like staying at the Ambassador because there is so much history related to the hotel and the Pump Room and want to become part of this special group.
In addition to being famous, the Pump Room has its name in the history books for its role in the Bloody Mary cocktail. The Bloody Mary is a popular cocktail containing vodka, tomato juice, and usually other spices or flavorings such as Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, beef consommé or bouillon, horseradish, celery, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and celery salt. In 1934, the cocktail was called “Red Snapper” at the St. Regis Hotel, where Petriot was hired at the time. It was here that Tabasco sauce was added to the drink, and the name “Bloody Mary” eventually won popularity. In the 1960s the drink accompanying celery stick that brings the story to the Pump Room. It is reputed that the celery stick combination originated at Ambassador East Hotel in the 1960s after a celebrity guest couldn’t find a swizzle stick and instead used a celery stick from a nearby garnish tray.
Recently, Nan Mason has begun her bill as live entertainment at the Pump Room. She first started playing in the Pump Room 15 years ago and after several years has returned! Her distinct sound fuses jazz and cabernet music and is the ideal compliment to the excellent food and sophisticated surroundings of the dining experience. You don’t have to be famous to eat here although it may take a bit of a wait to get seated at Booth No. 1. Sitting here really makes you feel like you have stepped back in time and into the company of the greats! The restaurant offers monthly specials that can be found on the website http://www.pumproom.com.
Wednesday, 18. February 2009
The Pump Room is a Chicago institution which shouldn’t be missed by visitors or even the locals. You could spend hours just walking around looking at the pictures on the walls, plus, have a great meal in a beautiful setting.
Saturday, 23. May 2009
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Thursday, 27. August 2009
I’ve lived in Chicago all my life and just saw a reel short on TCM about Chicago. The Pump Room was mentioned as well as other famous locals back in the 40’s. The mention of a portrait of “Bone Ash” (I believe this could be the spelling) and I fired up my laptop to find out who this fellow was as well as history on the Pump Room. Geez, I feel like I’ve lived these 61 years in a cave and now that I am retired am I afforded the time to check into the history and current scoop on Chicago, starting with the Pump Room. I’m hooked as of tonight!
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