CHICAGO: Shop and lunch

Marshall Field’s isn’t just a department store. It’s a destination. From a dry goods store in 1852 to now the second largest department store in the U.S., there’s a history there in the Great Clock and the Tiffany glass ceiling at its flagship State Street location.

The building is fabulous but the 10 floors of shopping are pretty darn good with ultra-nice salespeople to boot. Plus there are convenient bathrooms and air conditioning. Did I mention there was a heat wave?

On the seventh floor is Seven on State, the store’s upscale food court. Different stations make the entrees fresh to order. I grabbed a smoked ham and gruyere cheese panini on sourdough from the La Brea Bakery counter. It came with a side salad for $6.95 US.

The sandwich was pretty good but even better was the great downtown view from the huge windows. There are also tables facing the inside of the store with a view of the glass ceiling and the different floors.

You can also check out Frontera Fresco from local Mexican food dude Rick Bayless if you’re a foodie type.

It’s peaceful up here. And I’ve never seen staff bus tables so fast and so pleasantly.

Marshall Field’s was the first department store to open a sit-down restaurant. The Walnut Room on the seventh floor is still a swanky option.

The basement cafeteria is a great stop for a break and a deal. Just follow the smells of home-cooking. The deli counter offers ribs, meatloaf and roast chicken. There’s also an impressive create-your-own salad station, a fresh sushi counter, and a dessert station with pretty cupcakes.

Oh yeah, Macy’s bought Marshall Field’s and is changing the name in September 2006. Who knows what else might change.

Marshall Field’s, 111 N. State St. Open Mon-Sat 10 am-8 pm, Sun 11 am-6 pm.