Vol. 7

Earlier this month, I spent 48 hours in Chicago alongside one of my best friends. While a few locations on our agenda were longtime favorites, most of the stops were new to us both! It is truly a city like no other, oozing creativity and grit, with modern design and centuries-old architecture side by side. We were delighted not only by tastes, sights, and sounds, but also by interactions with genuine people. I left feeling refilled in a way I did not anticipate. 

So put on "End of Beginning" by Djo and head to the windy city!

Located only four blocks west of Michigan Avenue, @poetryfoundation is part library, part cultural center, part publishing house, and part grant organization. It was established in 2003 thanks to a generous major gift from philanthropist Ruth Lilly. Since then, it has become an internationally recognized force for amplifying poetry and the artists who create it. Step into the hallowed reading room and prepare yourself for a magical space - one full of emotion and the words of many. 

Sometime in the last few years I realized that I like mini-golfing....like, I REALLY like it. Am I any good? Not really. But it sparks joy every time I have the opportunity to go. And while outdoor courses will always be my preference, @putteryofficial has created indoor courses with real appeal! Their multi-level building in the Fulton River District has two themed courses, a library and a ski lodge, that are perfect for the cold weather months. Plus, digital score tracking and tables throughout make it easy to progress through the courses with a larger group. 

While I have had the pleasure of dining at other Chicago-based Michelin star restaurants, I have never had an experience quite like @oriolechi. Executive Chef and Owner Noah Sandoval has gathered an all-star group of chefs and hospitality staff to create a once in a lifetime 13-course progressive tasting menu. Patrons are tasked with finding an all but hidden entrance and are greeted with a warm cup of tea before entering through the doors of a freight elevator. Without ruining all the surprises of the evening, just know that you will leave full, you will leave in awe of both the food and the service, and you will leave with a souvenir. I am already conspiring to bring others in the coming years just to watch their reactions. 

Each time I visit Chicago, I make it a point to try a new (to me) coffee shop if I can. This trip, we selected the Kazakh cafe @tary_us. I stuck with my regular matcha order, but I was impressed to see many traditional Kazakh breakfast dishes on the menu as well. I loved inspecting the vintage maps and traditional decor while we waited for our drinks, and was even more geeked to notice a crew member from The Bear reading a script in the corner. While not an official stamp of approval, that's saying something. 

Listen. I have been gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free for over six years and, as you might expect, it has been at least that long since I have had a good cinnamon roll. When I saw that @wheatsendcafe featured one of my favorite baked goods on their menu, we made it a priority to visit. Their entire menu is to-go only, so we took our breakfast and ate in the lobby of a nearby hotel while shielded from the wind. Words cannot describe the pure bliss of a long-missed comfort food. Will be back, for sure!

Located within Chicago's Lincoln Park, the Victorian Era conservatory was constructed to create a mini-paradise within the city. Today, it is managed by the parks system and @lpconservancy with the most delightful team of docents you will ever meet. I learned more about palms, ferns, banana trees, orchids, and so many more niche plants in 15 minutes from our tour guide than I had on any previous visit to a greenhouse. Also, the mini print vending machine and black pond statue on either side of the entrance doors make this location extra magical. While technically a free attraction, the suggested donation is $10/person and well worth it!

Sensationalist or genius? You decide. Opening just a few weeks ago,
@stripclubphotobooth already has lines out the door thanks to their winning recipe: an analogue product paired with a savvy social media presence. Patrons pay per booth and can choose from five film options and five digital options. Want pets in your picture? Bring them along. Want to make a keychain out of your photo? Do it. Need a digital version for Instagram? That's only a few extra bucks. Excellent customer service and the allure of the oldest operating photo booth in the world make this a must-do in Chicago. 

Imagine this: You are walking or riding your bike on the Bloomingdale Trail (a hidden delight in and of itself!) under blue skies and a light breeze...only one thing could make this better...an iced latte from @ipsento. That was not my particular experience in February, but it is what I like to believe possible during the spring and summer months. Ipsento remains such a reliable coffee shop option every time I am in the city. I always try to snag a bar seat facing the baristas and have never been disappointed. 

Ok. SO CUTE. One step inside @oliviasmarket and you will somehow find yourself leaving with a new birthday card for a friend, jam for your morning toast, bouquet for the kitchen table, or maybe all three! They have put all the ingredients for girl dinner into one location and provided just the right amount of other goods to peruse. All to say, a visit should never be rushed. It should be savored. 

With five locations in the city, @beatrixrestaurants has become an easy post-work meeting spot for friends and couples. I went with the chimichurri strip steak plus fries and found it to be a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and acidic. My friend got a burger, and I am pretty sure that between the two of us, only a handful of words were spoken while eating. Modern fireplaces and freshly baked goods make this a cozy spot at any time of the day. 

Bill Murray, John Belushi, Amy Sedaris, Tina Fey, Jason Sudeikis - all alumni from
@thesecondcity in Chicago. The iconic improv theater opened its doors in 1959 and has been impressing and delighting audiences since. This time around, I had the pleasure of attending their 50th Annual Improv Revue. The show was completely unscripted and started with a bit of crowd work before splitting into half improv games and half long-form skit. Ironically, I specifically aimed not to participate in the show and somehow found myself the focus for a solid three minutes. Next time, I am keeping my mouth shut - hold me to it

In many ways, I have saved the best for last. Located in the primarily Hispanic neighborhood of Pilsen, @buenodays.coffee opened in 2021 as a pop-up business and has been serving up creative drinks ever since. I've sampled both the cardamom matcha and the orange matcha on recent visits and had borderline religious experiences. The interior design is so intentional, harkening back to modern Mexico City color palettes, allowing space to breathe and think. Don't forget to check out their merch, because "made possible by immigrants" rings true now more than ever.