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As an American Express® Cardmember, we invite you to ask the editorial team an entertainment related question. Our entertainment editors will provide expert answers, with other Cardmembers providing additional input on the best in city entertainment!
Claire Zulkey is a freelance writer by day, but she's also well-connected in Chicago's indy comedy scene, both as an occasional performer and host. We asked her a bit about what she does for fun and laughs.
As the organizer of the occasional lit-comedy series Funny Ha-Ha, you must be pretty tapped into the comedy scene. Are there any standouts you recommend, or upcoming shows not to miss?
I am completely biased, so I hope that is OK. The sketch group Schadenfreude is one of my favorites, obviously — they open many shows for us. They're just really smart people who can actually do Chicago humor well, and they're fun to hang out with after shows, too. Also, I had never heard of the Lincoln Lodge until my boyfriend Steve Delahoyde started showing films there occasionally. You don't always know what you'll get at the Lincoln Lodge but I've been introduced to a few really funny standups there (Robert Buscemi, Andy Ross and Kumail Nanjiani to name a few) and the cozy atmosphere (plus parking! and pie!) is much preferable to me than some other comedy clubs I've been to where the audience is kind of held captive and also charged an arm in a leg in covers and drink minimums.
Covering the other half of Funny Ha-Ha, what's your favorite bookstore?
The Book Cellar. And I'm not just saying that because they sometimes sell books for us. It's just a great browsing bookstore, plus the Chicago-centric selection is very good. Wandering around Lincoln Square, popping into the Book Cellar and picking up a new book and maybe a latte and biscotti--it's such a nice Chicago neighborhood kind of experience. Plus I went to a really fun book release party there and they had a lot of manchego cheese which I loved. I don't know if that was them or a caterer but I'll always associate that cheese with the bookstore. Yum.
Where do you like to go for a night out on the town?
Lately I've been going to Fulton Lounge when I went to go out — it's got the kind of interior that makes you feel cooler just by being there, plus they have great martinis and the service is nice. I like that they also are relatively empty, post-work, too. In my neighborhood (Lakeview), I like minibar when it's not too crowded and Joe's on Broadway for when you just want a beer but don't want to be in the midst of a bunch of crazy Cubs fans. I'm also a restaurant freak. I can't afford to go out as much as I'd like to but I'm always checking out the places that are new and cool and literally keep a list of places that I want to go (or return to). I've had good dinners of late at May Street Market, Sola and MK.
As fashion editor for Time Out Chicago, Annie Tomlin knows a thing or two about what styles are in and what's on its way out. So was asked her about this spring's looks and where to wear them.
With warm weather approaching, it's time to update the business casual section of our closets. Where's a good place for fashionable outfits that work in the office as well as the outdoor cafe?
"Time Out's offices are in the Loop, and I'm amazed by what people wear to the office. A lot of women wear flip-flops and capri pants, which are cute for the beach but too casual for the office. Fortunately, there are a lot of styles this spring that look good both at work and after 5pm. You can't go wrong with a wrap dress or a blouse paired with a high-waisted skirt, especially because these styles are flattering for all kinds of figures. I really love Ouest in the West Loop; it's inspired by French women, so its clothes all have that chic, classic feel. It stocks Vanessa Bruno and Vena Cava, two of my favorite lines that make cool, feminine dresses and separates. The prices are higher than, say, Banana Republic, but the clothes can be dressed up or down — so when you figure out the cost-per-wear factor, it's not too crazy."
Time Out Chicago just released its fashion issue; what were some trends you spotted in the "Chicago look?"
"Chicagoans don't follow trends the same way people in New York and LA do. I don't know if it's because we're in the Midwest or what, but the Chicago look tends to be individualized and homegrown, very individualistic. We're not as obsessed with carrying the new $900 It bag or stealing whatever haircut is popular in Hollywood.
"That said, I've been seeing a few trends emerging for spring. Women are wearing their hair shorter, with blocks of color. Dresses continue to be hugely popular (just try to find trousers in the stores, I dare you), jeans are being worn higher on the waist, and bright colors are also big. I think guys are starting to realize that the baggy trouser look is sloppy, so it's nice to see them wearing slimmer pants. And while women are wearing their hair shorter, men are going a little longer — and it's not just the rocker boys, either."
Where would you recommend we go to show off our new duds?
"Well, you could pop into Blu Coral, a new sushi place in Wicker Park, have dinner and then go across the street for drinks at the new Lava Lounge. But one of my favorite places is Lula Cafe in Logan Square. Chicago has this reputation for deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, but that's such a false and outdated idea of the city. I feel like Lula really exemplifies modern Chicago: it's creative, unpretentious and fun. Plus, they have outdoor seating, so you can dine al fresco and do some great people-watching while you're at it. And come summer, Bucktown is getting a Marc by Marc Jacobs boutique — so I imagine people are going to look extra-sharp just in case Mr. Jacobs himself is strolling the streets."
Brandon Heckman, artist and writer, is a man in love with his neighborhood — Lincoln Square to be exact. We asked him about places to go and things to do around his North Side haunt.
What are your favorite places to hang out in Lincoln Square?
Lincoln Square has some great coffee shops and bars — I'm a big fan of The Grind coffee shop and of The Huttenbar. I find myself often wandering through Fine Wine Brokers; Gerhardt and his staff are a huge help with knowledgeable wine selection, and his store is stocked with a variety of great offerings. I also really like Bouffe for gourmet nibbles. Aside from the shops and such, Lincoln Square and the surrounding neighborhoods offer some pretty beautiful walks and parks — I like strolling through Ravenswood Manor, Ravenswood and Winnemac Park.
What about dining in the neighborhood? Any faves?
I love The Grind (again) and find myself at the Daily Bar & Grill often — try the granola at the former and the Daily Chicken Wrap at the latter. There's also a new restaurant called Fiddlehead that serves a really mean brunch — they really give Cafe Selmarie a run for their money — great eggs benedict and amazing Captain Crunch French Toast. For cheap, delicious Mexican, you can't beat Garcia's — best Chimichangas ever and $5 margaritas that'll knock you flat.
Is there an event (concert, play, etc.) coming up that you're excited about?
Not anything in the immediate future, but I am looking forward to the Andrew Bird show on April 20th, and there's always fun to be had at Berlin on Fridays and Saturdays — be sure to check out Greg Haus and Larissa when they spin.
Justin Chen is cofounder of Menuism, a website where anyone can rate and review restaurants around town, right down to individual meals. Who better to talk to for restaurant picks?
You live in the South Loop; what restaurants are standouts in the neighborhood?
I really like a Thai restaurant called Ma & I. They just opened recently and have very flavorful food at reasonable prices. It's got a nice modern decor and it's BYOB — who doesn't love that?
Bongo Room is another restaurant that I think it is great. They creatively incorporate fruit and sweet elements into their breakfast and lunch dishes that make a trip there a refreshing diversion from the standard fare of others in the area. The decor is also very colorful and visually soothing.
Where do you like to go/what do you like to do for a night on the town?
I love exploring different restaurants around the city of course! On the weekends I always try to eat at one or two new restaurants and try explore all the different Chicago neighborhoods. Every now and then I'll grab drinks at a lounge/club in River North or go to the theatre. I saw Wicked recently and really enjoyed it.
What's your favorite restaurant?
Probably Sweets & Savories up in Lincoln Park. They have a great prix fixe menu, and you can also order a la carte from a normal menu. I recommend trying both ways. If you order off the menu, try the Kobe Beef Burger — it's phenomenal.
Ma & I
1234 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | 312-663-1234
Bongo Room
1152 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago | 312-291-0100
Sweets & Savories
1534 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago | 773-281-6778
Cinnamon Cooper is a purse maker and founding member of the Chicago Craft Mafia. We grilled her on what she does with her time off.
Where do you like to go for a night on the town?
It depends on who I'm with. There are a couple of boys I know who delight in taking me to Berlin for lots of dancing. I like getting more sedate martinis (and garlic, mayo, cheese fries!) with the girls at T's Lounge. And I wish the work week were shorter so I could spend more time at The Hideout listening to great music and drinking their fabulous rye whiskey cocktails.
What's your favorite restaurant?
For sushi, I have to bow in gratitude to Sushi Mike at Tanoshii. This man has made my tastebuds so happy I've cried. For Indian food, Mr. Syed at Bhabi's Kitchen knows just how to spice his dishes to suit my tastes. And I love getting a weekend lunch at Fat Willy's Barbecue.
Any events coming up in the city that you're looking forward to?
"Monday night I'll be reliving my mis-spent youth at The Pogues concert at The Congress. But on March 28th I look forward to meeting a number of fabulous local designers at Shecky's Girls Night Out at Union Station. I'm especially interested in meeting the designers behind Little in the Middle.
Chicago has a vibrant art scene, and who better to ask about where to go and what to do than an artist? Dolan Geiman gives us a head start on getting immersed in the scene.
Where is a good place to get a sense of the art scene in Chicago?
Since Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, the art scene tends to follow this same pattern and be spread out across different areas of the city. Some areas have a higher concentration of artists and galleries such as Bridgeport, Pilsen, Wicker Park and the West Loop and therefore unify their openings and open studios into specific first and second Fridays type events (see chicagoartsdistrict.org for 2nd Fridays openings in Pilsen and chicagogallerynews.com for West Loop gallery listings and openings on 1st Fridays). There is also the West Town Gallery Network with gallery walks in the fall and spring. In addition, you can visit festivals, open studios and gallery walks in multi-use arts buildings such as the historic Fine Arts Building, the Flatiron Arts Building, Cornelia Arts Center, Network of Visual Arts Studios, Splat Flats, Lillstreet Studios, Tree Studios and Acme Art Works. If you're looking for more alternative art and music programs, just head to Wicker Park and spend five minutes picking up flyers in coffee shops along Milwaukee Avenue. You can also visit these websites for event postings and reviews: Chicago Arts, Chicago City Arts Review, Chicago Artists Resource, Spaces.org, Art or Idiocy, Iconoduel, Art Letter, and ChicagoArt.net.
Is there a particular gallery or museum that you like to visit?
A fan of both Aron Packer Gallery and Schopf Gallery on Lake, I'm naturally a fan of the recently merged Packer Schopf Gallery. In addition to being a gigantic space for a gallery in Chicago, I have always enjoyed the more tactile sensibilities of Aron Packer's aesthetic. Packer shows many collage and mixed media artists I admire at both his location in the West Loop and his Three Oaks, Michigan location. While you're in the area, you can also visit another notable Chicagoland gallery, Judith Racht Gallery, organizer of the annual Outsiders Outside Art Fair.
Since opening in 1979, Carl Hammer has been a leading proponent of outsider art along with Judy Saslow Gallery and the not-for-profit organization Intuit (catch the Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art at the Merchandise Mart April 27-30). Showing everything notables like Lee Godie and Henry Darger to vintage sideshow banners, Carl Hammer always exhibits artists and work that are inspirational to my own work in the studio.
Polvo's alternative space in Pilsen welcomes curators and artists from all over the world and has provided an exhibition venue for countless installation and new media artists that might otherwise have difficulty finding venues to present their work. Miguel Cortez, one of the founders of the Polvo collective and director of the gallery, is a true supporter of Chicago arts, even going so far as to maintain artist directory sites like Subaltern. Polvo is hosting a benefit on Friday, March 2, with a silent auction of works by many well-known Chicago artists.
Amanda Nosal, Chicago regional event director for Gen Art, lets us in on a few of her secrets for the good life.
What do you like to do to relax after a long day at work?
"I'm not a crazy health nut or anything, but because of my job I have to be out on the town constantly- so when I have a night off, I take a little time for myself. I've been practicing yoga on and off for about seven years now, have been through many studios, and can say that Nature has some of the best instructors I have ever studied with (India included). It's clean, calm and a really lovely place to go. They even offer a donation-based class (pay what you can) a week. Best in town."
Where's your favorite restaurant for a romantic dinner?
"Rose Angelis. This restaurant is a hidden gem on the North Side of Chicago. It is on a residential street — and is actually in a cute old house. The food is delicious and I appreciate the many veggie options. Probably the best part is that though they don't take reservations (and it is always packed) you can run across the street to the bar and have a drink while you wait — they call you when your table is ready! The special house salad is a must and the lasagna is the best I have ever had."
What upcoming events are you excited about?
"Of course, our Shop Chicago event on March 22nd. I came from New York where I spent a lot of time scouring sample sales. Chicago isn't a big sample sale market, so it is fun to be able to produce an event that has the same feel. This year it's bigger than ever and we actually have vendors coming in from our Gen Art shopping events in New York, LA and Miami.
"Gen Art is also co-hosting a benefit for the Voices and Faces Project on March 8th. This amazing organization put together a killer CD that 100% of the sales go toward survivors of sexual violence. Two artists from the CD are going to perform and we have a great DJ too. A great night of music and all for such a great cause."
Nature Yoga
2021 W. Division St., Chicago | 773-227-5720
Rose Angelis
1314 W. Wrightwood Ave. | 773-296-0081
Mike "Sushi Mike" Ham doesn't get a whole lot of time away from his Andersonville restaurant, Tanoshii. So he really savors what free time he gets. We asked him about what he does with a day off.
Where do you go for food?
"I eat breakfast a lot. This place Over Easy on Damen burned down a couple months ago, but the guy is rebuilding. It's worth checking out [when it reopens].
"I went to Moto downtown recently. One of their top chefs is one of my regular customers, and their food is really delicious."
What do you do for fun?
"Play guitar, work out. I go to XSport Fitness and the Galter LifeCenter. In the summertime I like to play golf; it's outside, it's beautiful and nobody bothers you.
"I recently caught a show called Wicked. That was really nice. One of the actors is another of my regular customers."
Tanoshii
5547 N. Clark St., Chicago
773-878-6886
Moto
945 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
312-491-0058
XSport Fitness
multiple locations
Galter LifeCenter
5157 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago
773-878-9936
Wicked
The Ford Oriental Theatre
24 W. Randolph St., Chicago
312-977-1700
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