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.

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."

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Gen Art

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

Dinner:
"I like Select Cut. It's a small, family-owned steakhouse in the heart of Lincoln Park. The owner cuts his own steaks from a full side of beef (he owns the butcher shop next door.)"

Dessert:
"Café Selmarie. They have homemade desserts and fresh baked pastries, and they're right on the square in Lincoln Park. Chicago doesn't get more European."

Drinks:
"I would have to say the neighborhood bar — anyplace with an Old Style sign hanging out front, where you're likely to find Tom Petty and AC/DC on the jukebox and regular people at the bar. Although if you're at Selmarie, you might as well head to the [Chicago] Brauhaus across the street or Huettenbar next door for some German beers as big as your head."

Select Cut
2808 N. Halsted St., Chicago
773-244-1500

Café Selmarie
4729 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
773-989-5595

Chicago Brauhaus
4732 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
773-784-4444

Huettenbar
4721 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
773-561-2507

Where is the best place to see a movie in the city?

Although the AMC River East 21 is probably technologically the best theater in Chicago, my heart belongs to the Landmark Century Center Cinema. The selection of non-blockbuster, high-end art-house fare; the always friendly staff (who actually seem to know something about the films playing there); and the variety of concessions combine to make going there a treat every time. But almost as important is the neighborhood surrounding the theater. The restaurant selection alone in a two-block radius around the Century Mall is impressive, beginning with the exceptional EatZi's in the basement of the mall, which in addition to being convenient also offers the great variety of food of any eatery in the neighborhood.

Are there any films coming soon that you're particularly excited about seeing?

Now that we have officially entered into the time of year when studios unleash their most award-worthy films, every week between now and the end of the year will feature some choice offerings.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we'll get such selections as Mel Gibson's Apocalypto; Leonardo DiCaprio in Blood Diamond; Jack Black, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Cameron Diaz in The Holiday; the adaptation of the smash Broadway musical Dreamgirls, with an eye-opening turn from Eddie Murphy; and Will Smith in the drama The Pursuit of Happiness.

The week of Christmas, the floodgates open. Expect much buzz around Clint Eastwood's Japanese-perspective companion film to Flags of Our Fathers, called Letters from Iwo Jima, the release date of which was pushed forward from next year to qualify it for an Oscar. I'm also looking forward to the Robert De Niro-directed The Good Shepherd, about the birth of the modern CIA; We Are Marshall, the true story of a football team that must piece itself together after most of the players are killed in a plane crash; and Curse of the Golden Flower, the latest visually stunning offerings from Zhang Yimou (Hero; House of Flying Daggers). And I'm not going to lie, I'm also extremely curious about Rocky Balboa, the sixth Sylvester Stallone film about the aging boxer. Expect two remarkable releases on Christmas Day: Children of Men with Clive Owens and Michael Caine; and The Good German, the black-and-white, post-WWII-set suspense film from director Steven Soderbergh, starring George Clooney and Cate Blanchett.

Do you have any Oscar predictions, based on what you've seen so far this year?

I haven't thought much about actual Oscar winners at this point. But most of the films I've listed above are definite contenders. I'd also look for a heap of nomination to be given to Martin Scorsese's The Departed and Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers, although I'm not sure these are deserved. The film I'll be personally cheering for is The Queen. I think star Helen Mirren is a lock to win Best Actress, but pay special attention to co-star Michael Sheen, who plays Tony Blair. He's equally good and equally worthy. I wouldn't be surprised to see Forrest Whitaker get a nod for scaring me to death playing Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.

At this point, I think the Dixie Chicks documentary Shut Up and Sing is the film to beat in that category. One film I hope doesn't get overlooked is Babel, which has no clear star (in terms of screen time) but has a script that is more complex and worthy than anything else this year. The list goes on and on. Ask me again in three months, and I'll tell you who most of the winners will be — I win Oscars pools all over Chicago every year!

Is Chicago a good biking city?
"Definitely. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation with the backing of Mayor Daley have made Chicago one of the best cities in the country to bike in. It's an easy city to get around with plenty of bike lanes being made more widespread as time goes by. Chicago is also flat. The question is, why aren't more people biking in this city?

Where are some of the best places to ride?
The lakefront path is obviously the best way to get around via bike. You have a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan and you can easily traverse north and south and get places. Downtown in the business district on a weeknight is great — lots of beautiful architecture, quiet streets and just you.

What's your favorite restaurant?
That's a tough one but I'd have to say Tanoshii in Andersonville. Sushi Mike, as he's known, makes some of the best sushi I've ever had. The merging of really good sushi and the sauces of the French make not for "fusion" but more for what sushi could be in the future.

Any films you're looking forward in the next week or two?
I'm excited to see Darren Aronofsky's new film, The Fountain. I've been hearing about this one for years now. It's been one of those epic stop-and-start films that take forever to make due to the vision of the director. I look forward to see Aronofsky's new take on this new genre that's been evolving lately, a mix of sci-fi, fantasy and reality.

Sweet Alice just opened up on October 10; what's it like and what's on the menu?
What we're shooting for is a real dive bar with good bar food. You can never find really good bar food, but we think we've got it here. There's not a lot of places where you can pick up a six pack of wings and a can of Schlitz.

Do you go any place special when you're not in the kitchen?
I'm kind of a metro type guy, I like to dress up and go out on the town. The Blue Line Club Car is the kind of place where you can do that. And it's a three-minute walk from my apartment.

Any shows coming up you're looking forward to?
I try to catch Roosevelt Jenkins whenever I can — one of the bartenders is in the band.

Sweet Alice
1415 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
773/227-3310

How did you get into screening concert posters?

Through Bob Hartzell at Screwball Press; he was my introduction to screenprinting. I started making posters for my friend Ken Vandermark's band, and by extension began doing posters for the free jazz scene. And from there I started to do rock posters, too, bands like Low and the Melvins.

You're also a fan of punk rock. How did you make the jump to jazz?

I was naturally attracted to the music of John Coltrane while I was in the midst of punk scene, and he opened me up to the history of jazz and Ornette Coleman and others. Right around that time, the Vandermark Quartet was just beginning to play around, and I just really started to go out see a lot of music about that time, That's when the Chicago improv jazz scene was really starting to blossom.

What shows are you looking forward to?

While I don't occasionally catch a rock show, I generally go to jazz and improvized music in Chicago. Definitely the upcoming Vandermark 5 show on Wednesday at the Hideout is a do-not-miss. Also, in the next two weeks you'll see a multitude of appearances by legendary reed player Peter Brötzmann, in conjunction with Experimental Sound Studios' concert series.

Vandermark 5, Nov. 8
The Hideout
1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago
773-227-4433

You're a musician as well as a stylist — what shows are you looking forward to this week?

I'd like to say Wilco, but they're sold out both nights, so instead I'd go to the Frank Black show. [The Pixies'] "Surfer Rosa" is one of the best albums of all time, and he got the Breeders and Johnny Polonski their starts. Later this month, I'd definitely go see the Black Keys November 24 at the Vic. I saw them open for Radiohead awhile back; they put on a great show.

Where should we head after the show?

After hours, I like the Underbar, on Western just north of Belmont. It's really small and cozy, and the people are awesome.

I really like Coobah for a casual evening, but if I was really trying to impress my date, I'd go to either Avec or Landmark. I'm a big fan of French food, and Avec's versions of French cuisine are really rich and interesting. The Landmark's chef Giuseppe Scurato comes up with some of the most amazing dishes, and the restaurant's interior is stunning. I had the juniper seared bison carpaccio last time I was there, and it was like a little piece of heaven.

Milios Hair Salon
959 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
773-549-1461