"I was here recently with my girlfriend and one of my best friends and his wife. The place has a jazz theme and is aesthetically pleasing. The food was amazing—we tried pretty much everything. I recommend the Caesar salad; they make it at the table, which is an experience in itself. We also had oysters, both West Coast and East Coast. For the main course, we shared a 30-ounce steak for the four of us. That was excellent. Of course, we also enjoyed a bottle of great Italian wine."

"A renowned Japanese barista runs this coffee shop, which appeals to my Japanese heritage. The interior is interestingly grungy, with a bar downstairs and the coffee shop on the ground level. They specialize in matcha, though I prefer their cortados and lattes. My girlfriend tried a matcha drink, and I was impressed by the intricate preparation. While some customers just want quick service, you can tell this place prides itself on careful preparation and attention to detail in every drink."

"I’m into shopping in general, so this large mall is a nice place to clear my head and walk around. There’s a range of stores, from Zara to Nordstrom. I particularly enjoy going to interior design stores like Crate & Barrel and The Container Store. Then there are department stores and specialty shops, from Williams Sonoma to Neiman Marcus. It’s outdoors, so it’s a nice place to walk around and enjoy, especially when the weather’s nice."

"Notre is a clothing store that caters to my style. The store’s design is impressive; they carry a large selection of shoes, apparel, thrifted items, and fragrances. I always find great pieces. The staff is down-to-earth, adding to the great experience. My style? I’d say it’s versatile, switching between sweats, tailored looks, suits, streetwear, and designer pieces. I lean toward tailored and quiet luxury, preferring outfits that reflect my personality rather than attention-grabbing ensembles."

"Good Ambler is another coffee shop I stumbled upon. It’s a spacious place with an open, lobby-like area where people often hold meetings. I primarily went for the coffee, which was excellent. They also offer these little pastries that my son loves. They have various flavors, including small chocolate ball treats that are very good. I don’t usually indulge in sweets, but I tried a couple and was pleasantly surprised. The combination of great coffee and pastries makes it a nice spot to visit."

"Rōti is a quick-eat place for me. I was a big fan of Cava, which is similar to Chipotle. I was searching for a Cava here in Chicago, but there wasn’t one until a few months ago, when a location opened in Wicker Park. Meanwhile, I stumbled upon a place called Rōti. It’s one of those places that offers a quick, healthy meal that satisfies my needs. I usually do a build-your-own bowl, with rice, lettuce, chicken, and hummus options. For dressings, I just go with what I’m feeling and switch it up."

"The Logan Square Farmers Market is a perfect Sunday activity, especially when the weather’s nice. Since I don’t have many Sundays off, I love to have the opportunity to venture into the city and explore the market. It offers a variety of options—from fresh fruits to local florists, bakeries, and coffee stands. I’ve even found some to-die-for empanadas there. You name it, they have it!"

"There’s a lot I love about Ummo. Not only is the food great, but the upstairs is like this really cool cocktail lounge. There’s a pool table and nice drinks. If you go on a good night, a DJ is up there, and it turns into this nightlife lounge—kind of like a cool blend of everything. I’m not into going to clubs, but this is a great in-between option."

"Oysters are a dish I’ve recently started enjoying. I learned how to dress them up well, which made all the difference. At Trivoli Tavern, the ambience is fantastic, and the food is superb. When it comes to dressing oysters, I go all out—Tabasco, mignonette, you name it. Then it’s down the hatch! I prefer East Coast oysters over West Coast ones. I find East Coast oysters tastier and more manageable with their smaller size."

"I love to come here to reset the mind. They have a combination of everything from saunas to baths to ice baths. It’s a place to relax and get away from everything. Life goes so fast, and you get caught up in work and traveling, but this is a way to reset. It’s a good time. I’ve only been a couple of times so far, because of my schedule, but I hope to go more."