JEFF MAURO TAKES US ON A TOUR OF CHICAGO
JEFF MAURO, A BORN AND RAISED LIFE LONG CHICAGOAN IS CONSTANTLY EATING AND COOKING, WHICH IS GOOD NEWS SINCE HE'S A HUGE PRESENCE ON THE FOOD NETWORK (NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR, THE SANDWICH KING AND THE KITCHEN, TO NAME A FEW) AND IS ALSO THE EXECUTIVE CHEF OF THE NEWLY OPENED PORK & MINDY’S IN CHICAGO. HIS WIFE SARAH (MY PERSONAL FAVORITE OF THE TWO), A REGISTERED NURSE, IS ALSO A BORN AND RAISED LIFE LONG CHICAGOAN AND SHE IS CONSTANTLY SHOPPING AND GETTING BEAUTY TREATMENTS. TOGETHER, THEY HAVE SUCH A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE, THAT ONLY CHOOSING 7 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THEIR FAIR CITY SEEMS LIKE A CRIME, BUT I MADE THEM STICK TO THE FORMULA. HAVING TRAVELED THE GLOBE AND SPENT AMPLE QUANTITIES OF TIME IN NYC, LA & ABROAD, THEY STILL BELIEVE CHICAGO IS THE WORLD’S MOST ACCESSIBLE AND ADVENTUROUS CITY FILLED WITH RISK TAKERS, TASTE MAKERS AND HUMBLE HARD WORKERS.
AL’s #1 BEEF + MARIO'S ITALIAN LEMONADE
Al's: 1079 W Taylor Street
+1 312 226 4017
Mario's: 1066 W Taylor Street
The best two-fer in the city. After a stroll through Chicago’s liveliest Italian neighborhood, stop into Al’s for a true Chicago beef sandwich (order it “sweet, hot & dipped”) then head across the street to that crowded little lemonade stand. Mario’s (open May-September) has been family-owned for over 60 years and it is, by far, the city’s best Italian Ice. It comes in over 20 flavors and uses only fresh lemons and fresh ripe fruit. The perfect dessert after an Al’s beef. BTW, if you see the owner Skippy, tell him I sent ya … he’ll charge you double.
BLVDIER
211 N Green Street
Made to measure custom suits crafted in the finest Italian fabrics, with limitless options … all included in one attainable price. Founder and fitter Zach Uttich may look young, but his style and talent are as seasoned as even the oldest, crotchety Italian tailor. Located in the burgeoning Fulton Market District/West Loop, this place is classic enough to convert your old man, yet fresh enough to make you feel fresh. Call Zach, make an appointment, show up, pour a tumbler of bourbon and start building the bespoke suit of your dreams.
BOHEMIAN HOUSE
11 W Illinois Street
+1 312 955 0439
If you want to experience big Chicago food executed with a deft hand then this is a must. Only in Chicago will you find balanced and creative Bohemian food made by a greek guy named Jimmy Papadopoulous. Award winning housemade wursts, golden schnitzels, killer kraut and the best chicken liver toast I’ve ever had. Couple all this with a lively crowd in the city’s hottest neighborhood and it's one of the most enjoyable restaurants in the city.
FELT CHICAGO
2317 N Milwaukee Avenue
+1 773 772-5000
This is a must for women that want more than just typical clothing brands. Felt carries up and coming designers alongside many that we know and love. Their attention to detail and love for helping each costumer is impeccable. You will walk out of there feeling like a million bucks!
THE LANGHAM HOTEL
330 North Wabash Avenue
+1 312 923 9988
The perfect combination of service, style and comfort. Occupying 15 floors in the legendary Mies Van de Rohe IBM building, the Langham has sweeping views of both the skyline and the river. Service is genuine, the rooms are large and plush and the location is right in the heart of it all. Book a room on the club level with my friend Carlos to get the full Luxurious Langham experience. You’ll not only receive a private check in, but have access to their team of butlers and all that the beautiful club lounge has to offer: full breakfast, daily assortment of well crafted snacks, espresso and nightly cocktails and wine. If I could, I would live there.
PORK & MINDY'S
1623 N. Milwaukee
My brand new attempt to take over the fast-casual market. Pork & Mindy’s has seven legendary “sangwiches,” all made with natural-wood-smoked, humanely-raised meats. Standouts include a smoked, hand-pulled leg of lamb sandwich with housemade tzatizki, the Bao to the Pork (smoked pork, Asian plumb, steamed bao bun) and the first-ever Chicken and “French Toast” on a maple bourbon buttered “French toast” bun. Treat yourself to some tots off the totty menu and hand scooped cannoli ‘nados while you listen to the in-house recorded live local music playing over the speakers. Don’t forget to peruse (or purchase) the original art work adorning the walls; all made by local Chicago artists. Pork & Mindy’s is truly the only place your eyes, ears and mouths can be sated at once.
SOLO SALON
1065 W Madison Street
+1 312 491 9771
If you’re a lady, get an eyebrow wax and tint from Basha. If you’re a dude with 12-o-clock shadow, you’re getting a cut and hot shave from Michael Singer in the city’s most comfortable barber chair.
