Edition: Summer Times
Celebrity Concierge
Author: Jody Robbins
Rick Bayless' Chicago
A well-known advocate of deep-rooted, traditional Mexican cooking, celebrity chef Rick Bayless (see his appearance on Iron Chef) operates Frontera Grill and Topolobampo (445 N. Clark St., 312-661-1434).
The former sports lines out the door on a consistent basis and serves rustic, authentic Mexican food, while the latter elevates this ages-old cuisine into a four-star fine-dining experience. Bayless also has scored hits with his PBS show, Mexico: One Plate at a Time, award-winning cookbooks, and his own line of cooking products. He is a dedicated supporter of sustainable agriculture, backing up talk with walk by founding the Frontera Farmer's Foundation, which provides capital to small, sustainable farms. Bayless knows Mexico like the back of his hand, so imagine spending a day with the man (and the family) in Chicago.
Here's his picks:
6 a.m.
I am an early riser by nature-even though I work late [nights] at the restaurant. I make my own breakfast, usually regular yogurt and granola. I'm also into this hot kashi cereal, too. Then, I practice yoga nearly every day. I love it. By the time I finish, the rest of my family is up and I eat again with them-something simple. Eggs, coffee, etc.
9:00 a.m.
I live in Bucktown with my wife and daughter, so if we go out to breakfast, we'd probably walk to Jane's (1655 W. Cortland St., 773-862- 5263). Then, I work out at the Lakeshore Athletic Club (441 N. Wabash Ave., 312-644-4880) downtown. I am really into lifting weights in combination with my yoga.
"In general, I like to try new places in our neighborhood, and support all their hard work."
12 p.m.
When we do have a day off together, my family and I might end up listening to gospel music at one of the city's churches. Last weekend, we went to Ravinia (418 Sheridan Rd., 847-266-5000), saw Pink Martini, and loved it. We packed a gourmet treat basket.
5 p.m.
We like simple meals on our days off, but if we want to go somewhere special, it's usually Lula Café (2537 N. Kedzie Blvd., 773-489-9554) in Logan Square. They shop local and their food tastes great. In general, I like to try new places in our neighborhood, and support all their hard work. I also like going to Hot Chocolate (1747 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-1747) with my daughter, and we always love sushi at Mirai (2020 W. Division St., 773-862-8500).
7:00 p.m.
We love to go to any one of Chicago's world-class theaters, especially the Steppenwolf Theatre Company (1650 N. Halsted St., 312- 335-1650) and the Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works (821 N. Michigan Ave., 312-337-0665).
9:00 p.m.
I rarely get to spend a night on the town, as that's when I'm working at the restaurants. We periodically take the entire management staff out to dinner, and tend to hit hot spots after, like The Green Mill (4802 N. Broadway, 773-878-5552), or we sit outside at NoMI (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030).
10:30 p.m.
The end of the night just depends. When I'm with my daughter, we hit the sack by around this time. On the weekends, when I'm at the restaurant, we generally don't get home until around midnight, so it's a long day.
Jane's
1653 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60647
Only healthy food at this spot.
Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.
Mirai Sushi
2020 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622
The stylish two-level sushi spot offers a minimalist earth-toned lower level with a sushi bar, and an upper level space featuring a more modern vibe geared towards lounging.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614
This popular theatre in Old Town has been performing shows for the last 30 years.
Lookingglass Theatre
821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Located in Chicago's historic Water Tower, the Lookingglass Theatre presents progressive, dynamic, and intelligent productions often with an intense physicality.
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
4802 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640
This 1930s and 1940s inspired jazz club was once a former hang out of the infamous gangster Al Capone. The history of the Prohibition-era gangsters still seeps through the musty walls.
NoMi
800 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago, NoMi boasts stunning views of Michigan Avenue.
