Amy 

Author of adult and children’s books, a contributor to magazines and NPR, and host of the literary and music variety show Writers’ Block Party; lived in Chicago most of adult life; married to Jason, and has three kids. Visit www.whoisamy.wordpress.com

What neighborhood do you live in?
Lakeview

What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
The summers.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Avec

What is your favorite place for hot dogs?
Wrigley Field

Favorite summertime activity?
Going to Millennium Park. Day or night, I can’t get enough of it. I love it so much I want to marry it.

Favorite Chicago tradition?
Helping each other dig our cars out of the snow in the winter.

Where do you like to bring visiting friends or out-of-town guests?
Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain (I find it profoundly lovely and mesmerizing), and Lula Café in Logan Square. I like to take them for a stroll down Southport Avenue and go see live music at the Hideout, Beat Kitchen or Schuba's.

Best seat to watch a Cubs game from?
At my house--I'm close enough to hear the crowd roar. It's such a cool sound and feeling.

Favorite activity to do with kids?
Walk to the Dairy Queen on Grace Street.

What children’s activity is the most fun (while secretly being educational)?
Taking the 'L' around the city.

Best family-friendly restaurant?
Southport Grocery & Café and Mitchell's Diner. They’re very different kinds of places, but both are great for families.

Best “date night” restaurant to dine at without the kids?
Avec and Lula Café…at least I'm predictable!