Gina

Gina is a 27 year old creative professional and small business owner specializing in graphic design, marketing and communication.  She owns her own company, Mouse+Ink Graphic Design Studio, Inc., and has resided in Chicago all her life.  Gina currently lives in the Bucktown neighborhood. 

How long have you lived in Bucktown? 
I’ve been in this ‘hood for about 4 years. I grew up on the Northwest Side, in the Portage Park neighborhood. I went to Loyola University in Rogers Park, and have lived in Lakeview East, Wrigleyville and Wicker Park.

What do you like best about living in your neighborhood? 
I like being surrounded by other small business owners and creative people. Although there are more retail storefronts than galleries nowadays, the area still attracts the entrepreneurial and artistic spirit.

What do you consider to be your neighborhood’s best hidden or undiscovered gem? 
Wow. Where to begin! I think that I would have to say that there are more green spaces than people realize. Personally, I live walking distance to five parks: Churchill Park, Wicker Park, Holstein Park, Erhler Park and Walsh Park.

What is the best way to explore your neighborhood? Is it particularly walkable or bike-friendly? 
Bike- and walking-friendly, although I think that walking is the preferred method. You could easily fly past a small storefront, an interesting piece of street art, or a below street-level vintage shop if you are moving too fast.

What would you consider to be not-to-be-missed restaurants in your neighborhood? 
I am quite the carboholic! I love Caffe DeLuca, Toast Two or Feast for breakfast or brunch. Forno is also great restaurant… Piece - of course! - is amazing as well. Olivia’s Market has great sandwiches and salads. 6 Corners Sports Bar is a great place to watch games and grab a bite...

Where is the best place to grab a cup of coffee in your neighborhood? 
Caffe DeLuca for sure!

What are five words you would use to describe your neighborhood? 
Uber-urban; Hipster-filled; Community-oriented; Artist-friendly; One-of-a-kind

Now, for some more general Chicago-related questions, what is your favorite thing about the city? 
The skyline. From any view. Especially overhead or from the lake! Whenever I return home from a trip or vacation, I always get teary-eyed when I first catch a glimpse… I’m home.

If you have a favorite neighborhood beside the one in which you live, what is it and why?
I will always be partial to Portage Park, since that is the neighborhood where I grew up, went to day camp every summer, and spent the first 18 years of my life! It is a warm and diverse community with a beautiful park as its crown jewel. 

What’s the last fun thing you’ve done in Chicago?

A recent birthday celebration with my besties! We had dinner at Jerry’s in Wicker Park then went out on the town. Of course, you can't beat the summertime street fests!  We suffer through the winter for street fest season...

What is your favorite restaurant in the city? 
Overall, Angelina’s on Broadway

What is your favorite pizza place? 
Piece Pizza & Brewery

What’s a good place to grab after-work drinks?

Too many to chose from! I really like Northside Bar for cocktails, Bucktown Pub for tap beer and Bluebird if you are looking for a great glass of wine.

What is your favorite place to grab brunch in the city?

Caffe DeLuca on Damen

Cubs or Sox fan?

Cubbies. “Someday we’ll go all the way.” – Eddie Vedder

What is your favorite place to see live music in Chicago?

I’ve been to Lollapalooza every year since it landed here in Chicago!

What is your favorite piece of public art in Chicago?

Always loved the Picasso in Daley Plaza. But I am partial to the Michael Jordan bronze at the United Center. My mom is a sculptor and often works in bronze– she actually has a studio/gallery in the Flat Iron Arts building, right here in the neighborhood!

Where do you like to bring visiting friends or out-of-town guests?

Of course, it depends on the guest, but the architecture cruise on the river and Wrigley Field are always big hits.

What is your favorite hidden Chicago treasure, a spot or activity that few else know about?

Portage Park: Olympic-size swimming pool. Tons of feisty squirrels. Weeping willows all around… It's a great place for a picnic on a summer afternoon...

Photo by: Rebecca Peplinski