Jennifer T.

A Chicago resident since 2002, Jennifer is a Pilates instructor and freelance event planner.  She is married, without kids, and lives in the Albany Park neighborhood.  A lifelong dancer, Jennifer was Managing Director of Links Hall from 2006-2009, and has worked at several other cultural institutions and events, including the Chicago International Film Festival, the Field Museum, Hedwig Dances, and seasonally for the Evanston Cultural Arts Division as a summer art festival producer.
  

How would you describe Albany Park?

It is full of diversity and has an “older” feel to it, which I find very charming and peaceful. It’s along the Brown Line El Train, the cleanest train in the city with great views as you ride above ground around town. The north branch of the Chicago River is our eastern border, and there are well maintained parks and paths along the river to enjoy the scenery. There are many shops, cafes, and groceries that cater to particular ethnic groups – Mexican, Columbian, Middle Eastern, Korean, etc. When I want a more hip scene, I just walk over the river to Lincoln Square and find all kinds of fun activities there! I’ve been in Albany Park since 2006, and it’s the perfect neighborhood for my active yet laid-back lifestyle.

What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
My favorite thing about Chicago is the fact that it is so HUGE and full of diversity and options, yet the neighborhoods are so cozy and allow you to take small journeys into different cultures or lifestyles or trends. I’ve learned so much about people and about the world just by being in this town. I’m also amazed by the stunning architecture in many areas of the city, and I especially love old buildings and anything with a vintage style. When friends visit Chicago, my main objective is to take them to as many neighborhoods as possible to simply walk around, soak up the vibe of each area, and discover something new each time.

What is your favorite neighborhood and why?
This is a tough question because I love so many neighborhoods! I’ll say Ravenswood, because that really encompasses Lincoln Square, St. Ben’s, the areas around the Metra tracks along Ravenswood Avenue, and the beautiful Ravenswood Manor area along the River, blocks from where I live. There are many great old buildings and warehouses as well as interesting single family homes, and a strong focus on local businesses and sustainable living in this area with farmer’s markets, bike riding, community building at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and a really great park system along the river.

Where do you like to go for fun?
I love Lincoln Square, Andersonville, and Roscoe Village for great shops and food, and Logan Square is home to two of my favorite cafes: Lula and El Cid. I like to bike on the riverfront trail that runs north of Lawrence. My favorite attractions in Chicago are Garfield Park Conservatory and the Museum of Science and Industry. I enjoy walking in any part of town and just popping into places that strike my fancy.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Café Lula (Logan Square), El Cid (Logan Square), El Tinajon (Roscoe Village), Victory’s Banner (Roscoe Village), Chicago Diner (Boystown), Uncommon Ground (Devon Ave.), M. Henry (Andersonville), La Brasa Roja (Albany Park), Tre Kroner (Albany Park), The Grafton (Lincoln Square)

Favorite pizza place?
If a friend is visiting town and wants deep-dish I like the original Pizzaria Uno and Pizzaria Due downtown. I also LOVE Pizza Art Café on Rockwell near Lincoln Square – it’s such an authentic stone-fired pizza place.

Favorite summertime activity?
Bike riding and soaking up the lovely city

Favorite Chicago tradition?
Chicago PRIDE festival and parade

Where do you like to bring visiting friends or out-of-town guests?
We typically eat our way through the city at my favorite cafes, and we shop local boutiques, and we visit attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, or The Field Museum, take an architectural river cruise, and walk around a lot in the neighborhoods.

Favorite hidden spot?
La Brasa Roja – a Columbian rotisserie chicken café in Albany Park.