Mell

Mell is a non-profit activist, executive recruiter and proprietor of Welcome Inn Manor, a B&B on Michigan Avenue.  He lives and works in Bronzeville.

What do you like best about living in your neighborhood?
Bronzeville has no traffic congestion, easy accessibility to the Lakefront, Downtown, all major highways and numerous institutions, including the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), University of Chicago, DuSable Museum, Museum of Science and History, McCormick Place, U.S. Cellular Field, President Obama's home and more, much more.

What is your favorite thing about Chicago? 
I love the rich mixture of cultural experiences, ethnicities, and intellectual and spiritual vibe of Chicago. I rarely meet stuffy people in Chicago which is why it is a city of regular people with "big shoulders". Residents and visitors can truly explore by walking any and everywhere in Chicago along the lakefront. City dwellers know that on bicycle, visitors can experience at least 50 different neighborhoods all in the same day without anyone bothering you. Our free outdoor events in the spring and summer and cultural activities are unmatched when compared with any other city in the world!

What is your favorite neighborhood and why?

Bronzeville where I live is my favorite. Although the neighborhood is evolving and re-inventing itself, it has an insightful history as it relates to music in particular- Blues, Jazz, R&B and Gospel. In the 30’s and 40’s, there was a city within a city full of culture, and flavor. There is a neighborhood renaissance of culture around collecting fine art, attracting new restaurants, great people, and an electrifying energy.

Where do you like to go for fun?

We love the lakefront, hanging out at one of many theaters, BYOB restaurants, outdoor movies, music events and biking too. We host and participate in a lot of fun events in our Bronzeville neighborhood group, the Bronzeville Area Residents and Commerce Council. They are always creating fun events that we enjoy, such as bike tours, progressive dinners, house tours and more.

What is your favorite restaurant?

We love Cedars of Lebanon in Hyde Park, Chicago Home of Chicken and Waffle in Bronzeville, Joy Yee's in Chinatown and numerous other BYOB places all around the city as a favorite past-time.

Cubs or Sox?

The White Sox on the Southside baby!

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

We also like Tango Sur on Southport, Nine in the Loop and Giocco in the South Loop.