Mike

Greeter since 2010, lives in Andersonville.  

What is your current profession or your previous profession?
In my “real” life, I am a chef and food consultant.

What neighborhood do you live in?
Andersonville.

What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
The world-class architecture, arts, music and culture.

What is your favorite neighborhood and why?
I love my neighborhood, Andersonville, for its vibrant food scene, independently-owned business, tree-lined streets, and small-town feel.

Favorite summertime activity?
A different summer festival every weekend!

Where can you find the best view of the Chicago skyline?
Two favorites: from the Adler Planetarium and from the restaurant (Cite) on the top of Lakepoint Tower

What are your favorite places to show visitors?
I love taking them into buildings that they wouldn’t normally have walked into or that look even more spectacular inside than you may think from the outside. The Rookery and Palmer House are two in particular.

What is your favorite restaurant?
As a food professional, this is impossible to answer! But I do always love good Thai food from Sticky Rice (Western/Irving Park)

Favorite pizza place?

Lou Malnati’s

Deep Dish or Thin Crust?
Deep Dish most of the time

Favorite Chicago tradition?
Visits to the Museum of Science & Industry

Favorite place in Chicago?
The view of the skyscrapers from the Chicago River

Favorite hidden spot?
Under a tree along the bike path near Belmont Harbor, looking toward downtown.

Where do you like to go for fun?
That one’s too hard!

Why did you become a Chicago Greeter?
I love talking about this city and making people feel welcome.

What was your most memorable Chicago Greeter experience?
After giving a tour to two visiting couples, I received in the mail a lovely handmade thank-you card, a copy of the picture we took together, and a bag of candy … all the way from China!