Rob

Theater director, college professor and avid gardener; 48; Chicago resident for nearly 20 years; lives with his partner in the Rogers Park neighborhood

What neighborhood do you live in?
Rogers Park – been here 7-1/2 years. It’s a great neighborhood – ethnically and culturally diverse – lots of greenery – room to spread out. Great access to the lake too!

What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
Let’s start with the lakefront. What a brilliant urban planning idea to reserve it as a park. It is the city’s backyard and, on a nice day, you see every type of person there enjoying it. It’s an amazing place.

Now let’s talk food. Amazing restaurants of all cuisines and price levels. We were in Napa Valley recently (sorry California) and went to a lot of well-known restaurants, and we kept saying – we can get this in Chicago or we know a place in Chicago that does this better.

Where do you like to go for fun?
I try to go to as many theater productions as possible. Chicago is the best theater town! I also like to go to the Garfield Park Conservatory to look at the plants. Lincoln Park Zoo is always fun (and free!). One of our favorite things to do is to spend an afternoon at art galleries.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Just one?! No can do. Some favorites are: Aigre Doux across from the Merchandise Mart. North Pond Café in Lincoln Park. La Cazuela in Rogers Park for Mexican seafood.

What is your favorite place for hot dogs?
U Lucky Dawg on Western in Rogers Park (formerly Flukeys)

Favorite pizza place?
Candlelight on Western in Rogers Park for micro-thin crust and great flavors. Gigio’s on Broadway in Uptown for New York style floppy crust pizza.

Where can you find the best view of the Chicago skyline?
Montrose Harbor. Driving on Lake Shore Drive or biking the lakefront is amazing too.

Favorite hidden spot?
Warren Park – there’s a great walking and biking path around the golf course. I go out there many mornings and you see people of all ages and ethnicities going for a walk. That’s Chicago!