Tammy

Tammy is a web and photography freelancer, an urban gardener, bicyclist and semi-pro restaurant critic; she is a resident of Albany Park.

Tammy likes to explore restaurants in the neighborhoods. Check out Tammy's Photo Journal, a part of our Life By the Lake: Flickr Photo Journals project.

Tell me about your photo project in your own words. What sorts of things do you like to take photos of?

I photograph food and restaurants in Chicago as part of creating the Chicago Bites podcast. I also love to photograph trains, tourists taking pictures, and scenes of urban decay. I’m happiest taking pictures of graffiti or things I find on sidewalks or in alleys.

Tell us about your podcast. Why did you start doing restaurant reviews?

About three years ago, my friend Bridget Houlihan and I wanted to start a podcast because we were excited to try the technology. But we weren’t certain what the show should be about. We spent so much time talking about podcasting over dinner that we felt that food would be a great subject for us. Turns out we love restaurants, food and podcasting equally and we haven’t slowed down since.

What are your favorite restaurants?

Oh, that’s like picking a favorite child! I prefer to eat in small neighborhood restaurants, though I do enjoy an occasional 10-course meal at a high-end, trendy spot. I find myself returning to Semiramis, Noon-O-Kabab, Mixteco Grill a lot because they have great food, are reasonably priced and near public transportation. I would never turn down an offer to eat at Moto or Alinea, though!

What are your favorite types of cuisine?

I love Persian cuisine, Mexican, Vietnamese, sushi, and have a particular fondness for any dessert with pistachios. I’ve never turned down a good piece of tuna. On the flip side, I really don’t like Indian or Ethiopian food.

What are your favorite chefs?

Rick Bayless, Homaro Cantu, and the person who makes the baba ghanouj at Semiramis. I love that guy.

Do you like to cook? Or just eat out?

I like to cook meals for other people, but don’t cook for myself as often as I should. I’m known for making weird desserts for my friends.

Do you enjoy going to the farmer's market?

Love the farmer’s market! I grew up on a farm, so I believe strongly in supporting local agriculture and growing your own food.

Cubs or Sox?

Cubs!

Favorite Pizza?

I like thin crust pizza, so I’ll go for things like Renaldi’s and Spacca Napoli

Favorite Hot Dog Spot?

Hot Doug’s

Favorite skyline view?

From the lady’s bathroom at the Signature Room

Favorite place to take out of town guests?

The Gage – it’s great food & close to many of the downtown attractions. Their desserts are excellent.

Favorite date night?

Wednesday. It’s usually pretty easy to get a reservation mid-week.

Favorite lunch spot?

If I can pull my friends away from their desks, I like to take them to Frontera Grill.

Favorite summer activity?

Dining al fresco and biking everywhere.

Favorite season?

Fall – that’s squash and apple season!

I like to talk about Chicago because...

The restaurant scene in Chicago is so vibrant and interesting. It would take me forever to eat my way through the city & that makes me very happy.