Z.J.

Z.J. 37, has lived in Chicago for 9 years and currently resides in the Chinatown neighborhood.  He is President of the Chinese Cultural Institute, which promotes Chinese culture through language classes, culinary excursions and other diverse public programs.

What neighborhood do you live in?
Chinatown, which happens  to be one of Chicago's top tourist destinations. The neighborhood was settled almost 100 years ago, but its residents and businesses still retain a very strong Chinese cultural identity.  With over 50 restaurants, 40 retailers, 15 grocery stores, 10 bakeries, as well as banks, media outlets, houses of worship and much more, Chinatown is in many ways a small town of its own.

What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
Its architecture and diverse communities.

Where do you like to go for fun?
The theater, parks, bars, etc.

Where do you like to eat?
There are far too many to list here, but I  definitely eat in Chinatown a lot. I also organize the Chopsticks Club, a monthly dining club that visits different restaurants to experience the full range of Chinese cuisine, including some of its more exotic dishes, in a fun and unintimidating setting.

What is your favorite Chinese restaurant?
Each restaurant has something I like, but since I particularly like spicy food, I’d say Lao Sze Chuan in Chinatown Square.

Favorite pizza place?
Uno's

Favorite summertime activity?
I like going to the beach, and attending concerts

Favorite season?
Definitely Summer!

Cubs or Sox?
Cubs –  but I don’t tell people that when I take the Red Line train back home heading south!

Favorite Chicago tradition?
The many summer activities at Grant Park and Millennium Park.

What’s the best place to view the city skyline?
The Museum Campus and aboard the Odyssey sightseeing cruise.

Where do you like to bring visiting friends or out-of-town guests?
The Museum Campus, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), Millennium Park, Chinatown, Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation's boat cruise.

What is a hidden Chicago treasure to you?
Ping Tom Park in Chinatown, and my Chinese Cultural Bookstore on the second floor of Chinatown Square.