George Pudlo
Occupation: Hotel concierge and tour guide
How long you’ve lived here: Five years.
What you like best about Chicago: The architecture. It by far surpasses that of any other American city.
Best meal you’ve had recently: Korean BBQ kogi and curry fries from Belly Shack, a follow up restaurant to the much-acclaimed Urban Belly.
Favorite big-name restaurant: Quartino.
Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Pick Me Up Cafe in the Lakeview neighborhood.
Best sports bar to catch the game: Mother Hubbard’s.
A great night out with friends usually includes… dinner at a new restaurant we’ve never been to followed by drinks at Roscoe’s in Boystown.
Favorite store or best shopping area: Gift Shop at the Art Institute’s Modern Wing. They have fascinating books on art and architecture.
The best way to spend a summer Saturday in Chicago: Go for a stroll down Michigan Avenue and through Millennium Park. Pick up a coffee at Intelligentsia on Randolph. Check out the Modern Wing at the Art Institute for an hour or so. Have dinner at a trendy River North restaurant. Complete the evening with a relaxing evening sail on the Tall Ship Windy at Navy Pier.
One thing every visitor must do here: Take a walk down Michigan Avenue and along the Chicago River and just look at the buildings. Without paying attention to what’s in the storefront or what’s at eye level, look up at our gorgeous structures and notice how, despite their apparent stylistic differences, they create a spectacular,collective ensemble.
While in Chicago, don’t bother… going to the Taste of Chicago fireworks. It is a cesspool of wild animals.
Secret Chicago spot: The Alfred Caldwell Lilly pool in Lincoln Park adjacent to the zoo.
Underrated activity in the city: Chicago History Museum.
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