Ever wish you had an active local’s opinion on how best to enjoy your own city? We have too, so here are some answers

Name: Chad Kase

Age: 36

Occupation: Web developer

How long you’ve lived here: 13 years

What you like best about Chicago: I really enjoy how Chicago feels like a small town. The people are friendly, and once you master a few of the one-way streets and the CTA, it’s a pretty easy place to get around in.

Best meal you’ve had recently: I was just in the South Loop and had lunch at Opart Thai House on State Street. The food is good, but the Tiger Cry appetizer is just awesome!

Favorite big-name restaurant: Hands down the best big-name restaurant is Capital Grille. The steaks are the best in the city, and the service is top notch. Each time I go, it seems to get better.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant:  That’s the great thing about Chicago, there are “hidden gems” all over the place. Taco Joint on Armitage and Halsted or Yuzu Sushi in Ukrainian Village are two places I really like.

Best sports bar to catch the game: Will’s Northwoods Inn is the best place to watch any sporting event… especially if you’re from Wisconsin!

A great night out with friends usually includes… trying a new place for dinner followed by a few drinks at a low-key bar.

Favorite store or best shopping area: I’m not a shopper, and when I do shop, it’s usually online. But I am a sucker when it comes to running shoes at Fleet Feet.

The best way to spend a winter Saturday in the city: I’d like to be sophisticated and say I like spending winter Saturdays in one of the great museums in Chicago, but I really enjoy taking in a movie with a big tub of popcorn.

One thing every visitor must do here: The architectural boat tour is excellent! It took me eight years of living here before I experienced it. But it’s by far one of the best ways to see the city’s architecture and learn the history behind Chicago.

Secret Chicago spot: I’m not sure how much of a secret it is, but Northerly Island on the lake is a great place to bike and run. It has a bike path that is just over a mile loop long and is never crowded. It’s quiet, peaceful and has a 360-degree view of either the lake or the city skyline.

Underrated activity in the city: Running on the lakefront isn’t an underrated activity most of the year, but during the winter, it definitely is. It’s a pretty cool experience running south from North Avenue Beach to Navy Pier and looking at the city skyline as it’s snowing.