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Home›featured-blogs›Chicago Insider›Chicago Insider: Nicole Vasquez on exploring neighborhoods, Café Iberico and wine by fireplace at D.O.C.

Chicago Insider: Nicole Vasquez on exploring neighborhoods, Café Iberico and wine by fireplace at D.O.C.

By TheRealChicagoOnline
March 27, 2015
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Name: Nicole Vasquez Nicole Vasquez 2

How long you’ve lived here: I’m a Chicago native (but still hate the cold!)

What you like best about Chicago: Neighborhoods and diversity! Each neighborhood has its own look, feel, flavors and style. We are so lucky to have a vibrant mix of cultures and people from so many different ethnic backgrounds living all in one city. For a travel junkie like me, I love being able to eat Thai food one night, Ethiopian the next night, and classic Neopolitan pizza the following night — and then the next day go grocery shopping at a Polish deli.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Everything I’ve eaten at The Publican. Meat + bread + pickled vegetables = perfection.

The Publican's country rib

The Publican’s country rib

Favorite big-name restaurant: Cafe Iberico. I used to live in Spain, and each time I visit Iberico, I feel transported back overseas. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, the sangria flows liberally, and they serve classic Spanish menu items, traditionally prepared.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: La Ciudad (4515 N. Sheridan). It’s romantic, cozy, the food is amazing, and the owner is so kind and welcoming. Oh yeah, BYOB too, always a plus!

Best sports bar to catch the game: Considering I’ve never uttered the words “Hey, let’s go watch the game,” then Michael’s Pizzeria in Uptown. It’s two blocks from where I live, and they have great thin-crust pizza and buffalo shrimp. Oh yeah, and tons of TVs for my boyfriend, who actually does “watch the game.”

A great night out with friends usually includes… a cozy BYOB restaurant with spicy food, tons of wine, and laughing non-stop while telling jokes and remembering funny memories.

Personal Privilege in Wicker Park

Personal Privilege in Wicker Park

Favorite store or best shopping area: Bucktown/Wicker Park. I own my own business, so time is limited; I love that I can find fun/funky clothes for my personal style and chic professional clothes for work all in one neighborhood.

The best way to spend a winter Saturday in the city: Start with a workout class at The Barre Code or Dailey Method, then overrule the workout with an old-school sub sandwich at Bari’s or Vinnie’s (both on Grand Ave.), visit a great bookstore like The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square or The Seminary Co-Op in Hyde Park, see a stand-up comedy show and laugh till it hurts, then head for wine by the fireplace at D.O.C. Wine Bar.

One thing every visitor must do here: Stay away from the Mag Mile. Instead, ride the CTA and get off at multiple stops to explore the different neighborhoods.

Secret Chicago spot: Montrose Harbor and the lakefront. You get an incredible view of the skyline and it’s a great place to walk, run, or just think about how awesome Chicago is.

Underrated activity in the city: Millennium Park has free concerts all summer. You can bring your own food, wine and blankets, and the musicians are world-renowned. And again, it’s FREE!

What’s one place you hear great things about but have yet to try? High Five Ramen. Especially now that it’s cold out.

TagsBarre CodeBucktown shoppingCafe CiudadCafe IbericoDailey MethodDOC Wine BarHigh Five RamenMichael's Pizzeria ChicagoMillennium ParkNicole VasquezPublicanThe Book CellarThe Shift UptownWicker Park shopping
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