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Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

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Home›featured-blogs›Chicago Insider›Chicago Insider: Ernest Wilkins on dining at Au Cheval, drinks at Lumen and Revolution, and where to find the “Hangover Killer”

Chicago Insider: Ernest Wilkins on dining at Au Cheval, drinks at Lumen and Revolution, and where to find the “Hangover Killer”

By TheRealChicagoOnline
March 12, 2014
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Name: Ernest Wilkins Ernest Wilkins

Occupation: Digital producer at RedEye

How long you’ve lived here: 23 years (not counting two years in Atlanta and three in Tallahassee, FL)

What you like best about Chicago: The “get it done” mentality. There’s a lot less unnecessary BS in this city. Chicagoans are who they are, for better or for worse.

Best meal you’ve had recently: The pan con chicharron sandwich at 4 Suyos in Logan Square. I call it “The Hangover Killer.” It’s good anytime though.

Korean wings at Crisp

Favorite big-name restaurant: Pequod’s and Big Star.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Crisp. Crisp, Crisp, Crisp. All day, every day.

Best sports bar to catch the game: Two Way Lounge in Logan Square, Anthem (Division), Rebel (Wrigleyville), The Ogden (West Loop) — depends on the team I’m watching.

A great night out with friends usually includes… pre-gaming it at Rossi’s, then heading to dinner. (I don’t go to dinner with more than four people. Life is so much easier that way.) Somewhere like Au Cheval is a good look. Then a stop at Lumen — they take care of me every time I’m there. Lotta love. Late-night eats (Boiler Room, Jubilee, Dimo’s pizza) might happen, then after-hours in my backyard.

Revolution samples

Samples at Revolution Brewpub

Favorite store or best shopping area: Fat Tiger Workshop, Leaders 1354, Haberdash, the Men’s Store at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The best way to spend a winter Saturday in the city: Hit the Bang Bang Pie Shop for a breakfast sandwich, then grab a stool at the Revolution Brewpub in the early afternoon. Try everything. Go to dinner, catch a Bulls or Hawks game, then take your drunk ass to bed.

One thing every visitor must do here: Leave the Loop.
Secret Chicago spot: Not telling. Yes, that’s lame. No, I don’t care.

Underrated activity in the city: UIC basketball games. Always super cheap, and there’s a bunch of great bars around that way.

What’s one place you hear great things about but have yet to try? Anything that costs a lot of money. A lot of the buzz restaurants are still too rich for my blood.

Tags4 SuyosAnthem ChicagoAu ChevalBang Bang Pie ShopBig StarBoiler RoomCrisp ChicagoDimo's PizzaErnest WilkinsFat Tiger WorkshopHaberdashJubilee ChicagoLeaders 1354LumenMen's Store Saks Fifth AvenuePequod'sRebel WrigleyvilleRevolution BrewpubRossi'sThe OgdenTwo Way Lounge
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