Avec, Bang Bang Pie, and Freds: Andrea Goldman’s Chicago

WHERE TO EAT AND SIP:
My all-time favorite place to eat after all these years is the bar at Avec. I love to order the bacon-wrapped, chorizo-stuffed dates, pork shoulder and sweet corn with a glass of Spanish white wine. I also love vegetable-forward restaurant Bad Hunter—their butter dumplings and wood-grilled chanterelle mushrooms are incredible. Cherry Circle Room at the Chicago Athletic Association has fun tableside cocktails and the best French onion soup in the city. And if you need a great snack, the chili cheese curds and habanero popcorn at Antique Taco—paired with the house rosemary margarita—are the way to go. After an event, I love to work in a late-night stop at Wiener Circle in Lincoln Park. And of course, in the morning, hit up Bang Bang Pie for their fresh biscuits.

WHERE TO SEE ART:
I always recommend walking the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago. They have such an incredible collection of iconic works. As for local galleries, some of the best are in West Town and the West Loop, like Monique Meloche Gallery (which currently has an incredible exhibition from Sanford Biggers), Corbett vs. Dempsey, and Kavi Gupta.

WHERE TO RELAX AND HAVE FUN:
I find walking through the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park to be very peaceful and restorative. Hanging out in the Music Room at Soho House is also a great way to unwind—it’s a cozy and intimate space and they have wonderful performances and workshops. And having a glass of rosé on the balcony of Freds at Barneys is one of the best ways to take in the views of our beautiful city.