From downtown Chicago food dining to Skokie suburban shopping, Michele Thompson shares her favorite things to eat, drink, and do in Chicago in this week’s Seek Like a Local.
Explore Chicago Like MICHELE THOMPSON
Michele is a true southern belle at heart from Alabama. On the weekdays she’s working a 9 to 5 but on the weekend she enjoys visiting new restaurants, traveling, creating meal plans, exercising, and cooking.
Food Snob (www.foodsnobconnoissuer.com) is a place where Michele’s passion for food comes to life. Subscribe to her platform as she shares her love for all things food, traveling, and supporting minority and female-owned restaurants and brands through Instagram and TikTok.
How do you give back to the Chicago community?
Since working in Chicago I’ve had the chance to work with My Block, My Hood, My City. I’ve enjoyed volunteering with this organization and I believe in what they stand for and what they are trying to do in the community. You can find out more information on My Block, My Hood, My City.
Who is your favorite local Chicago artist right now?
Dwight White—he used to work at Kraft Heinz and now he’s an artist full time. I always loved the murals he would paint around the city and thought to myself how talented he is. I’m always impressed when people can use both sides of their brain, working in corporate America, and are also very creative. You can follow him on Instagram at Dwhite.Original.
Who has the best shops in Chicago? The City or the suburbs?
I live in Rogers Park so I always find myself going to Skokie at Old Orchard Mall a lot. I love that area and they have the best shopping stores.
What are your top three dining destinations in Chicago?
I have so many favorite restaurants it’s hard to choose just one! The top three that come to mind are Maple & Ash, Chicago’s Chicken Shack on Broadway, and The Whale.
What are your recommendations for family and friends visiting Chicago?
Whenever my family and friends come to the city I always take them to the Bean, the London House and to grab famous Chicago food like Italian beef, hot dogs, or deep-dish pizza.
Seek Like A Local and discover things to do, places to dine, and more of what the city of Chicago has to offer this week. Check out previous guides from influential Chicago locals here.
