Quintessential Chicago

QUINTESSENTIAL

CHICAGO

BY COURTNEY FORTIN

AUGUST 2024

QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

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LOVE LETTER FROM THE EDITOR CHICAGO FOOD SCENE MARRIED IN THE CITY with Hugh & Maddie Lambert SKIP THAT, TRY THIS EVOLUTION OF GOING TO BARS PEOPLE YOU SEE AT DUFFY’S COFFEE SEASONS OF CHICAGO WHAT SHOULD WE DO? PLACES TO READ ON GROWING UP IN CHICAGOLAND with Claire Lozier MUSIC BOX THEATRE BEST SPOTS TO SEE A SHOW WWYDIYWA? Dive bars, biking, and Dave Matthews Band with Chase Goldman Finding an Apartment WITH THE BOOTY CALL BROKER on saying goodbye to chicago with Harvey Reeves music DEDICATION all fun and games

QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

C

hicago has been a home address with years in the making; a zip code dreamed of since adolescence.

Ever since I laid eyes on the alluring skyline creeping up I-90, I was hooked.

I took to paper my own version of Chicago. An anatomically incorrect representation of the city, but one that had heart. I taped this sketch to my wall and manifested the day where I would get to spend every day here. Was I falsely romanticizing city living?

Yeah, probably. But who doesn’t at 13?

Fast forward to graduating college and having a remote job with the freedom to live anywhere, coming to Chicago was a no brainer. A decade of yearning over.

Above 13 year old Courtney Moving here was everything I could If you know me, you know I love have asked for; weeks were filled with exploring new spots (who wants to go spontaneity yet comfortable routine. to this speakeasy with burlesque Until we meet again, Windy City.

Chaos with mundanity. I’ll cherish the dancers?), documenting everything past two years forever, but alas, all (can I take this for my scrapbook?), good things must come to an end.

and writing (have I mentioned I got While moving on to the next chapter into Medill?).

and city of life, I’ve been oscillating Mixing that all together, making a between excitement and melancholy. mini magazine was the perfect choice.

Struggling to make sense of leaving a One might even say… quintessential.

place I love and have glamorized for so long. I wanted to do something to So enjoy - “Quintessential Chicago.” A the Chicago Corgi commemorate the streets walked look into my time in the city with the down, meals eaten, and laughs shared. people, places, and finer things that mean the most.

A proper maudlin goodbye.

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3

I

t felt like a complete cop out. Every time someone asked

I’ve categorized each restaurant into four categories:

what I like to do in Chicago, I’d always say “eat.”

Corgi Certified - my personal favorite

Sure, it was an easy answer because who doesn’t? But the

Good shit - liked a lot

numbers don’t lie. In my 23 months in Chicago, I ate at a

Neutral - definitely ate here

whopping 104 spots.

Hot take - I do not like this place at all

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QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

104 RESTAURANTS, ONE HUNGRY CORGI

5411 Empanadas

Aba

Aberdeen Tap

Aglaia Coffee & Tea Co

AJ Hudson’s

Allez Cafe

Ann Sather Restaurant

Armitage Alehouse

Au Cheval

Bahn Mi Spot

Bambola

Bandit

Bar Roma

Barcocina

Batter & Berries

Bavette’s

Beatrix

Big Bite Sushi

Blue Door Farm Stand

Bourgeois Pig Cafe

Briny Swine

Butcher & The Burger

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba

Cafe El Tapatio

Chicago Bagel Authority

Cira

Coalfire

Coda Di Volpe

Crosby’s Kitchen

D’Agostino’s Pizza

Denucci's

Devil Dawgs

Dog House

Dublin’s Bar & Grill

Earls Kitchen & Bar

Ella Elli

Ema

Etta

Fairgrounds

Falafel & Grill

Flat Top Grill

Gallucci

Gemini

GG’s Chicken Shop

Gilt Bar

Gino & Marty’s

Gioia

Goddess and the Baker

Gotham Bagel

Green Street Smoked Meats

Happy Camper

Il Porcellino

Itoko

Kaiser Tiger

Kamehachi

Kanela Breakfast Club

Kasama

Lou Malnati’s

LuxBar

Maple & Ash

Mindy’s Bakery

Mr. Beef

Nookies

Omakase Yume

Parlor Pizza

Pat's Pizza

Piccolo Sogno

Pizzeria Portofino

Port & Park

Ramen-San

River Roast

Rizzo’s Bar & Inn

Rooh

Roost

RPM Italian

RPM Steakhouse

Rumi Middle Eastern Grill

Small Cheval

Solita

Southport Grocery and Cafe

Stax Cafe

Steingold’s

Sugar Moon Bakery

Sun Wah BBQ

Sunda

Sushi X

Taco Lulu

Tacombi

Tango Sur

Texan Taco Bar

The Black Barrel Tavern

The Dawson

The Drop In

The Reservoir

The Smith

Time Out Market

Trivoli Tavern

Tuco and Blondie

Twisted Spoke

Tzuco

Velvet Taco

Volare

Windy City Cafe

Young’s Chinese QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

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CHICAGO FOOD SCENE

WHERE SHOULD WE EAT? What time of day is it?

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Are you hungover?

Do you want to eat with your hands?

Want to bring your own wine?

yes

Windy City Cafe, River West

no

no yes

Gemini, Lincoln Park

no

sure? that’s a weird way to put it?

Kasama, Ukrainian Village

yes

5411 Empanadas, Wrigleyville

Lincoln Park

Wicker Park

Do you want lots of flavors to choose from?

Are you trying to walk in without a reservation?

yes

Time Out Market

Fulton Market

no

Pick your BEEF

Armitage Alehouse

Lincoln Park

patty

Quack or moo?

no

QUACK

Sun Wah BBQ

Uptown

shredded

Small Cheval,

Old Town/ Wrigleyville/ Wicker Park

Mr. Beef*

River North *yes, that one from The Bear

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Tango Sur

Wrigleyville

MOO

Interview with Hugh and Maddie Lambert

You are my favorite people to go on double into. But the night before was really dates. What do you think are perfect spots good so it’s worth it.

for a couples night out?

[ML] After the part of the eating I [ML] I guess eating-wise, Trivoli think just hanging out at the Tavern was really fun. We had those apartment, opening a bottle of wine, I little lobster rolls...

feel like that’s a vibe. More intimate.

[HL] If you don’t care what the bill Ooo love. There’s so many restaurants in looks like at the end of the night I Chicago - how do you gauge whether thought Maple & Ash was really good. something is worth trying?

[ML] Typical Hugh response

[HL] How hard it is to get a reservation.

[HL] It was a great dinner, had a lot of fun. The next morning you’re kinda [ML] And Instagram reels. like oh man what did we get ourselves

Above Technically Maddie and Hugh got married in Detroit, but that’s still married in a city! Plus I always said their pictures belong in a magazine!

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Does that make you want to eat there if?

If it’s hard to get a res?

got fun things on the menu like chicken nuggets with caviar.

[HL] Yes

Yum?

[ML] Unless it’s Pizzeria Portofino, cause that let me down. That really made me sad. We had to book it two months in advance and I was all excited! And it was so disappointing.

[ML] Oh yeah. They also have this gruyere burger. They cut the burger in half so it’s really good to share. Then the plate is covered in melted gruyere so you can just dip the burger in cheese.

[HL] I didn’t get pizza, I got pasta.

You got pasta at PIZZAria Portofino?

[ML] That’s what I thought! It’s not PASTA Portofino!

Okay so that’s overhyped. What else have you found to be a let down?

[ML] I feel like there are things but… maybe not. Maybe everything’s actually been good. That was the only one I had high expectations for - well, no. I have high expectations for all of them, but not super high. Instagram reels has guided me pretty well so far. They do a good job of showing the dishes.

If it’s just you two what do you think is the most romantic place to get a little drinky drink or bite to eat?

[ML] I really like Gino & Marty’s for one-on-one dates.

[HL] Mhmm.

[ML] That didn’t sound confident.

What do you think?

[HL] I guess I’d say Trivoli Tavern, we’ve been to that place more. I don't know, places with cool bars are nice.

[ML] Yeah we just went to Bar La Rue which was really fun for a date with just the two of us. The decorations in there are all flowers and then they’ve

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Holy shit that does sound yummy. Alright dirty girl, where’s the best place to get a dirty martini?

McGuire’s - Guinness was pretty good there. Only been there once though.

Oh no no wait. Trivoli Tavern. Frosted Guinness mug $5.

I can’t tell if you’re kidding or not.

[ML] This is actually just an ad for Trivoli Tavern.

I usually ask what one place you would recommend, but I think we know the answer.

[HL] Maple & Ash.

[ML] I think one of the best ones has to be Trivoli Tavern. Trivoli’s like our top restaurant.

[ML] Oh yeah that’s true especially because we found out you could hooker watch.

I mean it’s so close to you guys how could it not?

[Harvey chimes in] What?

[ML] Yeah and you walk down that little pathway and it’s like you’re in a different country.

Hugh - you cannot say the Guinness brewery because that’s cheating - but where is the best place in the city to get a Guinness ?

[HL] Anywhere where it’s on draft. I guess where we went - Butch

[HL] Yeah the upstairs bar is apparently where they all hang out.

[ML] Yeah and apparently we missed that.

Maybe that’s where we were supposed to go?

[ML] Maybe people were watching us.

Skip that, try this

Aba

Ema

Small Cheval

The Drop In

Richard’s

MatchBox

Alla Vita

Piccolo Sogno

Lou Malnati’s

Pat’s

Cafe Tola

5411 Empanadas

Chicago Bagel Authority

Steingold’s

Ann Sather Restaurant

Batter & Berries

RPM Steak

Tango Sur

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BARS

EVOLUTION OF GOING TO BARS The four phases every transplant goes through

t this phase, you might even venture to River North because it feels mature.

You’ll go to places like Mother Hubbard, Howl at the Moon, and Hubbard Inn. Hell, you’ll even torture yourself with a Chicago handshake; then you’re a true Chicagoan.

A

PHASE THREE: I’m not like other 23 year olds...

fter you’ve reached your ~6 month mark of being a downtown denizen, you’ll start dipping your toe in other neighborhoods and smaller bars. This is where you can get creative and pick your poison.

A

You might end up in Logan Square, starting the night with a martini from Consignment Lounge before waltzing into The Whistler and listening to a live DJ set. Careful: at least one of your friends will threaten to pick up DJing.

erhaps you venture to River West at . This cash only, cigarette infested bar will make you feel simultaneously adored and hated.

P

Richard’s Bar

A

s my body grows old and frail (I am 24 years old) and my tolerance has decayed (I have 4 drinks instead of 7), my bar preference has dramatically shifted.

I’ve found that a chunk of people moving to Chicago have a similar evolution of bars. This is what I like to call the 4 phases of going out: PHASE ONE: THIS IS THE BEST CITY IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!

Eventually you stumble into Sluggers.

Between the dueling piano singalongs and batting cages, this is drunk heaven.

When you’ve started getting an ick from watching your friends focus too hard on trying to hit a ball, you’ll wander to Old Crow. You’ll notice the revolting red on the walls and realize you’re in an OSU bar, but quickly get over it because the live band just started playing Take Me Home, Country Roads.

PHASE FOUR: Anyone want to just stay in tonight?

I’ll never turn down exploring an asbestos-filled dive bar or overzealous cocktail lounge - nor am I encouraging anyone else to - but I’ve grown to love just being surrounded by friends and good spirits.

Sipping while

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Q

PHASE TWO: Now THIS is a gem!

and

giggling

Harvey

with

share

a

Maddie whiskey;

Rangers

game

roars

in

the

back;

savoring a glass of red on Claire’s gorgeous white

Once you’ve gotten your bearings, you’re ready to explore hole-in-the-wall spots, but it’s just Hangge Uppe.

&

guzzling a Miller High Life at Chase’s while some

You feel like the first person to move to Chicago after graduating. You’ll revolutionize places like The Vig, LG’s, and Benchmark and feel like you’re right back on campus.

Veuve

Hugh

sofa

(and

trying

not

to

spill);

cheersing a 312 with my Harvey on an Ikea sectional: these are my favorite bars.

PEOPLE YOU SEE AT DUFFY’s Visualized with the uncanny help of ChatGPT

The frat boy your roommate hooked up with Someone who graduated in 1982

That kid who copied your Econ 101 lab homework

Friend of a friend of a friend you feel obligated to say hi to

Someone rooting for the other team who thinks they’re so quirky at a Michigan bar

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QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

DON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT COFFEE - YOU TOO WILL BE OLD AND WEAK ONE DAY. Aster Hall

Big Shoulders Coffee

Blue Bottle

Bombastic Cafe *

Deko

Caffe Umbria

Chiqueolatte

Collectivo *

Dayglow

Gallery Cafe

Gaslight

Good Ambler *

Ground Up

Groundswell

Heritage Outpost

Hexe Coffee

Intelligentsia

Ludlow Charlington

Neccessary & Sufficient

New Wave

Oromo Cafe

Osmium

Pedestrian *

Ralph Lauren

Ritual Coffeehouse

Sawada Coffee *

Two Hearted Queen

Wormhole Coffee *

Corgi stamp of approval * Right Evolution of me trying to learn latte art Left Big skeleton friend at Bombastic Cafe on Southport

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SEASONS OF CHICAGO

N

othing beats summer in Chicago.”

“The winters must be horrible.”

How about you grow up!

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I

f you get over the comfort of your immediate crossroads, you’ll open up a never ending city. Your favorite spot could be something you haven’t discovered yet, but it will never exist until you go and look for it.

Want to find your own places? Here’s how I do it: If you can do IT anywhere, TRY it in a different neighborhood.

Let’s say I want to go see Dune: Part Two. The AMC is right by my apartment, but there’s probably something better. After googling showtimes, there are 10+ places to choose from.

I’ve never been to Logan Square, and The Logan Theatre has a showing at 8pm. Now I know I can turn to the trusty internet again and forage for a restaurant. Longman & Eagle’s looks fabulous, and it’s a 4 minute walk from the theater. Boom.

Dinner & a movie.

USE social media intentionally

It’d be a bold faced lie if I said a chunk of my recommendations didn’t stem from Instagram reels. When it comes to using social media, I’ve found that specificity yields the best results.

Example: I’m craving a salty martini and want to wear my cute new dress. I’ll search for “Chicago dirty martini” and scroll through the first few reels. Then I see something about the martinis at St. Clair Supper Club. The reel shows that it’s a quaint, intimate spot that would be perfect for a cocktail (or two or three). Sold!

Open a map & start walking

Not everything needs to be an elaborate, three destination outing. Sometimes finding a patch of greenery or a new street to walk down is all you need.

Pretend I want to read outside but my apartment doesn’t have a balcony. I open Apple Maps and see there’s a park - oh wait that’s a cemetery never mind. I keep looking and see that there’s a huge park a little north of me. It’s only a mile away so I put on my On’s, press play on my Big Picture podcast, and get going.

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BEST SPOTS TO READ

WORST SPOTS TO READ

Harry Styles concert because you’re not like other girls

BBQ restaurant that ran out of wet wipes

Open Books (specifically the Logan Square one)

Starbucks Reserve on a weekend (or any day, really)

Along the water (lake or river, pick your poison)

Montrose Beach when it’s windy and sand keeps flying in your mouth

Small parks tucked in the pockets of residential million dollar homes

Oz Park during a thunderstorm

Blue Line to O’Hare when you don’t need to worry about missing your

Red Line when you’re eyeballing everyone to make sure they don’t

stop because the train ends

shank you or poke an eye out

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QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

GROWING UP IN CHICAGOLAND Interview with Claire Lozier (aka clairedabearrawr) Your favorite nail color is Lincoln Park After Dark. I’m curious, what do you think the real neighborhood Lincoln Park is like after dark?

HAHAHA. I’m just gonna list bars.

Halligan’s… Actually yeah just say Halligan’s. Maybe Parlay. No, don’t say parlay. Halligan’s and Burwood Tap.*

* Claire reached out 12 hours after our interview to clarify: “...I’m not saying they’re fun”

Close your eyes. You’re boogieing and drinking a tequila soda. You’re having the best time. What bar are you thinking of?

Texan Taco Bar.

I knew you were going to say that. What’s I think Oak Street beach and North quite the Yogi bear, what is your opinion so alluring about it to you?

Ave were the spots in high school. So I on men in yoga classes?

The upstairs. Because you’re not guess Gold Coast was what everyone expecting it. Plus [Texan Taco Bar] is knew. It has the restaurants you go to I’m in full support of it as long as they acknowledge their preconceptions of it always a reliable ratio.

growing up, and then the beach.

What’s your ideal ratio?

Which beach did you like more?

being easy.

Do you think men go to hit on women?

North Ave was like the party beach but Oak Street was where you went to I think they might go to see women I know you grew up in the suburbs and with the girlies.

and get a good workout in… But oh my then moved downtown after college. What god it’s making me think of those boys has been the biggest difference between Speaking of girls, when people talk about at John Hancock.

being a kid in the burbs and an adult in hot girl walks, you are the girl in the city?

question. What are some of your favorite That was my next question.

streets to walk down?

You led me right into that.

The Metra turned into the L; that’s probably the biggest difference. And Definitely Randolph. Or I gotta go It’s too good not to. Last question. You can the different neighborhoods just came with our reliable Chicago. Or only recommend one place in Chicago. to life.

Armitage. If I’m in Lincoln Park, then Where are you going?

I’m strutting down Armitage.

What neighborhoods did you talk about Saucy Porka. They have spots in Hyde most in high school?

Almost done with questions, I know you’re Park or South Loop. Get the Curry 60% men 40% women.

Chicken Bánh Mì.

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I’d be remiss not to highlight my favorite haven in the city: Music Box Theatre.

Music Box opened forever ago (1929) and has since served as a place for cinema to live and thrive in Chicago. With its neon marquee luring cinephiles throughout the city, lines constantly wrap around the block.

Each movie starts with an organist waltzing to the front of the curtain, playing a joyous tune while the spotlight shines on him.

For the next few hours, you will be transported.

Twinkling lights line the ceiling, making the theatre feel like another world. Although your butt will be numb from the most uncomfortable seats in the world, it will all be worth it. Make it a priority to see a movie here.

Favorite Music Box Memory:

I saw a midnight screening of ‘The Room’ with the one and only Tommy Wiseau in attendance for a Q&A. He’s just as weird in person.

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QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

THE BEST SPOTS TO SEE A LIVE SHOW (ranked)

Salt Shed

Wrigley Field

Lincoln Hall

Chicago Theatre

Northerly Island

Aragon Ballroom

Riviera Theatre

Grant Park

Radius

United Center

Riis Park

Allstate Arena

Rosemont Theatre

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H

arvey always jests that I have no sense of danger because I actually find most things terrifying. My fear barometer is set to I’m nervous by default, which makes every day life a constant blanket of anxiety.

I get nerves from my mom’s side. We’re worrywarts. Worrying about family, friends, coworkers, strangers, the dogs walking on hot concrete without any little booties. The root of this worry isn’t fear, it’s care. We care so deeply about everything around us that it often manifests to paralysis.

When I moved to Chicago, I tried to let myself be absolutely terrified yet still do things in spite of it. I’d often ask myself “what would I do if I wasn’t afraid.” Last year, the answer to that was comedy writing classes.

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Eventually,

the

people

dwindled

being

and the

only

class

girl

got

to

other

down

to

7,

remaining.

me

Total

boys club. I didn’t let that stop me.

Getting

home

at

11pm

every

week,

I

should’ve been tired; instead, the sheer adrenaline kept me buzzing for hours.

While I’m not ready to quit my day job (yet), taking classes at Second City was the

spark

I

needed.

It

was

simultaneously the most terrifying yet electrifying

thing

I’ve

done.

It’s

something I never would have done if I let

fear

of

not

being

funny

or

being

vulnerable to strangers paralyze me.

F

or eight weeks, I spent my Tuesday

I

nights at the world famous Second

introducing

City.

Hallways

vibrant

were

you

We

with

previous

went

around

ourselves:

experience,

the

room

name,

any

and

what

we

very

and

murals

of

every

wanted to get out of the class. To my

E

have

laughed

at

since

delight,

quotes

comedian

plastered

was.

I

realized

in

life

had

moment of pure terror. Feeling every ounce of fear course through my veins,

watch Saturday Night Live.

working

something My

palms

were

perspiring

before

I

went through the revolving doors. It’s one thing to think you’re funny when

we

was

wanted

that

let

job

that

missing

in

some

us

felt

like

breathing hitch, mouth drying, sudden

their

lives;

hyper awareness of my hands and not

creative

laugh

and

all

reached

parity. Everyone was a normal person 9-5

we

I’ve

you were old enough to stay awake and

a

that

pinnacle

has stemmed from a singular

expression

forget

about

everything else happening.

knowing

what

to

do

with

them.

My

mantra of the city (and life) has been to be scared, and do things anyways.

you’re cracking jokes with your friends and

get

a

good

roar.

It’s

another

to

he biggest shock came to me when I

actively try to be funny with complete

T

strangers who all think they’re the class

60%

clown.

acting

realized that “Writing 1” was only writing, out

and

the

your

other

fellow

40%

weren’t afraid, then do it.

was

classmates'

sketches. In case it wasn’t scary enough I arrived 35 minutes early to scope out the

entire

space,

peering

into

classrooms of other students standing in

circles,

gesticulating

absurd

jokes,

and smiling ear to ear. The straps on my

backpack

and

I

dug

into

instantly

kindergartener.

If

when

and

I

was

probably

be

5

cute.

my

shoulder,

felt

I

like

a

peed

my

pants

scared

it

would

Here,

my

best

bet

to put thoughts to paper in an attempt to make people laugh and think you’re witty and funny and also beautiful and perfect, but people had to act it out. A bit you stayed up until 3am might only be

a

face

with

11

other

strangers,

wondering if too were just as scared as

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QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

once

someone

is

not put in the script.

For

class Class was finally starting, and I sat face

funny

reading it in an accent you clearly did

the

opening

was it might be funny.

to

little

next up

weeks,

more.

reveling

in

we

all

Staying

the

jokes

started

late that

after hit,

giving suggestions for how to punch up dialogue, and just letting people know that you see and hear them.

Ask yourself what you would do if you

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QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

Dive bars, biking, and Dave Matthews Interview with Chase Goldman

You are someone who grew up in New York, spent a summer interning there, and still have most of your family in New York. What the fuck are you doing here?

It’s the only place I got a job. Well actually that’s a lie, I got a job in New York. I lived in New York for the summer and I didn’t like it that much by the end. So I figured I probably wouldn’t like it that much if I stayed indefinitely.

So you wanted to leave, but did you always think you would come to Chicago?

No, I never thought that I would come here. I probably thought I was going finding the more grimy, disgusting bars. never ever want to be the show and back to New York. But I think I’m glad sometimes all of a sudden everyone Thank you.

that I came here.

needs to sing karaoke for some reason.

You’re welcome. Give me your ranking of I’m not that happy about it.

Why? the best dive bars in Chicago.

I feel like those are bars you’ve just It’s better than New York in most Without a doubt, the most disgusting stumbled into, do you have a way of aspects of life. There is something bar I’ve ever been to in my life is the finding them?

special about New York that this city L&L Tavern.

Eater. I mostly browse on Eater for certainly doesn’t have. But like we are bars. I’ve never ever been led wrong by walking down a completely empty I knew you were going to say that.

Eater. Their restaurants are always way street which you would never, ever find better than any of the other This place is absolutely BUSTED. It’ s in New York. Right?

probably not that safe. When I first got recommended things. Another great Is that a good thing?

here, one of my favorite dive bars ever bar is Vaughan's. Matilda. Incredible Shakers on Clark. Which I think bars. Sheffield's! One of the best bars I don’t know. It’s a thing. But I think was strikes balance of - it’s clearly a in all of Chicago in my opinion. For Chicago in all other aspects of your life shit holea nice but at least you’re not gonna the best summer bar.

is better. It’s more accessible, it's more get asbestos when you walk in there I also love a rare gem - Rossi’s in River reasonable, it's more livable. It’s more which I think is nice. fun; there’s a beach. I was at the beach free popcorn and pool.

Plus they have North. In a scene of miserable places today for a couple hours.

stands a dive bar that’s cash only. And you have to fetch your own beer from a And Karaoke.

I would say my favorite and least favorite vending machine and they scream at thing about you is how good you are at I honestly hate karaoke so much. I you if you open it before they open it QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

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for you. I think that’s one of the best bars in Chicago. Open until 4am and then it reopens at 7am.

For the market!

Oh one other place I haven’t been to but I’m dying to go to -

Ceres?

Of course. You go for $3 which is silly because they should know their clients a little bit better. But for $3 they’ll fill up your glass with vodka. I can’t think of a better way to end a tough day.

I feel like you’ve listed like 5 or 6 bars, can you confidently say that they are respectable to women?

No, probably not. If I was a woman I wouldn’t go to any of these places!

Don’t go here if you’re a woman! If you’re [reading] this, don’t go. I mean L&L is famous because of Jeffrey Dahmer; it’s where he used to drink.

So, if I was a woman, no I probably wouldn’t go there for sure. I mean you’re welcome to go to Shakers. It's pretty safe in there.

Obviously the lake path is the place where everyone goes to bike. If you catch it at a busy hour then it’s absolutely fucking miserable. There’s people who are really stupid. I have a habit of getting extremely close to someone who is walking in the bike lane and passing them at 25 mph to scare them shitless

On purpose?

Do you go to a lot of places as a woman?

Yes because it’s obnoxious.

I probably wouldn’t go to a dive bar Would you say you feel superior to people alone.

on Divvy bikes?

How about this, you get on a plane:

Yes. Absolutely. I feel superior to almost everyone on a bike. I have a rule I’m sorry, is this your interview?

when I go biking on the lake path that Yeah, I’m gonna flip the script. You get I’m not allowed to get passed by on a plane and the cockpit door is anyone unless they’re riding an electric open and the pilot is a woman. Are you bike. And I’ve only lost twice which I think is pretty good.

happy or sad? This is off the record.

I’d be remiss not to talk about Dave [redacted] Matthews Band in this interview.

Enough with that. Talk to me about Oh of course. I was going to ask what biking in the city. your version of the Dave Matthews Band 26

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poop story was.

What I imagine happened - which is of course not a good thing - is some bus driver was just driving and probably got above a bridge and was like ‘oh it’d be convenient if we could just get rid of everyone’s shit right now.’ I think he’s the perfect human being -

Who’s he?

Dave. He’s the most environmentally friendly of all the acts that do this. For some reason he is like the most perfect person ever and he’s got this reputation of a crowd, which is rightfully earned, because when they came up in the 90’s it was exclusively frat boys listening to them. They never really lost that reputation. The crowd today is exclusively fat white people with tattoos smoking cigarettes.

Is that how you identify?

Haha, not at this current stage of my life. But it’s certainly possible that I end up there. There’s nothing better.

QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

27

on, and a reasonable price tag. It was

HOUSING

too good to be true.

We

quickly

learned

Finding an Apartment WITH

honeypot,

a

meant

generate

THE BOOTY CALL BROKER

moment,

this

apartment

and

to

faux

that

this

was

a

apartment

listing

leads.

in

was Amy

But

our was

the

dream

our

dream

girl.

For legal purposes this is a fictional story and did not happen to Harvey and I for real. Amy is totally not a real Chicago broker.

F

or

the

first

few

days,

all

communication was between

Harvey

and

Amy.

She’d

send

subpar

units, he’d politely dismiss them. He’d nudge towards Wrigleyville or Lincoln Park,

she’d

Village.

send

places

Eventually

the

in

Roscoe

sporadic

calls

became routine, all happening towards the

hours

preceding

bed.

I

started

calling her the Booty Call Broker.

All was going well with Harvey as the middleman until he had a work event and put his phone on Do Not Disturb.

Friday at 9pm: my phone rings. Booty Call Broker working like clockwork.

“Hello?”

“Oh

my

gosh,

is

this

Courtney?”

girl.

Oh

gosh.

It

so

“Yes.” “Hey

is

nice

to

finally meet you. It’s Amy.”

She spoke quickly, and her voice had a tinge of raspiness to it.

“I

am

just

so

excited

to

be

working

with you and your boyfriend and - one second sorry if it’s loud. I’m watching Schitt’s Creek. This is why I shouldn’t day drink!”

I

should

have

known

better

than

to

trust a grown woman calling my

boyfriend at 10pm on a Tuesday.

information swooning

started

as

a

simple

inquiry;

over.

a The

listing

we

apartment

were

bathrooms,

space

for

Harvey’s

putting green, a gorgeous open kitchen,

something casual yet professional. We

proximity

found Amy’s name and contact

balcony to drink my morning coffee

28

QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

to

the

Brown

Huh?

had

everything and more: three bedrooms, two

It

on

Line,

a

“Oh

no

worries,”

that

last

part.

choosing

“We’re

to

happy

ignore to

be

on

the

working with you too!”

I

tried

not

to

get

hung

up

logistics, but what does day drinking

have to do with watching Schitt’s because it was - but that I would buy Creek? And why is my broker telling them a shot instead. You know what me this within 30 seconds of our call?

this little bitch does?”

“Girlllll, I just have to say," she drew “What?” I asked.

out. “Your boyfriend really really “She calls my boss. Yeah. She tries to adores you. I can tell… and his accent. get me fired for being nice.”

Oh it is so hot. So British! You must have to fight off all the girls.”

“Oh wow, how horrible,” I said.

“Aw, that’s so sweet. Yeah he’s the best “Yeah. Messed up. But anyways! and I love it too.”

Tomorrow will be fun! Heads up I’m just going to be shlumping. and “I’m not gay. Like I swear I’m not gay. You don’t want to live in Lincoln Park totally you’ r e lucky if I even brush my hair But one time I met this woman with or Southport. That’s for young people.” haha,” she chortled.

an Australian accent… I could’ve been “I mean,” I interrupted. “We’re 23.”

lesbian. Something about it. Ugh. It okay… see you then,” I said was just so gorgeous. But like I said, I'm “Oh, really? Harvey said you’re 26.”

“Haha…. and finally hung up. not gay.”

have a terrible poker face. Especially This had to be a prank. It was the only “Nope, we’re both 23,” I insisted.

in situations that I find logical explanation to this entire “Ugh - I’m getting all my notes mixed uncomfortable, my mouth noticeably ordeal.

up. But anyways, you’re so young! An clenches and eyebrows furrow.

apartment doesn’ t even matter.

You I pictured it perfectly: Harvey sitting won’t even remember the address in a After we woke up to an Amy text sent arm and arm in the back of an ivory year. It really doesn’t matter where you at 2:36 am saying she could no longer surveillance van with Ashton Kutcher. live. Don’t worry, we’ll still find a great pick us up, we decided to check out Giggling with one another while they place for you tomorrow.”

the places early so I could get my fed preposterous lines to the actor out of the way. 30 minutes up playing ‘Amy.’ There was no way that After a long winded 45 minutes, she reaction the Brown line and 7 minutes off the this was the licensed professional who gave me the rundown on the two Southport stop, we arrived at our first was responsible for finding us a place showings scheduled for the next day. listing. The building made my old to live.

She would pick us up at 11am and drive college house off Oakland look like a us to the first listing on W Newport.

Burns Park mansion.

Alas, this was not a joke. She Before I hung up, she pleaded.

continued rambling and repeating was a trail of broken glass, all questions, not taking our apartment “Hey you guys aren’t cheating on me There leading the 3-story brick desires seriously.

right? I swear to fricking God if one complex. towards Looking up, there was a more of my clients cheats on me and single outdoor area shared between “Look, I know you didn’t like the ghosts me I’m going to lose my mind.”

two units.

By no means was it big pictures of the Byron place. But I just enough for a pong table, but that can’t let you guys make this mistake. “Oh no, I promise. You’re the only didn’ t stop the ambitious tenants.

You not liking it is like watching you broker we’re talking to,” I assured her.

Large chunks of paint peeled off the on the train tracks as a train is It was the truth, too. Up until this balcony walls and Christmas coming,” she urged.

point she hadn’t given us any real wrapped around the rusted poles. lights “I know what you’re thinking. ‘What is reason to drop her.

this lady talking about?’ but I’ve been “Good. Okay. I swear I keep losing all This was the “Gorgeous balcony, in the business for a looonnnngg time. these people. A few weeks ago, I told a Wrigley Field 2-bed ” we were here to see. The answer was already no.

I know what a gem is, and this is it. client that their budget was shit -

I

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29

11am passed with no sign of Amy. 11:05.

11:10. At 11:17, Harvey’s phone rang.

“Hey Harvey, oh my gosh, I’m literally never late. I swear. I hate people that are late,” Amy defended. “There is just

so much traffic I was not expecting. I I promise I’ll be there soon.”

“No worries, we’re here already.”

“Welllllll? What do we think? Isn’t it fabulous? I have a really good feeling about this one you guys.”

“I mean, we haven’t seen the inside so it’s hard to tell but it’s interesting.”

Finally, a [I asked Harvey if he remembered what kind of car Amy had (theoretically, because remember this story is fictional) and he just said ‘a shitbox’ so imagine what you will] rolled down the street and parked across from us. Out stumbled Amy. She may have been late but at least she kept to her word; her jet black hair was an unbrushed, disheveled mess.

caveman try to make a Tik Tok, but I imagine it’s similar. Amy flipped between emails trying to find the code before turning around and thrusting her phone at Harvey. Within 10 seconds, Harvey got us in. We let Amy lead the way and followed her up three flights of narrow stairs.

miraculously made it up the stairs, it would never fit in this floor plan.

Calling it a two bedroom was generous.

The rooms caved into one another, suffocating us as we walked to the living room. I imagined Harvey’s Lshaped sectional. Even if it

“But I get it. I can tell you guys don’t really like it. Ugh! I really wanted this to work,” Amy said.

“Now I know this isn’t the perfect apartment, but remember it’s just a place to lay your head at night.”

How homey does that sound?

“Well,” Harvey chimed in. “Like I said, “Geez this would be real fun to move Courtney actually works from home into,” Amy yelled over her shoulder.

and would be spending most of her We walked in the unit and were time here. I just don’t want her to be immediately blinded by brick. Not in crammed in all day.”

an endearing Brooklyn brownstone “Yeah but it’s really just a place to lay way, but like every wall was brick and your head. It’s not a forever home.”

it was probably the foundation of the entire apartment.

Harvey and I remained silent.

“It’s okay,” I said. “We’ve still got one more to check out.”

Her flip flops clacked across the road as she walked toward us. Seeing her up close in the flesh, she had a thick layer of makeup that was already starting to melt. Her nose was prominently contoured, highlighter glimmering off the tip. There’s no doubt she thrived during the 2016 makeup era of darkly carved eyebrows and smokey eyes. But it was July in Chicago, and I was getting sweaty looking at her.

She flashed a wide, wine-stained smile.

“Hey guys, seriously so sorry, I’ve never been late before. Ever.”

She went to the front door and was immediately stunned with the touchscreen keypad. I’ve never seen a 30

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Above Street view of the “Gorgeous balcony, Wrigley Field 2-bed” wanted us to live in

W

e should’ve said goodbye at this We begrudgingly stepped in the lobby. blocked. She put her shoulder into it, point. Instead, we’re crawling in The black and white checkered tiles not letting whatever was in it stand in Amy’s dented car to go to the next lining the floor were broken almost her way. Something, or someone, was place. The car had no AC, everywhere; tiles caving in at the inside and did not want Amy entering.

miscellaneous papers spread all over corners. Letters and packages littered All of a sudden a black shadow peeled the place, and a single sock in the the floor, waiting to be stolen. We out, charging right through the living backseat. I stared at the side of followed Amy up the grim, winding room. A fucking dog. A fast dog, to be Harvey’s head, sending any telepathic staircase.

and it was making a beeline for signal to please turn around and look She cracked the unit’s door open 6 exact, the front door that Amy had left open.

at me so I can gesture towards the sock inches before shutting it abruptly.

because I don’t know whether to laugh “THE DOOR!” I yelled.

or be scared. With a roar and cough of “You’re gonna hate this,” she warned.

“Oh, look, this is the master bedroom,” the engine, we drove off.

Amy continued with her tour. I lunged n retrospect, I love the honesty.

In Amy should’ve had her license revoked the moment, I want trickery. for the black lab and held it between immediately. It didn’t help that the Embellish. Lie to me. The Girl Scouts my thighs, shepherding it back into the streets were swarming with drunkards pawning off Thin Mints outside of room, praying there wasn’t some naked in bright crimson t-shirts and black Jewel Osco could’ve done a better job college boy hiding in there.

stick-on mustaches for the Wrigleyville selling an apartment.

“Okay I think we’ve seen enough,” Mustache Bar Crawl. Oblivious to the simple instructions barking from Siri, We swung the door open to mayhem. Harvey finally chimed in, but Amy Amy missed several turns. She took no Not a crackhouse, just a boys house. wasn’t done yet. She made her way out responsibility. She cursed at the phone. Busch light cans, red solo cups, and to the firescape, cracking open the Swore it was telling her the wrong water gallons scattered the living room door.

thing all while she swerved innocent table. A makeshift dart board hung “DOES THIS UNIT HAVE A partygoers crossing Clark Street.

over the flat screen TV. A large bong as BALCONY?” She yelled down to the coffee table centerpiece, sitting innocent tenant taking his trash out.

We finally arrived at the second listing. the next It’s at this moment I’m remembering man. to a can of Lysol wipes. Duality of the wise street smarts of John Mulaney: “if you are taken to a secondary It was clear that people very much still location, your odds of coming back lived here, and we already overstayed alive are slim to none.”

our welcome. I put my horse blinders I stared at the ground, then the AC Anxiety flushed through my body. on. unit jutting out of the window, then What if this was the plan all along? She the grinder spilling crumbs all over the found out we had great credit scores couch; anywhere Harvey because I and the tours were just a cover to get knew the minutebutI looked at him I us alone in a crackhouse.

would not keep it together.

She made her way to the door and, Oblivious, Amy began her due again, struggled to get into the diligence. She waltzed into the kitchen. building. Her hands shook Checked out the stove. Examined uncontrollably, unable to fit the key in cabinet sizes. Looked for a washer and properly. Maybe she was nervous to dryer.

murder us? Or maybe this was the time of day she usually started to day drink She tried opening the door off the for Schitt’s Creek? living room, but it was immediately

I

QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

31

His response was muffled, as Harvey and I were already halfway out the door. Amy eventually trailed, now desperately trying to make things right.

Harvey softly confirmed. “We hated streets we like. And we’ll let you both of the places you showed us know,” Harvey said.

today.”

“Okay. I can find you guys a place, “Trust me, I’m never like this. I’m trust me. While you’re walking going to find you a place that you around try to write down streets you love. What are you doing Tuesday?”

like and find For Rent signs and send them to me.”

“Ah, I’m not sure I have a work thing,” Harvey lied.

Isn’t that her job?

“Look, I know you guys probably hated it. But I promise I’m gonna do better,” she begged. “Now that I’ve met you two and know exactly what you’re looking for, we’re gonna find the one for you guys next time. Don’t worry.”

“Wednesday?”

“Ahh also not sure about that.”

We weren’t worried; we knew there “Thursday?”

wouldn’t be a next time.

A

oving in with a partner and finding an apartment you both

“You know,” Harvey butted in. “How there was one thing Harvey and I

re we still doing this together?” about we just check our schedules were on the same page with, it was Amy asked. that Amy would have no say in and get back to you.”

Crickets.

“Perfect. But we’re still in this together, right? You’re still with me?

If you guys cheat on me and get another broker I’ll be, like, so fricking pissed.”

I waited for Harvey to say something, and he waited for me. I fought off an awkward laugh and avoided eye contact. Amy finally broke the silence by wagging her “Yeah. We’re still good,” Harvey said. finger right at Harvey.

“But, uh, thank you so much for “I know you’re not feeling this taking us around. It was nice to meet you. I think we’re just going to walk anymore,” she accused.

around here, get some lunch, um, maybe see if there are any other “I mean, honestly, you’re right.”

32

M agree on is exciting yet hard. But if

QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

finding us a place.

We dodged bar crawlers and made our way back towards Southport for a bite to eat. Before we could even start talking about the absurdity of what just happened, Harvey’s phone rang. It was Amy.

“I’m not answering it,” he quickly said.

“Good.”

She called again. He declined again.

Finally, I felt my own back pocket start buzzing. I let it ring before sending it to voicemail.

Within minutes, both our phones buzzed with a group text message from Amy.

“Hi guys. Please don’t take today as a sign that I’m not able to get this done for you.

You have my word I will not let you down again. I hope you give me another opportunity to prove it. I’d really appreciate a second chance. I know exactly what you need now and I’ll find it. :) we’ve already invested time together and I hate that I didn’t succeed on the first try. If it happens again I’ll quit real estate. Lol what do you say?”

“She’ll quit real estate? Is that a promise?” I said. “But I honestly feel bad. We can’t completely ghost her but we need to, like, break up with her somehow.”

“I was waiting for YOU ha.”

In a way, Amy really did help us find an apartment; she gave us buoyancy.

We spent the rest of the afternoon reenacting and giggling about how we would tell our friends and family this story. We felt nothing completely ill towards her.

Before Harvey could craft a message back, Amy had already replied within the 90 minutes we remained silent.

“Ok. Message received. Best of luck.”

We never heard from Amy again.

A

few weeks later, we eventually did find an apartment that lights both of us up. No broken glass out front, no drugs in the carpet, and no dogs waiting to escape. While it’s disheartening to pack it all up and restart the search in New York, I know that we’ll be able to handle anything.

“I know but I’m not dealing with this Besides, we learned our lesson.

right now,” Harvey said. “Let’s just eat for an hour or so and then I can text Never trust a broker with booty call operating hours. her back afterwards.”

After quickly finding a neon, vibrant Mexican restaurant and ordering margaritas immediately, we rehashed the events.

“Oh my god and the fucking dog?”

“I knew that was when it was over. You sounded so angry, ‘THE DOOR’” Harvey mimicked my yell.

“And the awkward silence when she asked if we were still rocking with her?”

“I was waiting for you to say something.”

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33

saying goodbye to chicago Interview with Harvey Reeves Do you still like me?

Yes.

Cool. Now onto the real interview. You grew up coming to Chicago on family vacations when you were younger. What were your go-to Chicago experiences?

Mag mile. We pretty much just stayed on Mag Mile. Sometimes Navy Pier if it was warm enough.

I’m thinking of that one picture of you in the Apple store with Justin Bieber hair.

Do I have your permission to use and print that picture?

I guess? Yeah sure.

How has that experience of going to Mag Mile and Navy Pier evolved since living here?

It’s something you learn as you experience the city. Don’t just go off recommendations from other people.

Like if I listened to people at work, I would’ve ended up in the Loop. But Wrigleyville is so much fun. Lincoln Park is so fun. If you have time to look at places, go to lunch there. Take a day to explore.

Then just hit up Zillow and get good.

Learn how to sniff out the bullshit and go from there.

I love your curiosity and inquisitive nature, often demonstrated by the many YouTube video essays playing on our TV. What has been your favorite Chicago lore or fact you’ve learned?

It’s so funny because that’s the part of Chicago I try to avoid the hardest.

When I first moved here, my bearings don’t quote that directly, make me sound better - were all around Mag Mile. Now it’s like, that is probably the worst part of Chicago. A lot of Chicago is a lot nicer out of that area but you never get to it as a tourist. You only get to it once you live here.

There’s so many I can name here. So when you look out at the lake, all of Chicago’s drinking water comes from Lake Michigan. When you look out at the lake there’s these little buoys - you know what I mean? But they’re these massive fucking concrete complexes that pump the water. They have to go far enough out so they don’t suffer from too much pollution. Then they get pumped from the lake and into the city, processed at the water plant next to Navy Pier.

More on the less touristy parts of Chicago.

You have a unique perspective as someone who has lived in the Loop, River North, and now Wrigleyville. What is your advice to people trying to find a neighborhood that’s right for them?

The reason that’s interesting to me is because at work there’s these windows that look east over the lake and you can see them. You can look out there on a Friday and see all these boats out there.

34

QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO

I think most of them or at least a couple of them are abandoned. That’s a pretty cool one. But there’s still some in use.

And that’s why in early or late spring and sometimes throughout the summer, the toilet water, the tap water, and all the water in your apartment smells like… almost kind of like… funky. Like algae. Because that’s what it is. Algae blooms in the lake that gets sucked in. It’s totally safe because Chicago has very clean drinking water. But that’s the cause. I still filter the water just to be safe. But that was pretty cool to learn why it smells dank.

Or that Wolf Point was the location of the first tavern in Chicago. That’s pretty cool.

Did you make that up?

No. Wolf Point Tavern is the name of it. And that’s why there’s a distillery named after it. Yeah no, I always thought that was pretty cool. I have more facts if you need it.

“I don’t like Italian beefs. I think they’re overrated and soggy.

Can’t stand a soggy sandwich.

AND Chicago style pizza, like a very deep dish, sucks.”

I believe you. Now give me a fake Chicago I’m gonna miss the lake. The lake is a Southport. Probably just to see how it fact that I can sneak into this zine and see cool feature. I’m gonna miss above is. Like it has constantly changed now how many people we trick.

ground trains.

that we’ve lived here. I’m curious what it will look like in a couple years. I It’s called the Brown Line because Speaking of other modes of transportation. don’t want to go back to the Loop. I people used to shit on the tracks.

You’re a Thanksgiving morning Turkey hate the Loop, it's depressing.

Trot kind of guy. What is your favorite Tell me about the restaurants. How’s the running route in Chicago?

What is your one recommendation, food scene in Chicago?

Harvey certified spot?

There’s two I would say. Okay it’s hard It’s pretty good. It depends what part to say because if you want like general Armitage Alehouse

of the city you’re in for sure. I often Chicago, obviously the Lake Shore. It’s compare it with New York. In the nice. But when I lived at Wolf Point it That was mine too. I like that place.

sense that the highs are higher in New was nice to just go downstairs, go York in terms of restaurant quality, but down the river, rip that to Navy Pier. I It’s so fucking good. British-Indian the average in Chicago is a lot higher. think that would be like 3 ½ miles. But food that’s done well and tastes good.

Like just the random shit shop you go here, what I do is I take Grace down to Like you get a lot of British-Indian to in Chicago would be a lot better Southport. There’s a little turn onto spots where it’s a little suspect. But than the average random shit shop in Grace again. Then you take Grace all [Armitage Alehouse] is quality cuisine New York and I think that’s pretty the way down past like Halsted and and dining. In terms of authenticity, who's to say? But it tastes damn good. cool.

you can still hit the lakeshore. I You brought up New York, not me. So wouldn’t say it’s a great route but I’ve we’re moving there. What will you miss run it so many times I know where the the most about Chicago? It doesn’t have to mile mark is. I know when to turn around.

be food related.

I don’t think that’s a question I can What makes a good running route in a answer until I live in New York. I guess city? I know you hate people.

I can try.

Yeah. Not a lot of people. I guess that Probably the space. It’s so much less crosses the riverwalk out then. Too dense than New York and that’s the many people on there. They piss me one thing. I don’t know. I feel like now off.

I get some space from work. It is kind Let’s say it’s 2027. We come back to of a commute, but it’s nice knowing I Chicago for the weekend. What’s on the come back to Southport and it’s a itinerary of things you’ll want to return to different neighborhood.

2013 Harvey in Chicago and reminisce?

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35

For an extended period of my life, I made montage videos.

They served as a time capsule to reflect on my friend’s euphoric smiles, rambunctious dance moves, and downright tomfoolery.

This little booklet is meant to replace that medium but maintain the sentiment. With that being said, of course a video to commemorate Chicago crossed my mind for the better half of 2024.

Here are the songs in competition for a video that will never exist:

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Those who make leaving Chicago hard…

Claire - for being the best roommate, yoga buddy, and friend. To know you is to love you.

Maddie - for being the easiest person to yap and giggle with. I’m so excited to be friends forever.

Chase - for being a little magnet; always attracting strangers and stories. I cannot wait to start a business and make $100M.

Hugh - for having contagious laughter and never saying no to a good meal. I’m so glad you and Harvey were roommates.

Abdel - for all the drives down to the city and slumber parties on the couch.

You make every night out better.

Those who visited and made playing tourist fun…

Audrey, Ava, Carlo, Faith, Hannah, Hayden, Lisa, Madeleine, Madre, Meghan,

MJ, Mya, Nick, Pablo, Rithik

The other half of me. . .

Harvey - you are my favorite person in the entire world. I cannot wait to be little NYC rats together. I love you endlessly.

COURTNEY FORTIN 2024 All rights to the images, graphics, and other materials used belong to their respective owners. I do not claim ownership over any third-party content used.

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37

ALL FUN AND GAMES WHEN YOU LIVE IN CHICAGO

ACROSS

Boney girl at Field Icy tequila rings the bell Former meme-mayor 1/2 Chicago handshake Chicago’s first official dog park

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DOWN

If it’s not a sandy beach, then it’s this 1/2 Chicago handshake Beary cute mascot Criminal condiment Popular rock band from Chicago Hole lot of love for this cement animal Bean(s), bean(s), the magical fruit Chicago grocery store, also a vape

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39

quin·tes·sen·tial

/ˌkwin(t)əˈsen(t)SH(ə)l/

adjectiv representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class "Chicago was the quintessential city — vivacious, walkable, and goofy"

QUINTESSENTIAL CHICAGO BY COURTNEY FORTIN