STEPHEN MARLOW & RAYME GORNIAK
Tell us about yourselves, including what you do for a living in the city.
I’m a natural-born Midwestern boy who has a strong tendency for wandering and exploring. I work in sales and get to travel for work. Stephen is an Australian who moved across the world for love and works in student health at the University of Chicago.
How long have you been living in Chicago?
My entire life, with the exception of four years in Australia with the husband.
What influenced you to move back?
We wanted to move back so that we can soak up the culture and food.
Stephen Marlow & Rayme Gorniak
A Friend is coming to Chicago for the first time… Please describe the perfect weekend.
Chicago is a big brunch town. I would find some neat brunch place like Lula Cafe (www.lulacafe.com) or somewhere on Randolph Street and have delicious food and juice form Harvest Juicery (www.harvestjuicery.com). Then, some exploration of downtown or Michigan Ave. for shopping and lunch. If it were Summer, I would definitely hang out by the lake and then have dinner in Boystown or Andersonville. Then a night out at a club on Halsted or Clark.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood?
Right now, we are loving Andersonville all over again. But as a general rule, Boystown is my stand-by neighborhood with Roscoe Village and Wicker Park as my “venture out” hoods. Pilsen is on our radar as the new urban pioneer location.
What are your go to places for a cocktails?
It’s a toss up between Parson’s Chicken and Fish (www.parsonschickenandfish.com) for their frozen negroni, and Rocks Lakeview (www.rockslakeview.com) for their variety of Bourbon.
What is the best place to get a great view of the city?
Any boat on the lake, just outside the playpen near the lighthouse. It’s my happy place.
If someone has time for a day trip beyond the city, where in Illinois would you recommend that they visit?
Starved Rock State Park (www.starvedrockstatepark.org) is a perfect counterbalance to the city, and it’s a geological wonder. Just make sure to bring hiking boots and comfy pants.
Please finish this sentence: Don’t leave Chicago without…
Eating lots! Try new food like Korean or Polish! Don’t be afraid of a hole in the wall. If you know it’s been around for a while, it’s worth going to.
