The Tig Archives

Insider's Guide to Chicago

The Tig - 1st October 2014

Love at first sight. That's what it was when I met Genevieve Hillis at Northwestern University many moons ago. She's one of those people you trust with your life – not to mention with restaurant recommendations, the best spa treatments, hidden gems, and amazing music. It was with Genevieve that I first tried steak medium rare, having spent a solid twenty years only knowing well done filet. (Eeesh! I know!). We had late night song fests to Dido (we're going waaaay back here, kids), nights out clubbing in the city, and girls trips that need only be documented in our heads. We had a ball – and who wouldn't with this incredible woman whose fun and frivolity is only rivaled by her intellectual prowess. Genevieve is the Director of Government Relations for Direct Supply and serves as the company's lobbyist, overseeing all state and federal government affairs activities within the company, as well as the political strategic planning & fundraising. Before going to Direct Supply, Genevieve worked in the office of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce in Washington, D.C. She went on to join Congresswoman Pryce in her leadership office in the House Republican Conference. Genevieve has a Bachelor of Science degree from NU, majoring in Social Policy, and a Master of Public Health degree from Indiana University, where she did extensive research in gerontology. Genevieve is a life-long philanthropist, with a strong commitment to children experiencing isolation, and specifically the HIV/AIDS community. She enjoys travel and is an avid Indycar racing fan, let me tell you. And she happens to be married to the most wonderful man. She's my go-to girl for basically everything, so when it came to an Insider's Guide to Chicago she was clearly the first and only person speed dialed.

EAT

Grace – As the daughter of an entrepreneur, I am a big proponent of innovation – and that is exactly what you'll find at Grace. Everything that has deservedly earned this restaurant two Michelin stars in its first year of review is a wonder to behold. Chef Curtis Duffy and Sommelier Michael Muser have teamed up to produce the best reason to dine out that the city has seen in years. Chef Duffy has a platinum pedigree, having worked his way from Trio, Charlie Trotter's, Alinea and Avenues to now being the international culinary phenom and owner of Grace. The attention to every last detail, every moment, every bite, leaves you feeling transported. Guests will experience the highest quality and rarest ingredients but will find the cuisine to be undoubtedly appealing to all. Two options of tasting menus are provided, one with proteins and one vegetarian, punctuated with a visit to Chef Duffy's immaculate kitchen. To dine at Grace is to see the best that Chicago has to offer!

Senza – Owners Susan McMillan and Amelia Fonti have partnered with Chef Noah Sandoval (formerly of Schwa) to create a gluten free foodie's paradise in Senza, which earned one Michelin Star in its first year of review-the first gluten-free restaurant to ever be starred by the famed guide. I have hosted many friends and family for dinner at this Lakeview casual fine dining restaurant and I always love surprising them at the end of the meal by telling them that it was completely gluten-free. The tasting menu, featuring contemporary American cuisine, is offered with creative wine selections and cocktails with food oriented flavors. For those that can't get enough, during the day Senza turns into Wheat's End Café, serving gluten-free baked goods from Wheat's End Artisan Foods. It is cozy and approachable yet endlessly creative.

Ceres' Table – has been a recipient of the coveted Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand from 2011-2014, and with its relocation to the Lakeview neighborhood in May 2014, they now offer a new menu and more space — lucky us! Chef Giuseppe Scurato's dishes reflect a deep devotion to his Sicilian heritage with many recipes belonging to his family for generations. His focus on seasonable and sustainable ingredients is evident in his expanded menu that includes many hard-to-find cheeses, hand-made pastas, and delicate crudos with a strong commitment to directly sourcing it all. The menu focuses on shared plates so it offers the opportunity, if desired, to taste a wide variety. On warm nights the front windows open to the sidewalk patio and allow diners to really feel a part of the city.