Chicago Fire star Miranda Rae Mayo has only called Chicago home since she took a role on the hit NBC series in 2016. But, it seems like she’s already got a firm grasp on the culture, the attitude, and the finer points of living in the city.  “Chicago has quickly become one of my favorite places in the world,” she tells us. “I love the people and summer is so fun. Everyone here seems to appreciate the sunshine way more than we do in California. We tend to take it for granted, but in Chicago it’s like Woodstock love every time it gets above 70 degrees.”

One of the other bright spots she’s found in the midwest? The food–she calls it one of her favorite aspects of Chicago living. When she’s not putting out flames, you’ll most likely find her at one of these spots: her five favorite restaurants in the city.