In the five years that Marie Whitney has lived in Chicago, she’s seen more sides to the city than many lifelong residents. As a mom, she’s navigated preschools and public parks. As an entrepreneur, she’s built one of Southport’s prettiest brick-and-mortar stores and a community of fans with her clothing brand Two-Penny Blue. And as the wife to Cubs President Theo Epstein, she’s witnessed (and supported) the monumental effort of building of a history-making sports team from an intimate perspective that few other Chicagoans could understand.
Here, Whitney shares with us a guide to the city from her unique point-of-view.
Where were you born: New Jersey, I’m a Jersey girl through and through.
How long in Chicago: 5 years
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Occupation: Founder and Creative Director, Two Penny Blue
Favorite Restaurant: Girl and The Goat
Best Sushi: Momitarro
Best Italian: well RPM Italian for the win. It’s our favorite spot for Italian – we even have Christmas Eve dinner here every year.
Best dessert: The skillet chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream from Crosby’s Kitchen. Life changing.
Best place for a romantic date: Get yourself some wine, some great music, head to the lake and hop on a boat right before sunset on a summer night …
Best Sunday brunch: Southport Grocery has an amazing Sunday brunch. Plus you can do a little shopping on Southport Corridor before or after.
Best place for a power business meeting: RL or Travelle Kitchen.
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? I love Soho House, The Thompson and The Penninsula.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Well can I say Two Penny Blue on Southport? I might be a little biased but that place has heart and soul
Best Spa: I rarely have time to go – but the Chuan Spa at The Langham is really beautiful.
Favorite Charity Event: The Chicago Children’s Choir Red Jacket Optional Gala is always so inspiring.
Favorite Cultural Event: It’s hard to pick just one – Chicago has a great live music scene and great theater as well.
Favorite Cultural Institution: The Art Institute of Chicago
Best Steakhouse: Swift & Sons
Best Pizza: Spacca Napoli hands down.
Best Lunch: 3 Arts Café
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: I am a Pure Barre girl.
Best Massage: Soothe App 100% – have you heard of it? On-demand massages right in your own home – it’s amazing
Best Limousine/Driving Service: You can’t go wrong with an Uber but if you want to get fancy – Atlantis Car & Limousine is great.
Best Museum/Exhibit: Museum of Science and Industry
Describe your city in three words: Sports, Soul & Culture
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Wrigley Field
All-around favorite spot in Chicago: The lake – you just have to love being on the water …
Best Aspect of Chicago: I am going to go on record here as saying that Chicago has the best people of any city in the country… and really, what matters more than that?
