Haute Secrets: Chicago Fire’s Miranda Rae Mayo Shares Her Chicago Musts
Photo Credit: Kenny Wormald, Photography; Lauren Bennett, Styling and Creative Director.
Miranda Rae Mayo moved to Chicago just over two years ago, but she’s already got a pretty good feel for her new home. After all, she stars in a show centered on the city, playing Stella Kidd on NBC’s Chicago Fire. Off set, she makes it a point to explore the best spots in her Wicker Park neighborhood and beyond. Here’s some of what she’s discovered thus far.
Where were you born: Clovis, CA
How long in Chicago: 2 years
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Occupation: Artist
Favorite Restaurant: That’s hard … in my defense there are still many to be discovered but I love Cafe Robey!
Best Sushi: Juno sushi
Best dessert: Mad Social
Best place for a romantic date: Lake Michigan (except in winter), or Momotaro.
Best Sunday brunch: Kingsbury Street Cafe
Best Italian: Viaggio
Best place for a power business meeting: Soho House
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Robey, because it is walking distance from my place!
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Humboldt House
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: The Fulton Flea Market
Best Spa: I hear Aire, the new Roman bathhouse, is incredible. I love the spa at the Langham and Mario Tricocci but I hear Aire is the best.
Favorite Charity Event: Kicks for the City Sneaker Ball
Favorite Cultural Event: Hmm, I enjoy the Sunday night poetry slam at the Green Mill if that counts and the Soul sessions at Revel room. Any kind of live Jazz, really.
Favorite Cultural Institution: Donda’s House. Inc.
Best Steakhouse: Prime and Provisions
Best Pizza: Bar Cargo
Best Lunch: Dove’s Luncheonette
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Hifi Fitness and 105f yoga
Best Massage: The best massage I’ve had in Chicago is a shoulder rub from Yuriy Sardarov. Those Georgian hands are pure MAGIC.
Best Limousine/Driving Service: The teamsters on the Chicago Fire set and Lyft
Best Museum/Exhibit: Museum of science and industry
Describe your city in three words: Chicago? Hearty, artsy and segregated.
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: So far I’ve loved the Adler Planetarium (it’s the oldest in the country!) and the Museum of Science and Industry.
All-around favorite spot in Chicago: The Eigenbergs’ [referring to co-star David Eigenberg] at dinner time
Best Aspect of Chicago: The way people help each other out in winter
Catch Miranda Rae Mayo on Chicago Fire Thursday nights at 9 p.m.