Haute Secrets: Chicago Fire’s Miranda Rae Mayo Shares Her Chicago Musts
Chicago Fire's Miranda Rae Mayo shares her favorite spots to brunch, work out, relax, and more in the Windy City,
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.
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