I never really considered visiting the mid-west a sexy idea. I had heard great things about Chicago, and eventually wanted to visit, but aside from that, exploring this part of the country really hasn’t been a priority for me.

That said, I - to some degree - booked this 3-day trip on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. It was all good vibes.

Check out my top moments below!

Lizzy J Cafe

This gem of a restaurant is about 30 minutes outside of downtown in Ravenswood(still Chicago for those who don’t know…I didn’t). From the time my friend and I walked in we were all eyes and noses, because everything looked and smell good. I’ve included the menu, which doesn’t list everything, but we went with the Catfish and Crab Cake Benedict. I also had a side of potatoes, that were both picture and text worthy, but sadly I forgot to snap it. Whatever you do, make sure Lizzy J’s is part of your visit if you’re ever in the city. #BlackownedChicago

Dusable Museum of African American History

Black Americans have created so much beautiful history in these United States, and with each visit to a new major metropolitan city, I really make it my mission to learn more. That said, one google search led me to the Dusable Museum of African American History in Hyde Park, where I learned about the legacy of Dr. Margaret Burroughs, Black soldiers’ contributions to World War I, Chicago’s first Black mayor and so on and so forth. It was amazing.

Side note: Did you know there was an all-Black infantry of Illinois men who served in World War I? They were the only regiment in the entire United States Army composed of all Black officers. How was this left out of thee American World War I narrative?

Gold Coast/Lake Michigan

Funny story: I knew Chicago had a body of water nearby, and I thought it was Lake Michigan, but I didn’t want to sound silly asking to visit Lake Michigan from Illinois. So, I googled it and I was right. It’s Lake Michigan. LOL. It’s surrounded by Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, so...that’s the story. Anyway, we took what seemed like a long, arduous walk from the Sedgwick, brown line stop and the view was incredible.

P.S. It was biting cold.

Fellowship Chicago

Of all the things I did, visiting Fellowship Chicago Church was one of the most invigorating. Having not found a church home in Brooklyn, my home of almost 2 years, it has been extremely difficult to find a fairly youthful church where I feel fed spiritually. So, I stream Fellowship from my living room quarters, when I’m not hiking up to Harlem/FCBCNYC.

Sadly, I strolled in a little late - like 10 minutes - so I was kindly ushered downstairs to the overflow. I was SICK, and I slick wanted to walk around and see for myself if there was a lil spot for me in the sanctuary, but I didn’t. Though reluctant, I ate that “L” and happily obliged.

People must act up about this because not too far into the sermon, Pastor Reggie exclaims, “You ain’t got no seat,” and I felt that. Not for nothing, the overarching theme here was to treat everybody, regardless of status and etc., with dignity and respect. Full quote below.

“I been trying to free people! Fighting over seats…YOU AIN’T GOT NO SEAT….Everybody is equal when you get to the cross.”

In the end, it all worked out because the church was celebrating Black History Month, and had food ready after service…downstairs…right next to where the overflow sat. Guess who was 3rd in line to get a plate. :)

All jokes aside, I feel blessed to have been there to receive this message live. Listen to the full sermon here.

The Original Garrett’s Popcorn

I couldn’t visit Chicago and not stop by the original Garrett’s Popcorn. My parents put me on years ago when they brought a cheddar and caramel glazed mix - popped to perfection - home after their own trip to Chicago for the first time. Over the years, I would come to know this as the “Garrett Mix” which we would have shipped to us here and there. That said, this was the icing on my cake.

All in all Chicago was a good time! For a quick trip, I was able to pack a lot in, familiarizing myself with Chicago’s Black roots, great restaurants and good friends. It surely hasn’t seen the last of me.

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