United States

Chicago

DJ Lady D

Perhaps no other city in the world has contributed to contemporary dance music as much as 

. The Windy City spearheaded a new era in music after the decay of disco, a genre stifled by prejudices from homophobes and racists. In 1970s, disco thrived in Chicago, especially among the city's Black and queer population. When it disappeared - it left a void, and a community searching for a home. House first appeared at a members-only gay club in South Jefferson Street called The Warehouse, through the fearless sets resident DJ Frankie Knuckles.

If Knuckles is considered the Godfather of house, then DJ Lady D is the queen. Inspired by Knuckles and 1980s innovators like Ron Hardy, Lady D worked the dance circuit hard in the 1990s, establishing herself as a major figure in the underground club scene and forming Superjane - the first all-female DJ crew in the US - in 1997. She's an ambassador of House music - and Chicago at large - establishing a record label in the 2000s, and appearing in multiple documentaries about the city's musical legacy. 

Below, she shares her guide to the places she frequents when she's not behind decks or mentoring the next gen of club stars. 

Giant is a tiny restaurant on Armitage Avenue in Humboldt Park. The small open-air kitchen functions like watching an episode of "The Bear" if it were a real place. I usually try to sit at the chef's seats to watch their exquisite ballet. The food is delightful, and the flavours divine. It's well worth the trouble of getting a table here. Let your spirit run free with this menu and try a little of it all. 

Sultan's Market is a staple in Wicker Park and a tried and true friend to the community. They have two locations - another in Logan Square attached to a dance club called Masada, where they do House, Amapiano, and other music events. You can't go wrong with either for budget-friendly, home-made, Mediterranean food. The tried and true lamb, falafel, rice, and chicken shawarma do it for me every time. Lentil or chicken soup on a chilly day for just a few bucks. Salad Bar for when you're being "healthy". A familiar friend and a warm hug are what this place is to me.

Rockwell Bottles Shop & Coffee is a hybrid coffee shop selling boozy beverages in Lincoln Square. Not really a bar - but more a space where friends can hang out, or you can work from and then come home with a few bottles from the store's carefully curated selection of craft beer, wine, and sake. Aesthetically, just a gorgeous space with uniquely wonderful finds. It's pretty and perfect. Love this spot! 

Bronzeville Winery is a soulful restaurant in Bronzeville, the cultural capital of Chicago's great migration. Attention to vegan and vegetarian offerings makes this a place anyone can enjoy, whether for dinner or a quick stop during happy hour. I go time and again for the shrimp and grits, plus they serve one of the best Sunday Brunch menus anywhere. Their extensive wine list is a standout feature, but they have a full-service bar too. DJs spin mostly vinyl, setting the tone between soul, neo-soul, and chillaxing music most nights - housey, sexy, and everything in-between. BW is a regular stop, and I truly vibe with this place. 

Chengdu Bistro in Wicker Park has the best dumplings outside of SF, period. The busiest time is all the time, so getting a table here without a reservation means you have to be patient. It's so worth the wait, though. Although I enjoy the meaty dishes, the veggies are some of my favourites—string beans, bok choy, and the various mushroom dishes are all memorable. Even better: it's BYOB! My recommendation: make a reservation.

Noriko is an even tinier hand-roll sushi spot below another restaurant named Perilla. I love sushi, and this teeny-weeny spot takes the art of the hand roll to the next level. Almost impossible to get into, the best bet is the online platform OpenTable or going alone. No more than three are recommended, and two is ideal. Yup, a great date-night if you're trying to impress and want oodles of cool points. This dimly lit triangle of a restaurant will have you (and them) eating out of the palm of your hand.

Chengdu Bistro

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