"I came to Chicago for the first time in 1998, and was immediately impressed by this city that is always at the cutting edge of innovation, with exceptional architecture. When I came back in 2008, I very quickly felt at home. Probably because I found the same spirit here as in Melbourne, my home town.
When I'm out and about with the family, I like to go to Lincoln Park Zoo. Firstly because the zoo is free, but mainly because it's fun with young children. In terms of culture, I think the new west wing of the Chicago Art Institute is a great success; the collections are superbly presented. The terrace offers a magnificent view over Millennium Park and is a very pleasant place to be in the afternoon.
In the north-east of the city, I also like to wander around Wicker Park, in West Town. I'm always amazed at the incredible diversity of this area. You'll find fashionable, designer boutiques, art galleries, theatres, cafés and small restaurants. North Michigan is, of course, the street of choice for shoppers. For elegant or trendy gifts, I go to the new Nordstrom department stores'. And at Christmas time, I recommend Tiffany's. That's where I buy presents for my daughters.
I also really like Chinatown. The food is simply delicious! As in Melbourne, food here is part of the art of living. And the people are welcoming and friendly. I've worked on the coast in Florida and in the north-east of the United States. Customers there are picky, even uncompromising. "We demand in the North-East, we forgive in the Midwest". I've heard this expression several times and I think it's very true.
I find this attitude in my job. As chefs, we are of course in competition with each other, but at the same time we have real bonds of friendship. We don't try to steal each other's thunder. The proof? I think the most ambitious restaurant in terms of creativity is Alinea, with Grant Achatz at the helm. If I go out with friends, I also like the atmosphere at Rockit Bar and Grill. It's very close to the Trump Hotel & Tower where I work. It's a fairly traditional pub, where you can watch sports programmes and play pool. It's a place that really reflects the style of Chicago.
As for my cooking, I try to be different. I combine flavours, offering international cuisine with an American touch and, of course, Asian cuisine. I'm very influenced by this continent, particularly India with its spices and scents. I'm very free in my creations, which are a bit like a culinary adventure. And I think Chicagoans really appreciate this marriage of genres..."
Frank Brunacci's good addresses
Alinea Restaurant > 1723 North Halsted
- Tel: +1 312 867 0110
- Internet : www.alinearestaurant.com
Art Institute of Chicago > 111 South Michigan Avenue
- Tel: +1 312 443 3600
- Internet : www.artic.edu
Chinatown > 318 West Cermak Road LINCOLN PARK ZOO > 2001 North Clark Street, off North Lake Shore Drive
- Tel: +1 312 742 2000
- Internet : www.lpzoo.org
Nordstrom Department Store > 55 East Grand Avenue
- Tel: +1 312 464 1515
- Internet : about.nordstrom.com
Rockit Bar and Grill > 22 West Hubbard Street
- Tel: +1 312 645 6000
- Internet : www.rockitbarandgrill.com
Sixteen Restaurant > 401 North Wabash Avenue Chicago
- Tel: +1 312 588 8030
- Internet : www.trumphotels.com/chicago
Tiffany & Co > 730 North Michigan Avenue
- Tel: +1 312 944 7500
- Internet : www.tiffany.com
Wicker Park > around 1500 North Damen Avenue
