Alanna Chavez grew up feeling quite alarmed by the phrase starving artist. But with roles like her current one in Porchlight Music Theatre's production of Fun Home, she has proven that Chicago feeds artists in more ways than one. Chavez solidified herself as one of my favorite artist foodies by bringing new waffles to my attention, offering multiple reasons to venture to Chinatown more often, and giving an interview filled with wonderful reminders to always be yourself even if it means forgoing coffee. Below, Alanna shares her favorites from breakfast to dinner and explores the many corners of our great city more than anyone before.
It's first thing in the morning, coffee or tea? And who does your favorite brew?
When I was a kid, I always thought the coolest people were black-coffee-drinking types. Blame it on Lorelai Gilmore or the growing popularity of Folgers commercials during the influential years of my adolescence. Turns out I don’t like coffee. I drank it for years in spite of that fact, in an effort to maintain the illusion of coolness. Now that I’m deep into adulthood and have realized that no amount of coffee could make me cool, I can admit that I much prefer tea, and specifically a chai latte from Khepri Cafe in Albany Park. They really nail it with the spices and flavor profile, and they source a majority of their products locally. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
For the most important meal of the day, aka breakfast, where do you go and what do you order?
If I am lucky enough to start my morning with a Belgian waffle from Tre Kronor in North Park, I’m unstoppable for the rest of the day. It’s a sweet, petite Swedish restaurant (say that five times fast) with locally made, organic sausage options and incredible pastries. In the spring and summer, their garden seating really ramps up the charm. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a stout little gnome dining at a toadstool, this is the spot. Pro tip: get a plate of the fried potatoes for the table, you won’t wanna miss out on those.
Are you a grab-and-go lunch eater or a slow sit-down type? What's your place and order?
Lunch is my favorite meal, so this one is tricky. Okay, I’m going to tell you my secret to impressing your friends and family when they visit you in Chicago. First, you’re gonna take ’em downtown to see the Bean, maybe grab a Nutella latte at the Nutella Café, then you’re gonna walk up Michigan Avenue to the river and hop on a water taxi—shoutout to Wendella, they’re the best. Take that boat down to Chinatown. Incredible views of the city from the river, of course snap some Instagram photos of your little sister. Make a joke about Instagram posts being our generation’s historical documentation: “If you didn’t post about it, it didn’t happen.” Hop off at Ping Tom Park and walk about a quarter mile to the heart of Chinatown, where tucked in a corner on the northwest side, you’ll find my absolute favorite lunch spot: Veggie House. Now, okay, maybe your dad has a hard time getting behind vegetarian food…I’m telling you, he won’t be able to tell the difference. Their meat substitutes are spot-on in texture, and they’re incredibly flavorful. Plus, they have gluten-free options. Walk around the shops, grab some matcha soft serve from Matcha En on your way out. Truly, it’s the perfect afternoon.
Afternoon pick me up? Snack? Caffeine or happy hour? Where is your favorite spot to jump start the evening?
There’s no better place to debrief with my work bestie or meet up with a date than Sparrow in the Gold Coast. They are vibe masters. The drinks are delightfully surprising and beautifully crafted. The folks behind the bar are clearly passionate and considerate, and that really shows up in the bevs they serve. It’s also down the street from the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, where I play Alison Bechdel in Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of Fun Home. Sparrow serves as the cast’s post-show-hang spot. You’re welcome to crash if you ever want to come and talk all things gay and traumatic with some absolute theater nerds.
Dinner time, what place or meal brings your day to a close the right way?
I’m a huge fan of Italian for dinner. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll go to Sapori Trattoria in Lakeview East. Their carbonara is really quite insane. If it’s a regular ol’ mid-week eve and I’m craving an incredible plate of pasta plus a sangria for under $20, I’m going to Pasta Palazzo in Lincoln Park. The staff is amazing, their seasonal specials never miss (Risotto Bolognese! Mango Cheesecake!), and it’s so quick. It’s the perfect fast casual spot to hit up with friends or solo before seeing a show at Steppenwolf. Yes, I know, I’m a big dork, which means most of my favorite dinner spots are within a half a mile of a theater. It’s all part of the lifestyle. Or so I tell myself.
Porchlight Music Theatre's production of Fun Home opens January 16 and runs till March 2. For more information and tickets, visit porchlightmusictheatre.org.
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