Author: Jody Robbins

Barack Obama - Chicago

The first line of the Barack Obama speech after his victorious election win, was: 'Hello, Chicago,' and we could tell he meant it.

Remember when everyone wanted to ‘Be like Mike’? These days another local celebrity has Chicagoans—and everyone else in the country for that matter—asking the big questions. Like where does Barack Obama like to eat, shop, hang out and have fun (we’ll leave the weightier questions for another time). While this Hyde Park resident is going to be calling another city home for at least the next four years—sigh—we imagine that his thoughts won’t stray too far from his hometown.

Obama Eats

It’s official: The Obamas are foodies. Need proof? Just check out the eclectic selection of Windy City restaurants that top their go-to list.

Obama Date Night

When it comes to celebrating special occasions—and the Obamas haven’t been lacking in those lately—the couple likes to go all out. That means either the Gold Coast’s Spiaggia, featuring top-notch Italian cuisine from James Beard award-winning chef Tony Mantuano and spectacular views of Lake Michigan, or River North’s super authentic Mexican restaurant Topolobampo from celeb-chef Rick Bayless.

Obama Quick Bites

But the presidential palate doesn’t just lean towards high-end cuisine. Barack’s a regular at Manny’s Coffee Shop and Deli on the South Side, where the corned beef sandwiches, potato pancakes and cherry pie get his vote of approval. For pizza, the Obama family favors Hyde Park’s Italian Fiesta Pizzeria for its thin-crust pies. But perhaps Barack’s most vocal local restaurant endorsement is for Hyde Park’s Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop. Or at least it was eight years ago, when then-State Senator Obama praised it for its tasty southern-style food—especially the Johnny cakes and peach cobbler—and neighborhood-friendly prices on an episode of WTTW’s “Check Please." The Hyde Park Location has since closed, but locations in Evanston and Lansing, IL continue to serve all of Obama's favorites.

Obama Shops

The Obama Closet

It’s not just Michelle Obama who has fashionistas watching her every style choice—Maria Pinto, J. Crew, Thakoon Panichgul and even H&M are some of her faves—but Barack’s sophisticated suits have their own group of style stalkers, too. Credit Chicago-based clothing maker Hart Schaffner Marx for the tailor-made two-button wool-cashmere blend suit that now goes by its new nickname, “The Obama Suit.” Get yours at the new Chicago Hickey Freeman store.

Obama Lit

Barack’s a literary guy (see ‘Obama Souvenirs’) and when he craves the written word he’s been known to head to 57th Street Books. A branch of the Seminary Co-op, this subterranean bookstore may be off the beaten path, but its five rooms packed with all kinds of books and special kids and author events make it worth the trek.

Obama’s Neighborhood

Sure, the Museum of Science and Industry and the prestigious University of Chicago both call Hyde Park home but it’s the Obama family that has really put this southern Chicago community on the map (after the 1893 World’s Fair, of course).  Stop by the South Shore Cultural Center for a glimpse of where the Obamas held their wedding reception. Refuel at Valois Cafeteria, the home-style diner known for its reasonably priced comfort food and as a Barack favorite (for the full effect order the Obama Breakfast: scrambled eggs, hash browns and sausage.) Find out if his hairdresser knows for sure with a visit to Hyde Park Hair Salon. Ask for Zariff, the barber who’s been coiffing Barack’s hair for 14 years. But with all the Secret Service around it, good luck getting near the red brick Georgian revival house the Obamas call home.

Obama’s Fun Time

Looks like the Chicago Cubs really are cursed: The 44th President is a huge White Sox fan (as if the old Chicago White Sox cap he’s been seen wearing in the past wasn’t a clue). Rumor has it that the White House bowling alley might be converted to a basketball court. But when Barack’s in Chicago, he heads to River North’s East Bank Club for a pick-up game of hoops. With his new job, we imagine Barack’s not going to have much time to indulge in another one of his passions: Scrabble.

Obama Souvenirs

Barack’s no stranger to winning: He’s received two Grammys for spoken word versions of his books, “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream” and “Dreams From My Father.” Barack doesn’t just talk about a healthier America but walks the walk by choosing good-for-you snacks, such as organic Black Forest Berry Honest Tea and Planters Trail Mix (nuts, seeds and raisins, to be exact). But everyone, even the President the United States, is allowed to cut loose now and then. Barack gives the seal of approval to Seattle-based Fran's Chocolates smoked sea salt caramels in milk chocolate. Sweet indeed!