Sip With Me

A podcast for campers, glampers and everyone in between! Pack your cutest flannel and prepare to wander into the rustic summer retreat of your dream! Welcome to Camp Wandawega!

This incredible retreat located just north of the border in Wisconsin has it all- a private lakefront, hiking trails, and the most Instagramable accommodations even Martha Stewart couldn’t have designed herself.

With roots in Prohibition and the Catholic Church, its location has many a tale to tell (if only walls could talk are we right)?!

Luckily, we met Tereasa Surratt, Co-Owner of Camp with her husband David, and she does an amazing job telling just a pinch of the camps’s storied past!

From cozy cabins to traditional tents, there is an accommodation for every vibe. Learn about them and the many outdoor activities you and your guest can indulge in during your vacation.

Learn from Tereasa why it’s so important to unplug and unwind, especially for the many creatives who come to the resort each year!

Tereasa also shares some updates on her newest project the “Bureau of Tourism” in West Town and we find out about their bourbon with CH Distillery, a past guest on the show!

We end with rapid campfire, discovering Tereasa’s favorite camp scent and how she likes her s’mores!

BOOK & INFO: https://wandawega.com/

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/campwandawega/?hl=en

President Ioanna and VP Aaron would like to formally invite you to hear the tale of Chicago’s “Hotel of Presidents”!

Known for its many iconic former guests, including Teddy Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter, the historic hotel on Chicago’s Michigan Ave blends its historic mystique with modern day luxury. As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the hotel boasts incredible lake views and enough tales of history to fill a book!

We chat with Violet Tossler, Marketing Manager for the property, who gives us the full historic rundown, from when the Blackstone was the tallest building in Chicago to the time Kennedy learned about the Cuban Missile Crisis from the Presidential Suite. There was even a barbershop inside where Al Capone and many presidents regularly got haircuts!

The hotel is also known for coining the term “a smoke filled room” as it was in one of the hotel suites where Warren G Harding was nominated for president outside the view of the press.

Beyond the history, Violet describes the hotel’s amazing amenities, including a ton of original artwork, an on-site restaurant, and the most gorgeous event space perfecting for weddings! Plus, honey from their rooftop beehives!!

This is the perfect hotel for summer travelers or if you’re a local looking to have a unique staycation!

BOOK: https://www.theblackstonehotel.com/

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/theblackstonehotel/

READ ABOUT THE BEES: https://www.theblackstonehotel.com/specials/the-blackstone-buzz

MERCAT A LA PLANXA: https://www.theblackstonehotel.com/dine/mercat-a-la-planxa

Now boarding iFLY flight 0001 from Chicago to wherever the wind takes us!

It’s immersion therapy week for Ioanna and Aaron! To get over their fear of flying, they’ve partnered with iFLY to literally take flight at their iconic indoor skydiving experience!

Joe Velez, the Senior Regional Director for iFLY, introduces us to the company and how indoor skydiving came to be! We discuss the experience of indoor flight and breakdown the fascinating science of their wind tunnel.

Hear how it differs from outdoor skydiving and why it’s perfect for even the most anxious flyers (cough cough Ioanna & Aaron).

We end with rapid fire, finding out Jose’s favorite stunt to perform and what’s on his skydiving playlist.

BOOK A FLIGHT:

https://www.iflyworld.com/

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/iflyus/?hl=en

Chicago Locations: Rosemont, Lincoln Park, and Naperville

You’ve seen it in the movies- an artist wannabe goes into a studio, throws some clay on the wheel, and SPLAT, it’s all over the walls and ceiling, ruining your $120 Abercrombie jeans and leaving you with nothing to be on your mantle.

Lucky for Aaron & Ioanna, they found Penguin Foot Pottery and knew they were in good hands (literally).

We chat with Chris and Paige Busse about their Logan Square pottery studio and how they transitioned into full-time studio life!

Hear what’s trending in the world of pottery and find out the many experiences offered at the studio. From classes that last multiple sessions to one-time workshops, there’s something for all of us, even us clay newbies!

We also geek out to some pottery science in honor of Aaron’s Chemistry teacher husband!

We end with a round of rapid fire in the kiln to learn if Chris and Paige have a favorite piece and they describe Aaron and Ioanna as pieces of pottery!

Visit the studio at 2514 W Armitage! And book below.

BOOK: https://www.penguinfoot.com/

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/penguinfootpottery/?hl=en

*THIS IS A LIVE INTERVIEW! Pardon the chocolatey construction noises in the background*

Ioanna & Aaron Twizzler Twist and are Jolly as a Rancher at Chicago’s Hershey Super Sweet Adventure!

Caitlin Maloney, Vice President of Creative at Original X Productions (OGX), introduces us to the company behind some of the nation’s greatest immersive IP experiences, including Harry Potter, Friends, and now Hershey!

We chat about the reopening of this Michigan Avenue experience. Coming at the perfect time as we emerge out of our winter slumber, it’s the refreshing downtown activity we needed!

Sweet surprises are sure to delight the family, especially the kid inside all of us. Featuring Hershey themed challenges, activities, and delectable photo pops, this is the perfect spring break or weekend fun for candy lovers, which let’s face it, is all of us.

Learn how the OGX team took iconic brands like Reese’s or Jolly Rancher and turned them into big, bold, and immersive exhibits. Taking on the role of “Sweet Seekers”, you’ll engage with this timeless American brand in ways you never thought possible!

We end with rapid fire, finding out if Caitlin has a favorite Hershey candy and which Jolly Rancher flavor she picks from the bag first!

Hershey Super Sweet Adventure is now open! Located in Chicago Water Tower Place.

Recommended for candy lovers of all ages!

TICKETS: https://www.hersheysupersweetadventure.com/

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/hersheysupersweetadventure/

Meet the Queen of Cute, Creator of Strawberry Shortcake and Key Designer behind Care Bears and The Get Along Gang!

Muriel Juneberry Fahiron is know for all the illustrations that made your childhood magical and your adulthood nostalgic. After a decades long career with various greeting card companies and agencies, Muriel now calls Tulsa home and graces our feed with her #kitchendance videos!

We chat with her about her early inspirations and what led her down the path of illustration. We talk the early days of her biggest lines like Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears. Hear how these iconic brands came to be!

Discover how her sister ended up creating the first Strawberry Shortcake plush and find out even the smallest moments can turn into the biggest ideas!

We end chatting about Muriel’s upcoming themed cocktail event in Tulsa at The Vault, and hear about her studio, “Outta Thin Air”!

SHOP MURIEL’S STUDIO:

https://www.outtathinairstudio.com/

COCKTAIL EVENT:

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-vault-16524240625

FOLLOW HER INSTA:

https://www.instagram.com/outtathinairstudio/?hl=en

FOLLOW HER TIKTOK:

https://www.tiktok.com/@outta_thin_air

Raise your glass! This week we’re pouring one out for our friends at Revolution Brewing, Illinois' Largest Independent Craft Brewery!

In this episode, we brew up some craft beverage history and learn the founding story from Marty Scott, Barrel Program Manager at Revolution Brewing.

He dives into how a small Chicago brewery crafted its own path to success in a world of big beer. Plus, we learn what inspired the iconic name and eye-catching packaging of the brand.

Marty walks us through the brewery and how barrel aging works to impact flavor and drink experience.

Hear about the rapid growth and constant evolution of the industry over the last decade, and find out what’s ahead for famous products like “Hero IPA” and “City Series”

To end our episode, make sure you grab a cold one, you’re gonna need it for rapid fire! We learn Marty’s all time favorite craft beer, his favorite beer accoutrement, and more!

VISIT THE BREWERY: https://revbrew.com/visit

WHERE TO BUY: https://revolution-brewing.myshopify.com/

FOLLOW:

https://www.instagram.com/revbrewchicago/?hl=en

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a Ballyhoo! At 11 locations and growing, it’s likely you’ve dined at a Ballyhoo Hospitality restaurant before. Their roster includes names like Denucci’s, Gemini, Petit Pomeroy, Coda di Volpe and more!

Known for their feel-good vibes and opulent customer service, the group brings “going out for a night in the city” to the suburbs and offer a vibey way to have “lunch with friends”.

We meet Kayla Morrison, Vice President of Operations, who introduces us to Founders Ryan and Anna O'Donnell. They started with a single location just days after their wedding and turned that into the thriving restaurant group that exists today.

Discover some of the many culinary options sprinkled throughout Chicagoland and how they bring a concept to life. From Ryan’s in-office Pinterest board to opening day, the Ballyhoo is in the details.

We discuss where they’re going next and what’s to come in 2025 (new spots are opening)!!

We end with rapid fire, in which Kayla describes Ioanna and Aaron as a Ballyhoo restaurant! Plus, her go-to entree and cocktail!

ALL BALLYHOO LOCATIONS:

https://ballyhoohospitality.com/

EVENTS/CATERING:

https://ballyhoohospitality.com/private-events-and-catering/

FOLLOW:

https://www.instagram.com/ballyhoo.hospitality/?hl=en

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn where the name “Gibsons” comes from and why there’s no apostrophe!

• Discover why their signature steaks are so popular

• Hear tales of Chicago history and stories of cultural icons who Gibsons can call “regulars”

Opened in 1989, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is Chicago’s Classic American steakhouse. Nestled comfortably between State & Rush, the restaurant is a decades-long favorite of celebrities, world leaders, and foodies alike. And even though we’re small fish, we’ve begun to celebrate every New Year’s Eve at the restaurant with hopes that one day we too will have our signed photo on the famous walls!

We’re cutting into the details of this tasty Chicago eatery with Liz Lombardo Stark, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Gibsons Restaurant Group, and daughter of Owner Steve Lombardo.

Under the umbrella of Gibsons includes Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, LUXBAR, Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, Gibsons Italia, The BOATHOUSE Orlando, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House (on behalf of Rivers Casino), Bazaar Meat Chicago, and Bar Mar!

Our Episode Menu:

Drinks (Gibsons Martini)

To start off, we talk Gibsons history & find out who opened the restaurant and why. Plus, an exploration of their menu classics and a rundown of the other famous brands under the restaurant group.

Appetizer (Crab Cake, Fries, and Garbage Salad)

Getting hungry, we breakdown the details behind their famous steaks. We talk what makes Gibsons Prime Angus so special, and hear how their aging/cooking processes help enhance flavor.

Main Course (W.R.’s Chicago Cut Steak and Planked Lake Superior Whitefish)

We sizzle up some foodie folklore with Liz, including stories of the many celebrities who have dined at Gibsons. Plus, we talk why Gibsons quality service has helped it to span generations of customers (including our fave waiter, Karl)!

Dessert (Famous Carrot Cake)

A sweet round of rapid fire to end, we learn Liz’s favorite Gibsons steak, go-to cocktail, and the coolest person she’s met while at Gibsons!

MENU/RESERVATIONS: https://gibsonssteakhouse.com/gibsons-chicago/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gibsonssteakhouse/?hl=en

ORDER & SHIP: https://gibsonssteak.com/

ALL RESTAURANTS: https://grgmc.com/restaurants

This week, we revisit one of our favorite episodes from 2024, Chicago Boat Company! We recently took a ride on one of their mega-viral “Hot Tub Boats” and just had to share the company story with you again in case you missed it last year. Listen now to hear about how they got a hot tub to float, and check instagram to see us play rapid fire live in the hot tub!  

Original Episode

This week, we meet Ron Silvia, President & Founder of Chicago Boat Company. Famous for their year-round boating opportunities, Ron and his team have been innovators in Chicago’s aquatic tourism field for over a decade. Their notable boating experiences include last year’s viral Hot Tub Boats, Donut Boats, Retro Boats, pedal-powered Cycle Boats, and everything else from Pontoons to Duffys and Yachts!

We chat about how his days in Cape Cod influenced his vision for Chicago’s river and lake. Hear how he used new tech to bring Chicago’s most unique boating experiences to life, and learn about how everyone over 21 (including Ioanna and I) can learn to captain one of their vessels!

On top of the already instagramable opportunities, they have dog-friendly boating options for Aaron’s corgi!  Plus, Ron tells us about how much promise lies in the continued growth of Chicago’s vibrant aquatic scene.

We end with rapid fire to learn Ron’s favorite boat, his go-to snack when on the water, and his dream person to have on a boat ride (hint: it’s Katy Perry)!!!

BOOK A BOAT:

https://chicagoboatcompany.com/

SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/chicagoboatco/

See you on the water! Hot Tub boats available now through mid-March!

The name is Bond, James Bond, and I’ll have a Vesper Martini with a side of science to celebrate my movie series, which is the longest-running ever!

Chicago’s famous Griffin Museum of Science and Industry welcomes “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond”. The exhibit, open through March 2025, explores the science and technology featured in the James Bond movies!

We sit down with Museum Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer, Laura Herrera, to discuss what you can expect from a visit to the 007 exhibit. She shares what cool gadgets and famous Bond cars you can see inside the exhibit! Plus, we discuss some of the amazing science that will immerse Bond fans young and old in the famous spy world!

We also chat about how an exhibit like this goes from concept to creation (spy hint: it takes a lot of talented people at Griffin MSI a long time)! Plus, Laura discusses her career path in Chicago and how her experiences have shaped her work at the museum.

We end with a 007 round of rapid fire, finding out Laura’s favorite piece in the exhibit, her favorite Bond movie, and how she likes her martini!

Buy tickets now through spring 2025!

TICKETS/INFO:

https://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/007-science-inventing-the-world-of-james-bond

SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/msichicago/?hl=en

VESPER MARTINI RECIPE:

https://www.liquor.com/recipes/vesper/

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Frohe Weihnachten, Chicago!

We put the German lesson we got at the Christkindlmarket to use and head down the street to another one of our favorite holiday spots, The Berghoff! Their claim to fame is that they are nearly the oldest restaurant in Chicago, have OG liquor license number one from the city, and serve both award-winning food and beer with their Adams Street Brewery!

Assistant Manager Andrea Serrano, Brewers Jim Riggs & Mark Duchow, tell us some of the history behind the multi-generation family business. With roots in the World’s Fair, back then you got a sandwich as a side with your beer rather than a beer with your sandwich! Imagine that!

Andrea tells us about some of their famous German dishes, including schnitzel and black forest cake. Jim and Mark tell us about the brewery and some of the pours you can get, which really made us want a cold German pint!

We end with a discussion on what’s happening for the holidays, including a Christmas village  window display and their Christmas beer.

Rapid fire this week includes their favorite menu items and restaurant fun facts!

Visit them at 17 W Adams

RESERVATIONS/MENU:

https://www.theberghoff.com/

ADAMS STREET BREWERY:

https://www.adamsstreetbrewery.com/

SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/berghoffchicago/?hl=en

SHOP/GIFT:

https://www.adamsstreetbrewery.com/shop/

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Yule be sorry if you miss this one!From dazzling ornaments to show-stopping trees, the LARGEST Christmas store in Illinois is pure North Pole magic. Their trees go viral on the daily and even appear in the terminals of O’hare!

We chat with Christmas Expert and Owner of Treetime Christmas Creations, Laurie Kane, about how she created the largest Christmas store in the state! She breaks down this year’s holiday trends, plus tells us how next year’s tree & decor trends come into existence even before this Christmas is over!

She describes how innovative artificial trees have become in recent years, and guides us on what to possibly expect for the 2025 holiday season! Plus, how even Aaron and his Kindergarten decor skills can create something beautiful with a little of treetime help!

We end with rapid fire, discussing Laurie’s favorite Christmas tradition, a trend she’s loving, and her go-to holiday treat!

Visit them in Lake Barrington at 22102 N Pepper Rd!

SHOP ONLINE: https://www.treetime.com/

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/treetimechristmascreations/?hl=en

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Put us in a bottle and wrap it with a bow! This week, we’re diving nose-first into the art of perfume making with perfume master, Marija Lazarevic, of Aroma Workshop! It’s our 2024 unique holiday gift and winter activity idea for Chicagoans!

Aroma Workshop is a perfumery, making custom scent blends that rival all the nostalgic perfumes and colognes you love. They’ve been around for decades and that smells amazing to us!

We walk through the process with Marija, including how many fragrances you get to pick from to put into your perfume and how you can re-create timeless classics! Plus, they keep your perfume on file in case you ever want to reorder!

We also discuss the natural element behind their products, and talk essential oils + natural skincare! Plus, the importance of nostalgia & emotion in fragrance creation.

We end with rapid fire, discussing Marija’s favorite scent combos. She even describes Ioanna & Aaron as a perfume (and she was very accurate)!

Visit them in Lincoln Park at 2110 N Halsted!

BOOK A WORKSHOP: https://www.aromaworkshop.com/

AROMA SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/aroma_workshop/?hl=en

We put the FAN in Fannie May, because we’re lifelong lovers of these iconic chocolates! From Pixies to Mint Meltaways, Ioanna and Aaron have indulged in Fannie May chocolates every holiday since they were kids. Aaron’s twin brother even worked in a Fannie May shop!

Fannie May has been around since the 1920’s when it all began as a neighborhood chocolate shop in Chicago. Since then, they’ve grown from a few recipes to over 100 tasty treats!

We meet Fernando Bernardo, Marketing Director at Fannie May, who takes us back to when Fannie May all began. We learn about how they became so popular and why their emphasis on quality & in-store experience has made them a forever-classic holiday treat.

Learn fun stories behind how your favorite chocolates came to exist- from Trinidads to Pixies, each chocolate has a tale!

And, get the run down from our expert chocolatier (Bernardo) on how to gift Fannie May this holiday season and beyond, including what deals you can bite into this Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and during their annual customer appreciation weekend Dec 8-9!

We end with rapid fire, discussing our favorite chocolates, a flavor we’d create, and our most nostalgic Fannie May memories!

Cocktails crafted by Muddling Memories at Fannie May’s “Cheers with Chocolate” event include the Pixie Espresso Brown Sugar Martini, Mint Meltaway Mint Chocolate Margarita, and Milk Chocolate Vanilla Buttercreams Vanilla Mimosa!

Shop at the links below and follow Fannie May on Social for deal announcements and more signature events like the one featured in this episode’s Instagram content!

SHOP FANNIE MAY: https://www.fanniemay.com/us/en/

STORE LOCATOR: https://locations.fanniemay.com/

FANNIE MAY SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/fanniemaychocolates/?hl=en

MUDDLING MEMORIES INFO:

https://muddlingmemories.com/

MUDDLING MEMORIES SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/muddlingmemories/

What’s better than one jack-o’-lantern? How about 1,000!

Exclusively at Chicago Botanic Garden, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns features professionally carved pumpkins hand carved with a whole host of designs, from album covers, to Chicago icons, and even some TBT cartoons like Courage The Cowardly Dog!

Jodi Zombolo joins us for her 2nd appearance on Sip with Me to discuss this year’s Jack-o’-Lanterns! Find out about how their team chooses designs and carves 1,000 pumpkins, not once, but twice each Halloween!

Hear behind the scenes facts and find out what kind of Halloween goodies & cocktails are available each night!

We end with, you guessed it, jack-o’-lantern themed rapid fire!

The second installment of this event runs October 23-27 from 6:30-10:30pm. Tickets are already selling out so get them NOW!

*We also recommend you listen to our 2023 interview with Jodi about Holiday “Lightscape” and buy your tickets now! Both linked below!

Event Tickets: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/halloween

CBT: https://www.chicagobotanic.org

Social: https://www.instagram.com/chicagobotanic/?hl=en

Holiday Lightscape Tickets: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape

Quick Links: https://linktr.ee/sipwithme_

2023 Lightscape Holiday Interview with Jodi: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sip-with-me/id1522224564?i=1000634625687

Podcasters get lost in the world’s largest corn maze read the headlines! Don’t get cornfused- this is indeed the World’s Largest Corn Maze! Meet Richardson Adventure Farm!

Located north of the city in picturesque northern Illinois, this is not your typical family farm! Richardson is home to the largest corn maze anywhere.

We meet George Richardson who runs the farm with his family. He tells us about the fun farm history (dating back to the 1830’s!) and he talks about how you actually design and make the world’s largest corn maze (it’s a very high tech process)!

On top of the corn maze, they have everything else you could dream of at a fall farm. The farm also boasts an impressive Christmas tree operation, sunflower fields, tulip festival, and craft beer festival!

And, the best apple cider donuts we’ve ever had (literally we don’t know how they made it so fluffy).

Visit the corn maze through October 27th!

VISIT: https://richardsonadventurefarm.com

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/richardsonadventurefarm/?hl=en

CORN MAZE PHOTO: https://richardsonadventurefarm.com/AdventureFarm/CornMaze

QUICK LINKS: https://linktr.ee/sipwithme_

Hey Pumpkins! At October Cafe, everyone deserves to feel the love of fall ALL YEAR LONG!

We meet Audrey Borden & Michelle Gonzalez, owners of the year-round fall themed cafe. A LGBTQ+IA, Latina operated cafe, they’re serving something special that usually only exists for a couple days each year as the Pumpkins glow and the apples crisp.

We chat about how the idea came about and what it’s like operating a themed cafe year round. Plus, we walk through their menu of delicious fall drinks & food- literally your mouth will be watering and you’ll be on your way faster than the leaves fall from the trees.

Audrey & Michelle are married IRL and it is so fun to hear them discuss opening and operating a small business in Norwood Park.

We end with rapid fire, finding out their favorite fall drinks, Halloween movie, and more!

Located at 6046 N Avondale Ave

WEBSITE: https://octobercafe.com

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/octobercafechicago/

QUICK LINKS: https://linktr.ee/sipwithme_

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Tony Durpetti, longtime Owner of Gene & Georgetti. Tony passed away shortly after our conversation with his daughter, Michelle Durpetti. It is folks like him who make Chicago special and whose stories are the guiding light of what we do. We thank Michelle for sharing some of his story with us in this episode.

Chicago’s Famous & Original Tuscan Steakhouse since 1941, there are a lot of special ingredients that make this family business work. Michelle, Gene’s granddaughter, shares some of those ingredients, including rich family history, stories of her father, and some fun tales behind famous dishes like “Chicken Joe” and their award-winning steaks!

From the Frank Sinatra Booth to the Chicago Mural Room, there’s chi-town legend seared into every detail. We answer questions like “who were Gene & Georgetti” and “what makes their steak so special”. From the food quality to the warm family embrace, there’s a reason all the who’s who have dined at this Chicago classic.

We end with rapid fire, in which Michelle tells us what Italian dish Ioanna and Aaron should order and who the coolest person she’s ever met at the restaurant is

This week’s cocktail, a Beefeater Gin Martini, on the rocks & with a twist, is dedicated to the memory of Tony Durpetti. Cheers, to Tony.

RESERVATIONS/MENU: https://geneandgeorgetti.com

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/gene_georgetti/

Quick Links: https://linktr.ee/sipwithme_

Cheers!

Here’s a puzzle for you: what do Settlers of Catan, Cowboy Caviar, and the Enchanted Forest have in common? Well, nothing in the outside world, but everything at Chicago’s premier Board Game Bar & Restaurant!

At Snakes & Lattes, the gamers game, the foodies eat, and the worries of the world melt away in the background of its immersive environment. With over 800 games in their wood paneled game vault (it’s actually an old bank vault) and a menu worthy of a Michelin Star, this place is poppin with vibes and energy every night of the week.

We sat down in the game vault for a live interview with Anaïs Guilbert & John Eiswerth to discuss board game trends and how the industry changed after the pandemic. Plus, hear about their private rooms, including Enchanted Forest, Starship, and Haunted Study (we think the haunted study is actually haunted btw the vibes are there).

Anaïs discusses the history of the brand which has locations around the country and in Canada. John shares how Chicago game designers bring their new products to test with the crowd- you never know, you might get to the play the first version of the next global best seller!

Plus, their calendar is full of events like Taylor Swift Trivia & Drag Bingo.

We also discuss the impact of games on our mental health during COVID and Aaron announces that he actually designed a board game once!

We finish with a game of rapid fire to find out their favorite games and items on the menu!

RESERVATIONS & MENU: https://www.snakesandlattes.com/chicago

INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/snakesandlatteschicago/?hl=en

BROWSE THE GAME LIBRARY: https://www.snakesandlattes.com/library

Summer might be nearing an end but we’re feeling electric about all the fun things ahead!

This week, we meet Ron Silvia, President & Founder of Chicago Electric Boat Company. Famous for their year-round boating opportunities, Ron and his team have been innovators in Chicago’s aquatic tourism field for over a decade. Their notable boating experiences include last year’s viral Hot Tub Boats, Donut Boats, Retro Boats, pedal-powered Cycle Boats, and everything else from Pontoons to Duffys and Yachts!

We chat about how his days in Cape Cod influenced his vision for Chicago’s river and lake. Hear how he used new tech to bring Chicago’s most unique boating experiences to life, and learn about how everyone over 21 (including Ioanna and I) can learn to captain one of their vessels!

On top of the already instagramable opportunities, they have dog-friendly boating options for Aaron’s corgi!  Plus, Ron tells us about how much promise lies in the continued growth of Chicago’s vibrant aquatic scene.

We end with rapid fire to learn Ron’s favorite boat, his go-to snack when on the water, and his dream person to have on a boat ride (hint: it’s Katy Perry)!!!

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/chicagoeboats/?hl=en

BOOK A BOAT: https://www.chicagoelectricboats.com

See you on the water!

Grab your favorite color yarn and let’s craft for spooky season! We are so excited to feature Chicago’s Pop Craft Studio. They offer a variety of crafts including Tufting, Cream Glue, Mosaic, Lipstick, and more!

We talked with Manager Elvina Malkoc about the founding story, the insane crafting experiences they offer, and why crafting is having its moment. She discusses what cream glue is (check our insta for our adorable phone cases) and she tells us about some of the designs she’s seen at the studio. Plus, Ioanna and Aaron debate what we should gift!

We end the episode with a round of rapid fire where we find out Elvina’s favorite craft supply, favorite season to craft, and her favorite cocktail!

Pop Craft is the perfect indoor activity for the fall and is ideal for dates, a night out with friends, or when we went there was a whole bachelorette happening (congrats to the bride)!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/popcraft.studio

BOOK AN EXPERIENCE: https://popcraftstudio.com/

Meet the most extraordinary musical artist of our generation! Morgan St. Jean has been releasing hits for years now and continues to climb the charts and our hearts. A genius songwriter, she is credited on several Chappel Roan hits.

Morgan joined us in early 2022, prior to she had released her iconic hit “Not All Men” and shortly after did it again with her single “Do it Like A Girl” which blew up on social media. She also released powerful anthems like “Right” and 2023’s viral Pride hit “Skin And Bones”.

Morgan is back to discuss her latest EP “My Mind And I” and her tour, which she completed earlier this year and, due to popularity, added a second leg that stops across the country in the coming weeks. She’ll tell us the meaning behind some of her new songs and discuss the creative process behind writing her hits and preparing for a national tour.

We end with rapid fire and discover Morgan’s tour snack must haves and her favorite artists right now.

Morgan comes to Chicago September 11, we’ll see you there ;)

TOUR DATES/TIX: https://www.morganstjean.com

FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/morganstjean/?hl=en

STREAM: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kAyoGhVlC6PFg0FvMqmFB?si=Thzu4MLrT_m7ITcu3UuBNA

It's time to eat Chicago! And what a better selection for us to choose from than the award winning Boka Restaurant Group! 

Ioanna and I have been to many of their restaurants in Chicagoland and always celebrate with them on New Year’s Eve! Examples include Boka, Swift and Sons, Girl and The Goat, and more.

Founded by Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm in 2002, Boka Restaurant Group is one of the premier chef-driven restaurant groups in the country. Anchored by partnerships with several of America's great chefs, Boka offers distinct culinary experiences, each of them individually crafted and conceptually unique. You'll feel it in the ambience of their spaces and you'll taste it in the food and drinks.

Kevin joined us to discuss the history of their group, what some of their restaurants have in store for 2024 & beyond, and why they value Chicago so much as a place for fine food and beverage. Plus, Kevin pitches his upcoming book “The Bottomless Cup” which comes out in 2025 with Abrams Press!

Kevin was even featured on FX’s “The Bear” as he is one of Chicago’s greatest foodtrepreneurs! This is a must listen episode!

We end with rapid fire, learning about Kevin’s favorite meal, neighborhood in Chicago, and one non-Boka restaurant he’s enjoying this summer!

FOLLOW BOKA: https://www.instagram.com/bokachicago/?hl=en

FOLLOW KEVIN: https://www.instagram.com/kevinboehmboka/?hl=en

RESERVATIONS & RESTAURANTS: https://www.bokagrp.com

All aboard the Big Bus! One of the most moving experiences we’ve had in the city, the “Sunset Live Tour” by Big Bus Tours explores Chicago while the city’s architecture, historical landmarks, and lake are draped in the velvety shade of golden hour.

This tour takes tourists and locals on a 90-minute journey around the Chicago loop and surrounding neighborhoods. Atop their iconic red, double-decker buses, you’ll see the city above even our CTA buses.

We chat with John Curran, Senior Vice President & General Manager at Big Bus Tours, about the Sunset Live Tour and the company’s traditional hop on & off experience.

John shares some of the facts you’ll learn on the tour, including that Lincoln Park used to be a huge cemetery and how there is a piece of burnt debris from the Great Chicago Fire you can visit. Highlights for us included driving down Lakeshore Drive with the wind in our hair and pulling over on Fullerton for a one of a kind view of the city.

We end with rapid fire and learn John‘s favorite Chicago restauraunt/neighborhood, and he brings us to tears, describing the one person in the world he would want to take on a big bus tour.

Sunset Live Tours run through October 19. They currently depart at 7:30 PM, but this time moves progressively earlier as the sun begins to set sooner.

TICKETS/INFO: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/chicago/chicago-sunset-live-night-tour-ticket

SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/bigbustours/?hl=en