Mixologist Julia Momose's Guide To Chicago

Julia Momose is not your average bartender. From gaining recognition as one of Eater's "Young Guns" to being dubbed Food & Wine's "Best New Mixologist" for her uniquely crafted cocktails, the mixologist behind West Loop restaurant Oriole is making quite the name for herself in the food and drink industry.

And Momose is not slowing down anytime soon. This spring, she plans to open an elegant, Japanese-inspired bar called Kumiko, along with Oriole owners Noah and Cara Sandoval. (Japan is where Momose was born, and it also serves as inspiration behind many of her delicious cocktails.)

Since making Chicago her home five years ago, Momose has fallen in love with the city's allure and resilience. "Although winter is long and grueling, it does not dampen the spark of the city." she says. "We are stronger for it, and take advantage of the warmer days to their fullest possibility."

When she's not curating delicious beverage menus or cooking Japanese food at home with her husband, Sammy, you can find the talented bartender enjoying her favorite sushi at Arami or taking in the lush foliage at Garfield Park Conservatory. Check out the rest of Momose's favorite hot spots around town:

What neighborhood do you live in? It’s called East Garfield Park. Many people aren’t so familiar with it, but it is just south of Humboldt Park, right along the Green Line on Lake Street.

What’s your occupation? I am a bartender and soon-to-be bar owner of Kumiko, opening later this year!

Describe Chicago in three words: Resilient, alluring, evolving.

What’s your favorite overall Chicago restaurant? Oriole

Best sushi: Arami and Juno

Best Italian food: Monteverde and Osteria Langhe

Best dessert: Spinning J, Bang Bang Pie Shop and Mari Katsumura’s desserts at Gideon Sweet

Best pizza: Coalfire Pizza

Best spot for a quick lunch: Graziano’s, Uncle Mike’s Place and Fast Track

Best food truck: It was Jaime’s Food Truck, which used to park outside of The Continental, until it was run into by a driver in a stolen car. Jaime Banuelos and his wife, Marisela, were working in the food truck when it was hit. I don’t know if they will return, but I hope that they do! A Gofundme page was set up to help get the family get back on their feet.

Best spot for a romantic date: Le Bouchon and Brindille

Best glass of wine: Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar

Best Sunday brunch: La Sirena Clandestina, Lula Cafe, and Cellar Door Provisions

Best spot for a business meeting: Swift and Sons

Best cup of coffee: Gaslight Coffee Roasters, Sawada Coffee and Fairgrounds Coffee

Best steak: Boeufhaus

Best craft cocktail: Spilt Milk, Violet Hour, City Mouse and Prairie School

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? It depends on the area. Downtown: the Chicago Athletic Association or The Freehand. West Loop: Ace Hotel. Logan Square: Longman and Eagle.

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Asrai Garden

Favorite charity event or organization: Speed Rack, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and No Kid Hungry.

Favorite cultural event: Midwest Buddhist Temple Ginza Holiday Festival

Favorite cultural institution: Japanese Culture Center

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Chicago? The Museum of Contemporary Photography and The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

Best historic or iconic Chicago landmark to see or explore: Tiffany Dome, Willis Tower Glass Platform. Also go on the Architectural Boat Tour.

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Chicago? The back porch at home, which overlooks the Green Line. We have little lights strung up that twinkle at night after the sunsets. In the morning, the light out there is beautiful and inviting as well, the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of pour-over coffee.

When it is time to get out of the house: Garfield Park Conservatory

The best aspect of Chicago is: Although winter is long and grueling, it does not dampen the spark of the city. We are stronger for it and take advantage of the warmer days to their fullest possibility. I love a city that has four seasons to celebrate. They each offer comfort and a sense wonder and excitement as they come and go.

Image Credit: Sammy Faze Photography