Unfortunately, last week was so terribly busy for me that the Chicago Picks series got a bit delayed... but no worries, I have several more lined up for this week! (Oh, and Jane from simple + pretty had the great suggestion to do some pick lists from fellow bloggers in other cities - so, that may be in the works next!)

Our next list maker is Hemmant Jha of thinkmore, inc. (and previously of think/thing - you remember this awesome car seat, don't you?)

Hemmant, an industrial designer and architect, is well-travelled, design-savvy and just nice (he brought paper back from India for me!) We've actually only had one in-person conversation (which, by the way, was almost entirely about "the death of GOCCO"), but I get the sense that he'd be a fan of some places around the city that I'll need to visit ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

Patagonia :: 1800 N. Clybourn Avenue, DePaul/Lincoln Park
Lots of organic cotton and recycled material clothing - great staff, lifetime warranty on everything.

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

Peet's Coffee & Tea :: 1000 W. North Avenue, Near North Side
Great espresso - and teas (lots of good tea)!

3. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Saint's Alp Teahouse :: 2131 S. Archer Avenue, Chinatown
Nice selection of bubble teas - and Hong Kong style platters of food... free wifi.

4. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Swirlz Cupcakes :: 705 W. Belden Avenue, Lincoln Park

5. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

The Modern Wing at The Art Institute of Chicago :: 111 N. Michigan Avenue, Downtown
Best new modern building in Chicago in ages... (and) Intelligentsia Coffee.

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

Urban Belly :: 3053 N. California Avenue, Avondale
Excellent modern Korean food - good vibe.

Thanks so much to Hemmant for his pick list... and yes, I'm thinking about making a trip to Saint's Alp Teahouse just because it's so awesomely orange!...

Check out more about thinkmore, inc. here and check out Hemmant's blog here.

top & bottom images are by Hemmant Jha.
Modern Wing @ ArtIC pics are by Jw
and all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.