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Tommy Hensel

For his ‘day job,’ Tommy Hensel is the Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Moraine Valley Community College, a position he has held since January 2008. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, he has worked for more than 35 years as a professional actor, singer, stage manager, director, and arts presenter. He holds a B.A. in music and a B.A. in communication from Florida State University and an M.A. in theater from the University of South Carolina. He currently serves as Chair of the Illinois Presenters Network and is a board member of NAPAMA (North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents).

After his ‘day job’ is over, Tommy has a side gig as a restaurant, cocktail, and wine blogger both here on Your Chicago Guide and on his own website at https://www.tableforoneplease.com. He holds a Level 2 certification in wine from the WSET and is currently working on his Level 3 certification. You can follow Tommy on Instagram @table41please and Twitter @table41please.

Exterior of the new Perry's Steakhouse in Schaumburg, IL

5 reasons to visit the gorgeous new Perry’s Steakhouse in Schaumburg

Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille invited Your Chicago Guide to attend a special pre-opening tasting event on October 21, 2020. I have come up with 5 reasons to visit the new Perry’s Steakhouse in Schaumburg. Perry’s has had a successful location in Oak Brook since 2013, serving up some of the best steaks in the western …

5 reasons to visit the gorgeous new Perry’s Steakhouse in SchaumburgRead More

Interior of Oda Mediterranean Cuisine

Oda features 6 Georgian wines and a delectable homage to the foods of the Ottoman kitchen

Oda Mediterranean Cuisine invited Your Chicago Guide to a dinner to sample their traditional and modern Mediterranean fare, an homage to the foods of the Ottoman kitchen. Tucked away on the east side of North Clark street, just before the Ashland intersection, sits one of the finest restaurants I have visited in Chicago. That is …

Oda features 6 Georgian wines and a delectable homage to the foods of the Ottoman kitchenRead More

The outdoor cafe at Le Sud in Roscoe Village

Le Sud impresses with the fresh, intriguing tastes of the Mediterranean

Since opening just two years ago, Le Sud has become a firm neighborhood favorite for people who live in the Roscoe Village area and has developed a reputation as one of the best and most approachable French restaurants in Chicago. I had the pleasure of visiting just after the opening and wrote about it in …

Le Sud impresses with the fresh, intriguing tastes of the MediterraneanRead More

exterior facade of the renovated Cook County Hospital building

Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall serves up 12 delicious diverse concepts in a sleek new space

Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall is the newest dining destination in the Illinois Medical District. In anticipation of the opening, Your Chicago Guide was invited to attend a special preview of this exciting new concept. The preview was carefully managed to include only small numbers of people, all properly socially-distanced. We were asked to wear masks …

Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall serves up 12 delicious diverse concepts in a sleek new spaceRead More

Board games at Bonus Round Game Cafe in Chicago

Get your game on at Bonus Round

For the past two years, one of Chicago’s most innovative and fun destinations has quietly built a loyal following in the East Lakeview neighborhood.

Get your game on at Bonus RoundRead More

Bonci Roman-style pizza

Celebrate National Pizza Day in Roman style at Bonci

Bonci Pizza invited the Local Tourist to stop in and sample their unique Roman-style pizza. Chicago is a pizza-centric city. The endless debate of “deep dish” vs. “thin crust” will likely never be resolved and everyone has an opinion. In advance of February 9 – National Pizza Day – it was a struggle to figure …

Celebrate National Pizza Day in Roman style at BonciRead More

Table spread at Boqueria

Boqueria opens in the Fulton Market District

Lively Barcelona-inspired tapas bar serves a menu of Spanish classics

Boqueria opens in the Fulton Market DistrictRead More

Quiche Lorraine from the brunch menu at Le Sud in Chicago's Roscoe Village

Le Sud adds a new brunch menu

Sample Provençal favorites every Sunday

Le Sud adds a new brunch menuRead More

La Celia Latin Kitchen spices things up in Avondale

Serving up a medley of Latin American flavors

La Celia Latin Kitchen spices things up in AvondaleRead More

Artango now grills up imported Argentine beef

In early 2016, Artango Bar & Steakhouse moved to their current location at 4767 North Lincoln Avenue, in the heart of Lincoln Square, bringing authentic Argentine cuisine, tango dancing, lively late evening milongas, and a peek into the golden age of Buenos Aires to Chicago’s dining scene. I was also honored to be asked to …

Artango now grills up imported Argentine beefRead More

Interior of Tzuco

Chef Carlos Gaytan has an impressive return to Chicago with Tzuco

Tzuco continues his tradition of Mexican-French fusion cuisine

Chef Carlos Gaytan has an impressive return to Chicago with TzucoRead More

Time Out Market Chicago announces a November 21 opening

An incredible showcase of Chicago’s outstanding restaurant scene

Time Out Market Chicago announces a November 21 openingRead More

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