Bon Vivant Cakes Designer Emily Nejad's Guide to Chicago

Emily Nejad's love affair with baking began when she and her red KitchenAid mixer crafted the ultimate birthday cake for a friend. It featured five delicious layers, a blend of cheerful colors and ornate decor, all with intricate moving parts. Fast forward a few months, and her company, Bon Vivant Cakes, was born.

As a cake artist and dessert designer in Chicago, Nejad takes pride in getting to know her fellow Chicagoans, not only for their tastebuds, but for their unique passions and hobbies, as well. That's why her favorite aspect of the city is the people. "We’re a city of optimists and hustlers who work hard to take care of each other," Nejad proudly states.

On the off chance that she's not perfecting one of her lavish cakes (or performing with her band, Celine Neon), you might find Nejad strolling through Humboldt Park on a glorious summer morning or hitting Koval Distillery for a tasting tour. Since Nejad has deemed Chicago the "best city ever," we decided to pick her brain and find out just why. Here are some of her must-see destinations around the windy city:

What neighborhood do you live in? Albany Park

What’s your occupation? Cake artist and dessert designer

Describe Chicago in three words: Best city ever

What’s your favorite overall Chicago restaurant? Band of Bohemia

Best sushi: It’s too cold for sushi — I’m all about the pho from LD Pho during the winter.

Best Italian food: La Scarola

Best dessert: Spinning J — it’s pie heaven!

Best pizza: Coalfire

Best spot for a quick lunch: Brazilian Bowl

Best food truck: 5411 Empanadas

Best spot for a romantic date: Koval Distillery for a tasting tour

Best glass of wine: my couch

Best Sunday brunch: Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Best spot for a power business meeting: My co-working space! I'm opening my own kitchen space this spring! It'll be an event and co-working space in Albany Park called Maven.

Best cup of coffee: Oromo Cafe

Best steak: Tango Sur

Best craft cocktail: The Promontory

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? The Guesthouse Hotel

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Humboldt House

Best gym or fitness studio: Elena of Flybarre at Flywheel Sports is amazing!

Best spa: Wholistic Skincare Specialists in Lincoln Park — LaTonya is a goddess.

Favorite charity event or organization: Deborah’s Place, a nonprofit that helps women experiencing homelessness

Favorite cultural event: Inherit Chicago! It’s a month-long, multi-event festival celebration of arts, conversation, and food happening across 30 neighborhood-based heritage museums and cultural centers, all members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance.

Favorite cultural institution: Chicago Cultural Alliance

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Chicago? I’m blown away by Nina Chanel Abney’s work, currently on display at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Best iconic Chicago landmark to visit: The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Chicago? Humboldt Park on a summer morning.

Photo Credit: Scott Thompson