Patch Tastemaker: Chef And Recipe Blogger Laura Davidson

Raised in a household that placed a heavy emphasis on family dinners and kitchen experiments, Laura Davidson's love affair with cooking began at a very young age. Fast forward to today, and she is the founder of A Beautiful Plate, a food and recipe blog dedicated to simplifying the art of seasonal cooking.

The trained chef and food photographer offers elegant whole food recipes and easy-to-follow cooking guides, all of which highlight her skill in artful plating.

Since she made Chicago her home three-and-a half years ago, Davidson has grown to love the city's "architecture, people and the food, of course." So it only makes sense that this foodie can often be spotted enjoying an Italian dish at Monteverde or embracing the collections at the Art Institute of Chicago.

From the best Sunday brunch to her favorite Chicago scenery, check out this blogger's favorite spots in town:

How long have you lived in Chicago? I’ve lived in Chicago for three and a half years.

What neighborhood do you live in? West Loop

What’s your occupation? Recipe developer, food photographer, and professional chef. I work full-time on my website and blog, A Beautiful Plate.

Describe Chicago in three words: Friendly, inspiring, vibrant

What’s your favorite overall Chicago restaurant? This is such a hard question. It’s impossible to narrow it down to just one restaurant, but my top three at the moment are Monteverde, Avec and The Publican.

Best sushi: Momotaro or Kameya

Best Italian food: Monteverde

Best dessert: Mindy’s Hot Chocolate

Best pizza: Pacific Standard Time

Best spot for a quick lunch: J.P Graziano’s

Best spot for a romantic date: Lula Cafe

Best glass of wine: RM Champagne Salon

Best Sunday brunch: Hot Chocolate, The Publican or Little Goat

Best spot for a business meeting: The Allis at Soho House

Best cup of coffee: Sawada Coffee

Best steak: Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf

Best craft cocktail: The Violet Hour

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? Ace Hotel in the West Loop

Best gym or fitness studio: Orange Theory or Studio Three

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Chicago? Art Institute of Chicago

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Chicago? Anywhere along the river walk or lakeshore path soaking up the city.

The best aspect of Chicago is: The architecture, people and the food, of course.

Image Credit: Laura Davidson