Matt Kirouac was approached by Gatehouse Publishing last spring about writing a book about Chicago as part of its The Hunt series. The problem was the publishing house is in Singapore, which is where the series started before eventually coming to North America. So, for Skype meetings, Kirouac often was in pajamas at 10:30 p.m. on a Sunday, since Singapore is 12 hours ahead.
"But the process was fun and very gratifying, mostly because it was such a personal passion project, and the book is essentially a glorified journal of all things I love about Chicagofrom restaurants and bars to galleries, activities, sights, museums, shops, etc.," Kirouac said. "I wrote it from late spring into late summer, so it took me a few months. A ton of content, so it took plenty of time, and I worked many weekends."
Kirouac had another obstacle to complete the book: His wedding was the same week as the book deadline.
The Hunt Guides: Chicago is about 100 pages, costs $12 and is now available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble distribution, at The Art Institute of Chicago and a few local independent businesses as well. The book has nine chapters of neighborhoods, and Kirouac said one of the hardest parts was simply narrowing down the neighborhoods, "since Chicago has so many great ones packed with unique culture."
Ultimately, he went with Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, River North, Wicker Park, West Loop, Pilsen, Hyde Park and Logan Square. Each chapter had about 10 venues, which was a profile of a different independent business that he likes.
"I feel every venue [mentioned in the book] does a great job exhibiting the varied character and style of the neighborhoods," he said.
Kirouac's husband, Bradley, did most of the photography for the book.
The book also features a 48 Hours section of his top picks for things to do if you only have two days in the city. Plus, there are different themes chapters, such as winter activities, lakefront activities, museums, hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, and rooftop spots.
"The neighborhood chapters were definitely my favorite part," led by Wicker Park, he said.
The Hunt Guides is geared to both locals and tourists, he said.
"One of the coolest parts of the book is the 'ambassadors'guest recommendations from Chicagoans across a wide spectrum of careers and backgrounds, each recommending their personal picks for Chicago venues," Kirouac said. The ambassadors include Liz Pesnel, Managing Director of Third Coast Percussion; Erin Hartz from the One of a Kind Show; Jared Batson from The Nomad Food Company; Andrew Kaplan, who works for Rachael Ray; and others.
THE STATS
Age: 28
Relationship status: Married to Bradley Kirouac
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Job title: Freelance writer/editor for companies such as Zagat, Chicago Scene, Dining Chicago, Plate Magazine and Choose Chicago
Favorite movie: Silence of the Lambs
Hobbies: "Running, reading, watching movies at home, sneaking candy into movie theaters, board games, bowling and riding my bike."
Favorite app: Instagram
Little-known fact: My right ear is crimped, sort of like an elf, and when I was in elementary school I used to tell classmates I was secretly an elf who worked at the North Pole.