Maria Pinto

Up next in our series of weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals—a.k.a. people we like: Maria Pinto, the Chicago designer (and a favorite of First Lady Michelle Obama). Pinto, along with the Field Museum’s North American Anthropology curator Alaka Wali, curated a new show that pairs museum artifacts with her own contemporary designs. Fashion and the Field Museum Collection: Maria Pinto opens 9/14.

“Friday afternoon we’ll head over to the Field to see the opening. I’m so excited for the show—the Field Museum has really pushed the envelopment in wonderful ways. In the evening, I’ll take some out-of-town friends to Maude’s Liquor Bar for dinner. I like when a business really has a point of view from the furniture to the food. Maude’s has a really good character. They also have great cocktails. Later, we’ll head to Andy’s to see some jazz. It’s one of my favorites because it feels like it could be anywhere in the world.

“Saturday I’ll take my friends on the architecture boat tour. Since it’s one of the last weekends of summer, I want to be outside as much as possible. Afterwards, we’ll probably head to NoMI for lunch. The building is beautiful and chic and the restaurant has a wonderful outdoor deck. We may spend the afternoon renting bikes and riding along the lakefront. I love going around Olive Park, it’s this little tucked away place right off of Grand. Saturday night, I’ll visit my absolute favorite—Sepia. Emmanuel Nony (the owner) is my best friend in the universe and the chef Andrew Zimmerman never ceases to amaze me with his dishes that have a really beautiful lightness and freshness.

“Sunday I want to do brunch at The Publican. I love what’s happening on Fulton Street. It’s become this really cool little area. Afterwards, I’ll check out Publican Quality Meats, I like finding interesting treasures there. It’s always fun to stock the kitchen with unusual ingredients.” –As told to Elly Fishman