Bo Durham of Mindy's Bakery on His Favorite Spots in the City

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Every month, people from Chicago's hospitality industry share recommendations for food, drink, ingredients, and more as part of our Chef Picks series.

Bo Durham, the executive pastry chef at Mindy’s Bakery in Wicker Park, has been working with owner Mindy Segal for almost 12 years, since he was 24, starting at the legendary HotChocolate and going on to open her erstwhile bakery at Revival Food Hall. “I’ve been with Mindy over a decade, from Paris to Mexico, and coast to coast,” he says. His stoner cookie, focaccia, and buttermilk Bo’s Biscuits have become signature items on the daily roster in the bakery case, and he created the giardinera cream cheese that locals love to schmear on Mindy’s bagels. He was nominated for pastry chef of the year at Chicago’s local Banchet Awards last year.

We asked him to share his favorite Chicago spots for days when he doesn’t have to be in the kitchen at 3:00 am to prep pastries.

Favorite restaurant

Shaw’s! Hands down my favorite place to eat, drink, and be merry! The best place to go for any occasion, happy hour, group gathering, or a solo dinner at the bar.

Favorite bite and dish

Tuna crispy rice from Shaw’s is the perfect one bite to start the courses. And ragu alla Napoletana from Monteverde: it’s so much food, but you have to order it, because it makes the best next day meal.

Favorite place to drink

Fat Miilk in Uptown for the signature coffee (slow phin drip Vietnamese coffee, chilled and mixed with sweetened condensed milk).

Favorite place to buy ingredients

Any of our amazing farmers markets during the season, or Gene's Sausage Shop in Lincoln Square not only has a great selection of meats but a ton of great imported products from around the globe.

Favorite local Chicago brand

Garrett Popcorn! Love that Chicago mix! Or Dearborn Denim.

Favorite place in the city to bring an out-of-town guest

Food related: The Peking duck experience at Sun Wah BBQ in Uptown is always a show and always a treat. No one ever expects everything that comes with it! 

Non-food related: The Wendella sunset river and lake tour. I always find something new in this city when I get to pretend to be a tourist. 

A person the industry you admire

The first time I heard of Ina Pinkney, I had just moved to Chicago and was moonlighting at GT Fish and Oyster. Someone came down to the prep kitchen and said, “Ina is here.” Immediately I thought of Ina Garten (another legend I admire very much) and much to my chagrin I learned who the real Ina was. She is literally the queen of breakfast. I met her a few times over the years, but last year at the Banchet nominee gathering I really got to introduce myself properly (with some Chicago industry under my belt) and we hit it off like old pals. Her warmth and light make me respect her legendary persona. 

Also Michelle Fire of Tweet and Big Chicks. This is where I found my community and chosen Chicago family. The fact that she’s been in the business for so long is so inspiring. Anytime she’s there, you know she’s going to come chat you up and welcome you with open arms.