Oct. 15--You would think Chicago was "Game of Thrones" the way people keep warning Brian Tee that winter is coming. The "Jurassic World" and "The Wolverine" actor has heard all about our harsh weather since he began filming the NBC medical drama "Chicago Med" -- which is a spinoff of "Chicago Fire -- in the city last month.
"People will say 'Winter is coming -- buckle down,'" Tee said Oct. 3 at the WhirlyCruz Cup fundraiser at WhirlyBall-Chicago. "One of my transpo guys was telling me about snow tires and breaking it down."
There's a whole lot more to the city than the weather. This is Chicago -- we have some of the best restaurants, tourist attractions and sports teams in the country. And who better to give Tee and his "Med" castmates recommendations on what to see and do in the city than the stars of "Fire" and "Chicago P.D.," most of whom had to make the same exact transition when they began filming here?
My one rule for their recommendations: No weather-related tips.
Sophia Bush, "Chicago P.D."
"I have a complete email that I had prepared and saved that I gave to everyone on ('Med'): places to eat, places to go, who the best chiropractor is in town, my acupuncturist, where to go for late night food and what museums to visit. I tell everyone to take the architecture tour. I love architecture and design. For me, it satisfied that love, and it's also a lovely way to spend an afternoon and understand how the city works and get some history."
David Eigenberg, "Chicago Fire"
"The first piece of advice is to wise up because they're all green. They're not quite hip to the city yet. This is a great city. What I love about it most is it's a tough city. They're green and soft. I would tell them to go to RPM (Steak) and some of the cupcake joints around the city."
Jason Beghe, "Chicago P.D."
"I love La Scarola on Grand Street. Great atmosphere and fantastic Italian food. Nana on Halsted in Bridgeport has delicious and healthy food and a very creative menu. And DeQuay -- a new restaurant -- is absolutely incredible."
Eamonn Walker, "Chicago Fire"
"I've seen so many wonderful places. I go to Gibsons a lot for great steaks, The Chop House, The Monkey's Paw."
Steven R. McQueen, "Chicago Fire"
"Let's go watch some hockey games together."
Jon Seda, "Chicago P.D."
"I highly recommend walking around the Gold Coast, warm or cold, up and down Michigan Avenue and side streets like East Walton, East Oak and Rush Street. There are so many great shops, specialized boutiques, cafes, great bars and restaurants. You can't go wrong here."
Joe Minoso, "Chicago Fire"
"Take advantage of the million places to eat. Just make sure you work out, because 15 pounds will add up very quickly."
Dora Madison, "Chicago Fire"
"Go for a late dinner at The Purple Pig, then off to a late night out at (The) Green Mill. Al Capone used to frequent, and his booth had his back to the band and eyes on the door, so he could see everyone coming in. And they're open till 5 a.m."
Patrick John Flueger, "Chicago P.D."
"Headquarters Beercade. Free video games. Beer. Food. There's one in Lakeview and one in River North."
Kara Killmer, "Chicago Fire"
"I tell everyone who comes to Chicago that they have to do the Shoreline boat architectural tour. You'll learn a lot about the city's history and the beauty of its resilient design. Other than that, if you're going to eat the deep dish pizza, which is basically a bread bowl of cheese, find a gym nearby."
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