SHORE VS. CITY: ANUPY SINGLA

ANUPY SINGLA’S career could serve as a case study in reinvention. She began as an aide to a member of Congress before pursuing a master’s in Asian studies and Japanese at the University of Hawaii and the East-West Center, a think tank established by the U.S. Congress in 1960 to strengthen ties between the United States, Asia, and the Pacific. She later became a television reporter in Chicago. The throughline, she jokes, was always cooking, as she perfected the Indian recipes passed down by her paternal grandfather. That passion evolved into a mission to make Indian food easier and more accessible. Today, she is the author of four bestselling cookbooks, founder of a frozen food line, and host of Indian As Apple Pie on WTTW and PBS member stations nationwide. Singla sets aside her spatula to share her city and shore favorites with Sheridan Road.

What’s on the horizon? My cooking show on public television, which is the same platform where I learned to speak English while watching Sesame Street Mantra? Don’t make my problem someone else’s issue Best grooming tip? OPI “Arigato” nail polish—on my toes only Guilty pleasure? Frozen dates with peanut butter, pecan, dark chocolate, and a hint of sea salt Favorite foods? Indian street food like golgappa—crisp wafers filled with spicy tart water Music you love? Anything from the Black Eyed Peas Best advice ever given to you? A news director once told me, “Raise your hand for everything.”

Best advice you’ve given? Be fiscally aware Earliest memory? On a plane at 3 years old, while moving to America from India, wondering where we were going and why When you wake up, you? Work out Before bed, you? Watch mindless TV—anything funny that makes me laugh What’s on your bookshelf? Atomic Habits by James Clear and everything by David Sedaris You can’t live without? My silver Montblanc fountain pen and journal Love to escape to? My kitchen side pantry, where I can hide from my family Advice you would give to your younger self? Get organized, girlfriend. You can do it all, but not with a mess

ON THE SHORE

Your style is? Any and all from SPACE 519 at Plaza del Lago Can’t leave the house without? My Brunello Cucinelli leather bomber Transportation? Black Mercedes-AMG GLS with red calipers Driving music? Tom Petty Place to eat? Pomeroy or Tocco for Italian, or Ema for Mediterranean Shop? I’m waiting for Oscar de la Renta at Plaza del Lago Best thing about the Shore? Parking Worst thing about the Shore? Nothing The perfect day is? Cooking for friends from my cookbook Indian for Everyone

IN THE CITY

Your style is? Classy with an edge Can’t leave the house without? My Japanese workbook Transportation? Uber or walking Driving music? News or classic rock Place to eat? Cocoro Restaurant—best ramen in Chicago Shop? Dior boutique Best thing about the City? The lakefront and running with our Australian Shepherd Worst thing about the City? People who don’t pick up after their dogs The perfect day is? A warm one—reminds me of living in Hawaii.