After a few brief encounters with coffeeshop owner and writer Mike Foster (one half of the MoJoe's Hot House team that also includes Barbara Clifford), I mentally added another feather to his cap. Not just a passionate provider of caffeine, he's become a soundboard and advice-giver to those seeking a bit of solace with their cup.
Heading to MoJoe's, 2849 W. Belmont Ave., for my second visit (believe me, I'd be there more often if I was in the neighborhood), I was welcomed with a big smile and an even bigger cup of tea of my choice. The slow part of the afternoon gave Mike a chance to recline in the cafe's music den, a place that often turns into a stage for live music (a main focus for MoJoe's).
While drinking my cup o' tea, some regulars strolled in for their usual, and I watched Mike in his role as sincere and heartfelt listener. This gave me enough time to nose through the books on the coffee tables and check out the art and old prints on the walls. After a few minutes, Mike politely excused himself from his advice-giving and story-listening duties, and we resumed our confessional on the couch.
What's the best Chicago-related advice you've ever gotten?
Forget about New York. I moved here from New York City and the experience was filled with all those inevitable comparisons. Eventually people started telling me to just stop comparing and to take Chicago as it is.
The best Chicago-related advice you've ever given?
I still feel like a newcomer after only being here two years, so I don't feel very sagely about giving out advice. I do always tell people to not forget about the beaches; it's such a good way to change the momentum of your day. The first beach I went to was at Foster Avenue Beach, and it was such a perfect departure from the city.
If I were to come to your neighborhood, where would you insist I visit?
I live in Wicker Park, which I chose initially because it reminded me so much of Brooklyn, where I worked before I came to Chicago. I have to admit I quickly started searching out things in other neighborhoods, though, because Wicker Park can feel a little limiting in terms of restaurants and bars. I do think Milk and Honey Cafe is great for breakfast. Una Mae's Freak Boutique is a fine establishment for scouring the racks for some vintage stuff. Ultimately, I'd insist that you go to the park (Wicker Park).
Favorite spot to see live music?
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, which meant that I never wanted to like "alt-country" music. But now here I am in Chicago realizing that alt-country perfectly describes what I'm listening to right now. My favorite spots to see bands are Schubas and Metro. Schubas especially; I just love the atmosphere. Late Sunday nights at the Green Mill, too, with the Kimberly Gordon Trio, have been some of the best shows I've seen here.
What books and/or magazines would we find on your night table?
I admit to being kind of a literature snob, but I'm in-between right now. I just finished Foucault's "Discipline and Punish," while multitasking with some fiction. I am a huge John Steinbeck junky. And I could read Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find" over and over again. Every time I'm just blown away, and O'Connor definitely inspires my own writing. I write short stories and have a novel on the backburner. As for magazines, I've generally got Venus and Vice around.
(Side note: The coffee tables at MoJoe's are covered with books. A few I noticed: a Modigliani art book, Ansel Adams book of photography, David Macaulay's giant "The Way Things Work," and some small paperbacks like How to Repair Small Appliances and Start a Successful Small Business. The variety of interests speaks volumes about Mike and Barbara.)
A hidden gem in Chicago that you know about, but most may not?
Can I say MoJoe's Hot House? Okay, I said it. I think we are a bit of a hidden gem, and when I see people walk inside for the first time for a quick coffee to go, they tend to look around a lot, get comfortable and want to stay. I'd also say that the Joseph Cornell room at the end of the Impressionists section of the Art Institute is a gem, maybe not quite hidden, but it's easy to get carried away at the Institute with all of the other things you're used to seeing.
Who do you know that our readers should know?
Doug from Hot Doug's. When I worked at the old MoJoe's in Roscoe Village, Doug was such a pleasure to know as a neighborhood business owner. There's something great to be said about someone who has a successful business yet is still the guy rolling his sleeves up and getting an order to you. Since he moved Hot Doug's to the new spot on California Avenue, we're once again neighbors.
Most rewarding part about running your own business?
Having no boss, definitely. Answering only to yourself is a really good feeling.
Hardest part about running your own business?
Worry and responsibility. Knowing that you are solely responsible for everything that happens can cause a lot of worry. A threat of failure is always looming.
What three words best describe MoJoe's?
Creative, warm, sublime.
Check out MoJoe's at Mojoescafe.com
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