Rachael Yamagata's favorite spots for dating, breaking up and navigating other matters of the heart in Chicago

It seems apropos that, on the way to meet Rachael Yamagata, I saw a man run through oncoming traffic to help an old woman in danger of getting hit while crossing the street. That type of singular, romantic gesture is the kind of moment captured in vivid relief in Yamagata's music, which aptly traverses the minutiae of modern love, from first blush to the messy complications, and many points between. Her style appears in fine form on Rachael Yamagata (A Record in 2 Parts): Elephants and Teeth Sinking Into Heart, released today.

Of the album's two discs, Elephants houses darker, more poetic fare, while the rock-infused Teeth explores some of the seedier sides of relationships. Given Yamagata’s lyrical insight into the ways of love, we asked the former Chicagoan (who now resides in Philadelphia) to share her favorite local spots for finding and igniting romance, and recovering from its often-messy aftermath.

Best place for a romantic first date
Angelina Ristorante. Angelina’s is the most amazing small boutique Italian restaurant with the best food. I used to have angel hair pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian sausage and goat cheese.

Best place for a fun, hang-out date
When things are going well and you want something fun to do, I’d say go to a Cubs game. That always makes me feel fun, happy fun. [Also] the Elbo Room.. That was one of my favorite jaunts to hang out in, as well as the Pontiac Café, [which] is awesome for sitting outside, if the weather’s nice, and having a drink (Editor's note: according to a staff member, Pontiac Café is closing sometime this month. It was purchased by the owners of Violet Hour).

Best place to recover from a break-up
Michigan Avenue, baby! Shop to your heart’s desire. And then go to Pop’s For Champagne by yourself and feel elegant and romantic and then realize he or she wasn’t right for you anyways. That would be my breakup/make-yourself-feel-better day in Chicago. And then go to the lakefront the next morning and run it all off and get inspired by the water and the beauty of Chicago.

Best place to hang with your girlfriends and chat about relationships
Tsunami, where I used to work for years and years and years. Sit upstairs on their velvet couches and have some sushi and some cold sake or martini, and dish. That’s what I would do.

Best place to meet someone new
I’ve been so wrapped up in this music, the only place I’ve ever met guys are in music clubs. But I wouldn’t necessarily trust the ones you meet there, that’s the problem. Like, I meet musicians, which have only ever broken my heart, so I don’t even know if I’d suggest that as a place to meet guys. Where else? How about the lakefront? You get a nice healthy guy out there, walking his dog. Get a dog, walk the dog, meet a cute guy with another dog, and live happily ever after. That’s my advice. And if it works for you, call me-- I’m getting a dog!

Related links:
News: Rachael Yamagata to release two-part album in October
Review: Rachael Yamagata: Rachel Yamagata - Happenstance
Feature: 4 To Watch For: Rachael Yamagata