Chi@Glance Interviews Lauren Scott of Chicago's Best

Lauren Scott

I don’t care what anyone says….It’s a FACT that Chicago is the best destination to be during the summer. Whether it’s chilling on a rooftop, attending a neighborhood festival, alfresco dining, watching movies in the park, or dancing the night away at summer dance…there’s ALWAYS something to do.

It’s only fitting that our July Chi@Glance Spotlight feature heats up the summer with Chicago’s very own….Lauren Scott. Lauren Scott is the fairly new Co-Host of Chicago’s Best on CLTV. The weekly TV show highlights some of the best restaurants the city has to offer. I love that the show focuses more on mom and pop shops. The goal is to get people out of the tourist traps and into ALL the amazing communities Chicago has to offer.

I couldn’t wait to talk restaurants with Lauren and find out more about her journey to becoming a co-host of Chicago’s Best. Lauren was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. College and her career took her away from Chicago for a while, but now she’s back and happy to be living on the South Side again. After graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism from Northern University, Lauren moved to Houston, Texas where she worked as a producer at a news station.

After getting a taste of the producer life Lauren decided she wanted to be on camera and accepted a news reporter position in Lincoln Nebraska. She worked in Lincoln for over a year and then worked as a reporter for two years in Omaha Nebraska. After her contract was up she was confident her next adventure was awaiting her back in Chicago. Although she was born and raised on the Southside, she never lived any of her adult life here and was ready to come back (with or without a job).

Lauren getting the Co-hosting gig at Chicago’s Best is a story of fate and prayer. Her grandmother got a tip that Brittany Payton was leaving the show and she told Lauren to apply. Lauren applied, but like how most of us feel…knew she had to do more or otherwise her resume was just going to a black hole in the internet. She was able to find the producers contact information and reached out directly via email and prayed. Within less than an hour she was contacted. After 2 guest host appearances, audition, and 4 months later….the job was Lauren’s.

If anyone had asked Lauren three or four years ago what her dream job would be…she said it would be exactly what she’s doing now on Chicago’s Best. When she was in college for her senior project she did a show called “Inside the 815.” It was basically a Dekalb, IL version of Chicago’s Best and it was nominated for a student emmy award. She is thrilled to be living out her dreams!

Why is Lauren Scott, Co-Host of Chicago’s Best TV a Chicagoan WE should know?

“I’m a born and raised Chicago girl from the Southside. I worked hard to finally obtain my dream job in my home town. I want to bring a positive light to my city, especially the areas that sometimes get a bad rep. It’s important to highlight these businesses and show all of the hard work the owners and employees put into them. I’m proud to do that every week.”

Lauren Scott and Tavi J.

Lauren is sooooo much FUN and definitely a Chicagoan YOU should know! We met up for our interview at 1:00pm and I never would have imagined we would click so well and ended up kicking it for the rest of the day. She ended up heading to an event with me I was co-hosting at Kendra Scott for National Best Friends Day and then we ended the evening with drinks at IO Godfrey. I love how spontaneous she is and always down for new adventures! We talked about dating, her passions, and of course her favorite restaurants! Check out our one on one interview below.

Tavi J. One on One Interview with Lauren Scott: Co-Host of Chicago’s Best TV Show

What is a typical week like for you working with Chicago’s Best?

I do one or two shoots a week, so I have a lot of new found free time. Our shoots are around 3 to 4 hours. The producer picks out all the places and we also use viewer suggestions. During the shoot I interview the owner, cook with the chef, and the most fun part….eat the food! 🙂

What are your views on social media and how it’s changing the landscape with restaurants?

I love it! I love a beautifully put together plate of food and restaurants that are esthetically pleasing…like Hampton Social. I like my meals to be an experience! I go on Instagram frequently to search for restaurants and to look at food pics. One of my favorite hashtags is #Chicagofoodporn

IO Rooftop at Godfrey Hotel

With your free time what do you like to do?

Explore Chicago, find new restaurants/new spots, make new friends, helping out in the community and at church. Oh and I’m huge into Netflix! I love a good crime story or a gruesome podcast. LOL

We had discussed you want to eventually move closer into the city. What would be your dream neighborhood?

Pilsen! I Love the restaurants and the neighborhood vibe.

Besides Chicago what are your other favorite travel destinations?

San Francisco! But to be honest I haven’t traveled much within the country. I’ve traveled abroad, but I want to up my U.S. travel game. I haven’t been to Miami, Las Vegas, New York or Denver. With my schedule being more flexible now I’m looking forward to doing more travel.

Who would be your dream celebrity interview?

Carla Hall! I love her personality, her glasses, and how she’s 100% HERSELF. I always hear you have to have the confidence to be YOU. I can see that in Carla.

Ready….to play a game? In honor of Chicago’s Best….I want to know your favorite restaurants by category.

Lauren Scott’s Top 3 Chicago’s Best

Date Night Spot (The Dawson, Acebounce, Punchhouse)

Rooftops (IO Godfrey, Cerise, Raised)

Special Occasions (La Scarola, Au Cheval (Lauren loves a good burger!), Raised)

Brunch (Hampton Social, Love on the Blu, Fremont)

Southside Spots (Haires Gulf Shrimp, Pearl’s, Ms Biscuit)

Pizza (Italian Fiesta, Lou Malnati’s, Gianna’s pizza)