This editorial was brought to you in sponsorship by Chase | Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®.
For many of us, travel is about more than visiting a new city; it’s about finding home in unique places, connecting with the community, and discovering the flavors that tell a city’s story. That’s exactly what Travel Noire content creator Shane Samuel set out to do in Chicago, where the city’s food scene isn’t just about dining out, it’s about honoring heritage, celebrating creativity, and savoring every connection along the way.
Powered by the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card from Chase, Shane’s journey through Chicago shows how effortless and enriching travel can be when your adventures open doors to culture, art, cuisine, and community.
Something about the Windy City provides a euphoric feeling of endless possibilities. This historic yet vibrant destination has produced champions, influential leaders, and entrepreneurs, all of whom have left a lasting mark, making the Midwestern destination well worth the visit.
Here’s how Shane uncovered the flavors and the spirit of Chicago using his Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase:
Checking Into Innovation at Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection
Located in the heart of Streeterville, Hotel EMC2 is a playful tribute to the art of discovery, making it the perfect starting point for a creative traveler. With its sleek design and nods to innovation, this property is more than a Marriott Bonvoy stay; it’s an experience.
The hotel’s restaurant, The Albert, pairs Italian-inspired dishes with imaginative cocktails, setting the tone for a weekend of exploration. Thanks to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Shane received Priority Late Checkout and 17X points on his stay. This allowed him to have more time to enjoy the hotel (including The Albert) and earn points for a future trip.
As the exploration continues, here are Shane Samuel’s Top 5 Culinary Meets Culture Destinations in Chicago, featuring world-renowned Black-owned businesses across the city and powered by the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase.
- Brunchin’ Like No Tomorrow at Batter & Berries – No Chicago food journey is complete without brunch, especially when it starts with intention, artistry, and flavor. Originally established in Lincoln Park in 2012, Batter & Berries has since expanded to the South Loop and Olympia Fields, serving up soulful dishes across the city. Shane’s standout experience at the South Loop location set the gold standard for how brunch can be both creative and community-centered. This Black-owned gem is known for its signature savory French toast flights and sweet potato waffles stuffed with crispy fried chicken. With vegan options on the menu, Batter & Berries ensures that everyone at the table feels welcome, proving that food can nourish both body and soul.
- Inspiration in Every Bite withSoul Vibez– Tucked in the heart of Chicago’s historic South Side, Soul Vibez is where flavor meets rhythm and every meal feels like it’s made with love. Founded by Chef Fab, the visionary behind popular vegan eatery Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat, this soul food spot brings together tradition with a menu that caters to everyone. From crispy soul eggrolls to hearty vegan lasagna and pillowy beignets, Soul Vibez offers comfort food for both classic and plant-based palates. The atmosphere is just as intentional as the menu; warm, vibrant, and set to a curated playlist that keeps guests vibing along after their plates are cleared. Whether you’re craving tradition or looking for soulful vegan eats, Soul Vibez delivers heart, hospitality, and high flavor all in one unforgettable experience.
- The Fun & Live Experience at Kitchen + Kocktails – Kevin Kelley brings a lavish Southern dining experience to downtown Chicago, where elevated food meets high-energy ambiance. Known for turning meals into full-blown moments, Kelley’s restaurant delivers bold flavor in a setting that feels like a party, complete with a live DJ, creative cocktails, and visual details made for storytelling. Guests indulge in decadent dishes like creamy shrimp and grits, golden fried lobster tails, and fall-off-the-bone braised oxtails. With popular sister locations in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, the Chicago outpost holds its own as a destination spot. The rose-covered backdrops and the signature “Welcome Home” greeting from host staff set the tone from the moment you walk through the door. Whether you’re gathering for brunch or a night out with friends, this hotspot and its crowd-favorite Peach D’USSÉ Rosé, deliver Southern hospitality with style, soul, and a touch of indulgence.
- Discovering Culinary Legacy at Virtue Restaurant & Bar– Why not elevate your experience with a visit to Virtue, the award-winning Hyde Park restaurant led by Chef Erick Williams, a James Beard Award winner and culinary pioneer redefining soul food for a new generation. With an inviting, artfully-designed space that feels both refined and rooted, Virtue seamlessly blends the warmth of Southern hospitality with fine-dining precision. The menu pays homage to heritage while embracing innovation, featuring standouts like smoked turkey collard greens, blackened catfish, and butterbean hummus that reflect Chef Williams’ philosophy of honoring the past while creating space for what’s next. Every dish tells a story not just of the South, but of resilience, culture, and excellence. More than just aMichelin-recognized destination, Virtue is a testament to Black culinary legacy in motion, a place where tradition is respected, creativity thrives, and every guest is treated like family.
- Savoring Local Flavor at Bronzeville Winery – Located in the heart of Chicago’s prime hub for Black arts, culture, and entrepreneurship, Bronzeville Winery offers a full-sensory experience where food, wine, music, and community intersect. Founded by Eric Williams, the creative force behind The Silver Room, and Cecilia Cuff of The Nascent Group, the duo merged their backgrounds in arts and hospitality to build a space that’s as intentional as it is inviting. The result is a modern, Black-owned wine bar and restaurant that serves as a cultural gathering place for locals and travelers alike. On the menu: thoughtfully curated wines, fresh seasonal fare, and dishes rooted in both local ingredients and global inspiration. From harissa lamb chops to truffle mac and cheese, every plate tells a story. And the experience doesn’t end with the food, live music is central to the atmosphere, with jazz ensembles, orchestral symphonies, and R&B grooves filling the space on any given night.
As Shane’s journey through Chicago shows, travel is about more than just destinations; it’s about immersing yourself in culture, supporting Black-owned businesses, and creating meaningful connections through food, music, and community. And with a rich food culture like Chicago’s, Shane was able to earn 3X the points with his Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card on dining, groceries, and gas (up to $6,000 annually), letting his love for good food fuel his next getaway.
With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card from Chase, every trip becomes an opportunity to unlock more from your travels. Earn points toward free nights. Then use them to stay at thousands of hotels and resorts around the world.
Enjoy automatic Silver Elite Status, giving you perks like bonus points on stays, priority late checkout, and exclusive member rates from the moment you check in. Plus, every year, you’ll receive a Free Night Award, valued up to 35,000 points, to turn your travel dreams into reality, whether that’s a weekend getaway or your next big adventure.
Each swipe of your card brings you closer to the next level of luxury, earning Elite Night Credits and exclusive rewards, such as travel protections. From rejuvenating spa days and fine dining to stays that feel effortlessly indulgent, your adventures become more rewarding and more memorable.
Whether you’re exploring Chicago’s rich culinary scene or checking into a local property participating in Marriott Bonvoy, the Boundless card empowers you to travel smarter, discover deeper, and collect memories that last a lifetime. It’s not just about where you go, it’s how you experience the journey.
