Elizabeth Hess is an Urbana native who returned to the area in 2008, after leaving for college and spending 15 years living in Chicago. She started her career in advertising and public relations and spent several years in fundraising, but never gave up on her goal to become a radio broadcaster. She has had gigs with Sporting News radio as well as WGN Radio in Chicago, and she is now the co-host of the afternoon talk show on NewsTalk 1400 AM. Elizabeth’s husband, Sanford, owns the Art Theater in downtown Champaign. They have one son, Eli, who will be 4 in May.
See why we think Elizabeth Hess is a Chambana mom to know.
Q: I know you like to go out to eat. Where is your favorite place in town to take your son and why?
A: Eli is an incredible picky eater, but put pizza or a hamburger in front of him, and he is a very happy boy. He loves going to Steak N’Shake, but I would go to Monical’s every day of the week, if it was up to me.
Q: What do you like most about being on the radio?
A: I love the adrenaline that kicks in when the microphone is on; I still get excited before every show. It’s great to talk about everything that has happened in the past 24 hours, whether it is sports, politics, or entertainment. I love providing a forum for people to discuss relevant, local issues.
Q: Why did you decide to move back to Champaign-Urbana after so many years away?
A: I never EVER would have pictured myself living back here as an adult. However, once I had a child, every time I brought Eli to visit (myparents), I realized how much there is to do here. Help with my son was the first reason (besides Monical’s Pizza,) but I love living back here. It takes only 20 minutes to get from one end of town to another!
Q: What do you miss from C-U that was here when you were a kid, that you wish you could share with your son?
It’s amazing that after 19 years, so many things are still in the same place! Eli is too young for Skateland right now, but it was our “go-to” place in the 70’s. Old Orchard Lanes was always a great rainy day place as well. One of the places I miss most was a clothing store in Tuscola called “Four Seasons.” It was sort of like a Filene’s Basement, but it seemed like a palace to my sister and me. I also wish the Town & Country restaurant was still around – it was “upscale” dining, but the host was an old guy who used to slip us candy when we left. And, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I wish I could share “Bishop’s Buffet” with my son. It was – literally – a cafeteria at Market Place Mall, but my grandparents would take us there and let us pick anything we wanted to eat. I guess when you’re 5 years old, it’s easy to burn off fried chicken, pudding, chocolate pie and French fries!
Q: You lived in Chicago for many years, and go back often. What is an off-the-beaten-path place you would recommend to families visiting Chicago?
A: If you like Thai Food, the BEST Thai I have ever had is at a hole-in-the-wall called “Garlic and Chili” in Old Town. I also LOVE the pizza at “My Pie,” and the Mexican food at the “Blue Agave.” I don’t think you meant just food places, but that’s what I miss most about my old neighborhood. As for other off-the-beaten-path places, the Chicago History Museum and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum are great – they were never crowded, and you didn’t have to go downtown to enjoy them!
Do you know a Chambana mom (or dad) to know? We welcome your nominations in the comments or send them to Editor AT chambanamoms DOT com.