Next Century Cities staff answered questions about some of their favorite things and the cities associated with them. Read Brian’s responses below.

In what city did your favorite food dish originate or in what city have you had your most memorable meal?

My most memorable meal would have to be brunch, including the best bialy ever, at a small bakery/cafe in Venice, California named Gjusta. 

In what city does your favorite movie or television show take place?

Favorite Movie: The Sting, set in Illinois across Joliet and Chicago

Favorite television show: The Wire, set in Baltimore, Maryland

What is  a song that you associate with your hometown/city?

Conveniently, Bruce Springsteen wrote a song titled “Youngstown” about my hometown of Youngstown, Ohio

In what city was your favorite concert and/or festival located?

My favorite festival was in Chicago: either Lollapalooza 2007 ( Daft Punk, The Roots, LCD Soundsystem) or Lollapalooza 2008 (Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead, Kanye West).

What is the nickname of your favorite city that you have visited or lived in?

I’ve always been partial to ‘The City that Never Sleeps’ as a nickname for New York, where I lived after undergrad.

What city is your favorite sports team based in?

My favorite sports team is Real Madrid FC, located in Madrid, Spain.

What city is your favorite musician from?

James Brown is my favorite musician, he was born in Barnwell, South Carolina and got his start in Toccoa, Georgia 

The picture above was taken at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami.