Says Laura Baginski, features editor “Rob’s a catch because he has discerning taste, is equally at home at the Lyric Opera and Wrigley Field, is down to earth, wickedly funny and, most important, is part of that sadly fading species known as ‘gentlemen.’ ”

In his own words

If I were to record an album of cover songs, these five would be on it “Babies,” Pulp; “Chemical World,” Blur; “Gold Soundz,” Pavement; “That’s Entertainment,” the Jam; “Under the Milky Way,” the Church

On a Sunday morning I am most likely to be found Coming home from Saturday night or cleaning my apartment, reading the paper and watching This Week with George Stephanopoulos

Favorite piece of artwork I love Piet Mondrian’s Lozenge Composition with Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray at the Art Institute, but the MCA wins with Robert Rauschenberg’s Retroactive II. You can’t go wrong with JFK and a spaceman.

If I were a Chicago restaurant, I’d be Avec, because the design is terrific and the space fosters a fun, collective experience

This year I resolve to Attend more White Sox games because I think they’re underappreciated

Piece of furniture I can’t live without My bookshelves. They’re not as essential as a couch or bed, but my apartment would be a firetrap without them.

Era in American history I wish I was alive to see Some of those old-time fiascoes like the XYZ Affair or the Teapot Dome scandal. But the ’40s through the ’60s with FDR and the space race would’ve been great.

My dating history is Pretty typical. I date regularly, but haven’t had what one would consider a serious relationship for about two years. I’m still friends with a majority of the exes I’ve dated, but a few breakups weren’t amicable (to say the least).