Ice cream and summer walk hand-in-hand down an Atlantic boardwalk, breathing in the salty sea air. They go for a sail. They hang at outdoor fests and carnivals, fireworks displays, baseball games, and parades. They are BFFs, and we are the beneficiaries of their mutual admiration society. Sure, there are plenty of amazing ice cream […]
What lies between the bread? It’s a vital question for the sandwich fanatic, because not all sandwiches are created equal. Some just have that special something, that little “zhuzh” that lifts it above the average PBJ or basic ham sandwich. Usually, that starts with high-quality cheeses, freshly roasted meats and veggies, pickled stuff, and a […]
In a city as vibrant as Chicago, making everyday decisions — where to order dinner, get a haircut, push your kids on the swings — can feel downright dizzying. Enter our (eighth annual!) Best Of awards: You shared your favorite spaces and places, we tallied the votes, and together we’ll celebrate all that makes our […]
In the interest of journalistic integrity, a full confession: When it comes to the great outdoors, I’m a bit of a princess. Meaning, I don’t do camping. I don’t like outhouses. You will not find me portaging my groceries on a grand canoe trip. And don’t get me started on bugs. But on a gorgeous […]
Updated June 14, 2018 Summertime in Chicago — once it truly arrives — is a joy, filled with sunshine, lake breezes, and general good vibes. And no city does outdoor festivals quite like us, especially in terms of sheer volume. We understand the importance of food; in general, we don’t shy away from calories, fried […]
Summer is here, which means picnic season is upon us, and in my book, picnics mean chicken. Whether fried, barbecued, or roasted, and served warm, hot, or cold, it’s what I crave when I’m sitting on a blanket on Ravinia’s Great Lawn, or at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Happily, we are living in […]
National Donut Day — yes, it’s a real thing — is always the first Friday in June. By all means, celebrate with a donut or three, or if you’re feeling really ambitious, run the table by sampling the wares at all our favorite donut stops. But really, don’t donuts deserve at least a month of […]
Past due for an upgrade, the Dining Pavilion at Ravinia is reconceived with a new look and a take on where to eat before a concert. It’s music to our ears. Originally opened in 2007 to great fanfare, the Dining Pavilion at Ravinia had grown tired, both in terms of form and functionality. So when the […]
The restaurant business is grueling. Whether working front or back of the house, the job means hours on your feet and service with a smile in a high-energy, high-anxiety environment. Getting along with your fellow workers is a necessity, as the best staffs must work seamlessly as a team to achieve greatness in the kitchen […]
May is National Hamburger Month, and that’s as good a reason as any to survey the best new burgers on the Chicago restaurant scene. Not to worry if you’re not carnivorous, as I’ve thoughtfully included some vegetarian (and even vegan!) options as well. I’m stressing “new” burgers because I think by now we are all well […]
