The pandemic has done a number on us — our mental health, our psyches, our jobs and even our manners. We spoke with etiquette expert Lisa Grotts to decipher a few clues about how to be a great host — and guest — in today’s weird, where-did-all-the-manners-go, world. Lisa Grotts, who served as director of protocol […]
Our knife skills may have needed some work, but the backdrop for the first bowl of ahi poke my husband and I ever prepared was flawless: a villa at Montage Kapalua Bay on Maui, with Molokai playing peek-a-boo through swaying palm trees. And we had help: A Montage chef was there to talk us through […]
We understand the pandemic isn’t over, especially outside the U.S., but in circles like ours where almost everyone has been vaccinated and is beginning to socialize and travel, it sure feels like we’re on the other side. As we restart our normal lives, one area of slight concern might be our food and beverage habits as the two stories we’ve linked […]
As we look forward to — or tremble at the very thought of — the colder months, here are some cool new places to dine, shop, and just chill. Food & Drink Sushi Boutique Executive Chef Jordan Dominguez tells Better “I’ve been serving sushi for 14 years, and I can tell you, dry-aging fish in […]
As evening temperatures begin to dip with the onset of fall, there’s nothing more comforting than digging into a hearty bowl of soup or stew. Brimming with fresh and flavorful ingredients that tout a roster of nutrients and disease fighting properties, these satisfying recipes promise not only to warm your belly, but also to provide […]
It’s finally fall, and new restaurant openings in Chicago and the suburbs continue, with some familiar names and the apparent return of fine dining. So great to see these chefs and restaurateurs back in business. For those of you keeping score, here are 13 new spots to add to your must-try list. Alla Vita 564 […]
A cornucopia of product picks inspired by our favorite fall flavors. Pumpkin Spice Tea; $12.50 The Republic of Tea, Larkspur Add a splash of milk to this black tea spiked with pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves to capture the essence of freshly baked autumnal treats in a mug. Large Covered Serving Dish; $182 Heath […]
The deceptively simple character of ramen — broth and noodles — hides complexity in technique and chef secrets in equal measure: Good ramen is easy; great ramen is hard. We talked with a few chefs to find out what makes their ramen special. North Bay Uchiwa Ramen Marin’s OG ramen house has been slinging tonkatsu […]
It’s been a brutal year-and-half for the restaurant industry as a whole, with the Covid-19 pandemic shifting how eateries operate and how customers patronize their favorite dining spots. A few of our favorites were forced to close, but others pivoted, finding ways to stay open, serve their communities, and employ their workers. We asked some […]
Don’t know about you, but I spent the Pandemic indoors, eating and reading voraciously — my two favorite activities at any time of year. But soon, we’ll all have the chance to read and eat outdoors at one of Chicago’s all-time great festivals, the 2021 Printer’s Row Lit Fest, set for September 11 and 12. […]
