2020 is hanging on by its last strings, and here at Better, we cannot wait for the new year to bring us a fresh start. In with the new! We’re kicking off 2020 by continuing to highlight local businesses. This January, pick up some goodies from Stephanie Izard’s adorable new West Loop baker, indulge at […]
Did you know that Chicago is one of the top spots in the US for breweries? With more than 167 breweries (and counting), there is a beer out there that will suit just about anyone. And, lucky for us, we can liven things up at home this holiday with a special release brew, ready for […]
Natalie Saben doesn’t like preparing chocolate. And yet she’s one of the most innovative pastry chefs in the city. Saben is the current head pastry chef at Pacific Standard Time, a Californian-inspired kitchen located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. Pacific Standard Time has temporarily paused operations due to the pandemic, but while we […]
Avec started in 2003 as the brainchild of Paul Kahan, Donnie Madia and Eduard Seitan. All three partners brought a different spin to the table, creating a Mediterranean mecca in the Midwest. Seventeen years later, the West Loop spot is one of Chicago’s most acclaimed restaurants. Dylan Patel started at the restaurant in 2015 as […]
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or any other winter festival, this definitely will be a holiday season unlike any other. Smaller family and friend groups are the norm for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean your holiday will be less merry. Bringing in a meal — even if you are on your own […]
For a limited time this month, three-Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy is offering special meals from his new restaurant, Ever, at pickup locations in Andersonville, Milwaukee, and two Chicago suburbs, Northbrook and Naperville. Ever, which opened in Fulton Market in July in the midst of the pandemic, is the latest fine-dining endeavor by Duffy and his […]
Seems like Thanksgiving is only just in the rearview mirror, and it’s already time for Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Light! Starting at sundown on Thursday, December 10 and ending Friday, December 18, we will light the menorah for eight consecutive nights, trade gifts, and eat fried potato latkes and sufganiyot (a type of jelly-filled […]
Finally — the end of 2020 is here (do you hear the collective sigh, too?). With the close of the year comes the festive holiday season, another spent social distancing. But even from your home — or braving the outdoors — there are still events, ways to give back, virtual concerts and more to keep […]
The Chalet in Wilmette has always had a vast selection of goods and services. Thousands of indoor and outdoor plants? Of course. Landscaping service? Naturally. Holiday décor, gifts and pet supplies? Sure. But three-star Michelin food for pickup? Now, that’s a first. This star-studded collaboration between the nationally lauded Alinea Group — co-owned by James […]
After years of working as a project manager for Coca-Cola, Belinda Smith-Sullivan was ready for a change, so she got a degree in Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University. But it’s hard to leave old habits behind, so she started her own spice company, and then started “reverse-engineering” cookbooks. “I’m used to working backwards […]
