New in Town: FRÍO Gelato in Evanston is “Artfully Argentine”

When co-founder Sebastián Koziura started FRÍO Gelato in Evanston, he was looking to recreate the gelato experience of his South American childhood in Argentina. Gelato is big there, both as sweet treat and social pastime. FRÍO’s gelato base is made in-house with hormone-free milk and all natural ingredients; the South American influence is obvious in […]

New in Town: We All Scream for Ice Cream at Graeter's

Northbrook is now the primo destination for some of the best ice cream around. Graeter’s, founded in 1870 in Cincinnati, has opened its first Illinois store, and it’s an unqualified success. The fourth generation of the Graeter family has brought in some new ideas—gelato, low-glycemic flavors, fruit smoothies—but their core dedication to the French-pot, small […]

New in Town: Getting Freshii With It

One of downtown Chicago’s favorite fast-casual places has made it up to the northern suburbs: Freshii has opened in Evanston. Locals can be found lining up for the über-fresh juices (the Green Refresher, filled with kale, green apples, celery, cucumbers and lime, is a favorite), smoothies, soups, salads, bowls and wraps. Vegetarians, vegans and pescetarians […]

9 Best Frozen Desserts in Chicago

Are you ready to get brain freeze this summer? Battle the heat and humidity with nine of the best frozen desserts in Chicago and the suburbs. Just hurry so you can get them before they melt! There’s no sweeter way to cool down. Homestead on the Roof  There’s no better place to enjoy an artisanal twist […]

7 Restaurants Every North Shore College Kid Craves

Every college town has their specialties—restaurants that students favor for brunch, dinner, or that 2 a.m. slice of pizza. As my fellow college freshmen and I finished finals and came home for the summer, however, we couldn’t have been more excited to return to all of our favorite childhood spots. Everyone has their own list, […]

New in Town: Drinks Delivered With Drizly

Chicago, raise a glass to the latest and greatest app, Drizly, which allows legal-age drinkers to purchase alcohol to their door in under an hour. Partnered with local retailers such as Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits, Rayan’s Wine & Fine Spirits, South Loop Market, Kimbark Beverage Shoppe and Hops & Grapes, this app promises a satisfying […]

New in Town: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Cocoa + Co.

The new Cocoa + Co. was born of owner Kim Hack’s obsession with chocolate. Hack, a longtime food industry professional, feels that cacao beans—like grapes—have a distinct terroir, a sense of place. At her new Old Town store, you’ll find freshly baked creations from celebrity chefs Malika Ameen and Gale Gand; the work of 35 […]

14 Chic Places Where the Ladies Lunch

In a perfect world, I would sit down to a civilized lunch at a chic boîte every day. The reality is a little closer to standing in front of an open refrigerator with baby carrots and a bowl of hummus in hand, but a girl can dream, right? Meanwhile, in this alternate universe, I would […]

Top Spots for Al Fresco Dining Around Chicagoland

Living in Chicago, there are precious few patio days each year, so treasure every one of your breezy, sunshine-y days this summer by dining al fresco. Here are 11 of our favorite patios in the city and North Shore. The dec Rooftop Lounge + Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Twelve stories above Michigan Avenue is […]