The Chicago restaurant scene is back in business! We’re thrilled to see all the restaurants that have re-opened to enthusiastic guests. And against all odds, new restaurants are still opening… and thriving. It’s a celebratory feeling out there right now, with people gathering joyously on Chicago’s fabulous restaurant patios, and inside as well. Be sure […]
The last 18 months took a heavy toll on small businesses around the country — and here in Marin County — but finally, the worst of the pandemic appears to be behind us, and it’s time to celebrate just how far we’ve come. As we recognize our 2021 Best of County winners, we thought we’d […]
With the weather warm and vaccinated people getting comfortable eating in public, again, without masks, there may be no better time to dine outdoors in Chicago. We have many beautiful parks and other potential picnic areas in the city. Restaurants and delis have never been so prepared to offer take-out service for menu items that […]
Saganaki, the shallow pan of cheese set on fire tableside and squirted with lemon before serving, is the must-have starter at many of Chicago’s Greek restaurants. Flaming saganaki, however, is rarely found in Greece, at least outside of touristy areas. Now enjoyed in stateside Greek restaurants from New York to Los Angeles, flaming saganaki seems […]
The North Shore’s ties to the film Caddyshack run deep and, more than 40 years after the cult classic comedy was released in theaters, another local connection could be on the horizon. Bill Murray and his brothers are considering whether to convert a vacant Bakers Square building into a Caddyshack-themed restaurant in Wilmette, The Record […]
A year ago, Napa and Sonoma were offering only a limited flight of al fresco experiences for visitors; after all, out-of-town leisure travel was officially discouraged by many authorities. This summer, new releases in Wine Country include indoor and outdoor dining, spa and wellness programs, transformed lodgings, and of course, new tasting rooms. Before you […]
Happy Pride Month! The Chicago Pride Parade may be delayed until October, but there is still much to celebrate. Many businesses will be offering Pride Month specials, and the two-day Pride in the Park festival will be held June 26 and 27 in Grant Park. Looking for ways to celebrate and stand in solidarity with […]
Convito Cafe and Market owner Candace Barocci Warner recently shared the origin story for one of the restaurant’s most popular offerings: Pollo Paesana. The Wilmette hotspot is well known to Better readers, who chose it as our Best of 2020 suburban winner for both Italian Food and Al Fresco Dining. Warner gave the details on […]
It’s hard to believe that the Lucky Platter, one of Evanston’s favorite hangouts, will turn 30 this year. We moved to Evanston shortly before it opened, and it’s been our go-to since the beginning, when we would place our baby’s car seat on the table as we ate our meal. That little baby is now […]
The pandemic is receding, the sun is shining, and temperatures are rising. Slowly, people are venturing outside their homes, hungry for dining and other social experiences they used to enjoy in the Before Times. According to the data scientists at Zenwatch, foot traffic at bars and restaurants is up 41% for the year and 33% […]
