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. […]
What better way to spend your last weeks of summer than to check out new businesses in the area? From inventive Mexican in Oak Brook and a new boutique coffee bar in Winnetka to a skincare destination in Hubbard Woods and a second outpost of a great clothing spot for fall fashion, here’s what’s new […]
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 […]
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 […]
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% […]
Winnetka and Northfield are two shiny jewels in the North Shore’s crown, small towns with big personality. The pristine, tree-lined streets are flanked by graceful homes, the commuter rail whisks residents back and forth to Chicago, and Lake Michigan glistens nearby. Charming shopping and dining areas characterize these two lovely suburbs. Here are some of […]
Of all the seasons in Chicago (winter, false spring, second winter, construction, Satan’s closet), the best one is upon us: it’s patio season! Of course, it takes on added importance this year as many people still prefer to dine outside. Now that the weather is inching toward warmth, (although the notoriously fickle Chicago spring weather […]
Spring is the time of rebirth, and that is definitely the case in the Chicago restaurant community. Many of your favorite restaurants are reawakening after their pandemic slumber, and there have been a surprising number of new restaurant openings, with more to come on the horizon. Big names (think José Andres, Paul Kahan, Joe Flamm, […]
