5 Things to Do: February 20-22

If you’re dreaming of spring, I hate to tell you this, but we’re not quite there yet. So, stay warm this weekend with these fun events. Start with a film festival that raises awareness of various environmental issues before enjoying brunch and an inside look at the Art Institute’s newest exhibit. You can also purchase […]

6 Ways to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Chicago

Can’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? No problem. You can channel a bit of the Big Easy right here in the Windy City. Here are six fun ways to “laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll) in honor of Mardi Gras on Feb. 17. Bennison’s King Cake While the […]

New in Town: Time to Wine at Wilmette Wine Cellar

Wilmette native Tom Boyle has returned to the fold with his new store, the Wilmette Wine Cellar. He’s handpicked the selection of wine, beer, sake and dessert wine and created a comfortably chic place to grab a bottle of wine and go, or stay and enjoy (for a $10 corkage fee) at the table for 20 in the […]

Jimmy Fallon Took the Polar Plunge and So Can You

Last year, Chicago’s 14th annual Polar Plunge made national headlines when Mayor Rahm Emanuel dared The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon to partake. Amidst a series of hilarious tweets and social media call-outs, including a social media campaign #SwimmyFallon, Fallon accepted the dare—and he plunged into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan dressed in his staple talk […]

How Sweet It Is: Best Bakeries in Chicagoland

Chicagoans are carb loaders, and damn proud of it. Weather got you down? Eat some pie. Celebrating a win? Have a cupcake. Having drinks with the gal pals? Grab some macarons. You get the picture, right? So if there’s a public service to be performed here, it’s to narrow down the crowded field. But every […]

5 Things to Do: Valentine’s Day Weekend 2015

This weekend is all about love. Couples can warm up in the Chicago Botanic Garden Greenhouses, which will be filled with stunning orchids, or meet local celebrities and get up close to new technology at the Chicago Auto Show. And if you prefer a more traditional evening out, get your tickets now for Chicago Theatre Week. There […]

5 Things to Do: February 6-8

After a week of shoveling, we could all use a little break. Warm up with two shows, a musical perfect for kids and a date-night-worthy festival. You can also visit the Kohl Children’s Museum without your kids for an adults-only play date. Or, if this week’s blizzard didn’t faze you, visit Navy Pier for a […]

Deep Dish Food News: Food is Love Edition

In February, it’s all about the love…and the food. And maybe for me they are one and the same. After all, the direct route to the heart is through the stomach, right? Bargains Galore Chicago Restaurant Week is here and runs through Feb. 12 (yes, I can count—it’s actually two weeks). Now is your chance to […]

15 Activities to Make Winter Fun Again

When you were a child, snow was magic. Now when the flakes start falling, your adult self probably thinks less about snowmen and more about snow blowers. Shift your winter outlook by making it fun again. Behold, 15 ideas to take the trudge out of the season and put a spring in your step. Get […]

Powerful Cast Lifts "Tosca" Beyond Disappointing Sets

“Tosca” has everything. A chilling story of an opera singer and a painter trapped in the political turmoil of 1800 Rome; their passionate, doomed love story; and blood—oh yes, lots and lots of blood—all borne on the crest of Puccini’s magnificent music. Lyric Opera of Chicago opened a new production of this glorious tragedy at […]