March Movie Recommendations

Put these movies in your queue now! That way, you can relax at home before you endure the crowds at the theater to see “The Hunger Games” (opening March 23). Here’s what you can watch on DVD this month, in order of release dates. Young Adult (March 13) Length: 1 1/2 hours Rated: R Watch […]

Fresh: Sandwiches With Soul

The Asian sandwich craze has landed in Evanston with the opening of Soulwich, which puts a pan-Asian spin on your average banh mi, Vietnamese-style sandwiches. Owner Bhavini Patel of Chicago drew inspiration from a variety of Asian food stalls. You can taste those influences in sandwiches such as the Indonesian Ginger Barbeque, with homemade barbeque […]

Audiences Pleasured by Alexander’s Problems

Pardon the mass expression of schandenfreude emanating from Lincoln Park’s Apollo Theater. But it takes a dive into a German dictionary to succinctly define the audience’s reaction to Emerald City Theatre’s musical retelling of the children’s book, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Schandenfreude means pleasure derived from the misfortune of […]

French Chic on the Cheap

If springtime in Paris is a little too pricey, you can still get your French fix without breaking the bank (or getting jetlag) with these wallet-friendly places. Passport not required. Culture Alliance Francaise de Chicago French cultural center dedicated to language, learning and community outreach. Offers classes, movies, book clubs and social events for individuals […]

Spring Break Go Guide: March 30 - April 5

It’s the dreaded word: staycation. Sure, we all dream of sunny beaches and 4-star hotels, but not everyone can make it out of town. And let’s face it—Chicago’s pretty exciting. Maybe this is the year your friends and family have targeted you for a visit. So, whether it’s the kids who are home from school […]

Spring Break Go Guide: March 23 – 29

It’s the dreaded word: staycation. Sure, we all dream of sunny beaches and 4-star hotels, but not everyone can make it out of town. And let’s face it—Chicago’s pretty exciting. Maybe this is the year your friends and family have targeted you for a visit. So, whether it’s the kids who are home from school […]

Quick and Easy: The Film Every Teenager Should See

Bullying is a huge problem in America’s schools. It is estimated that more than 13 million kids are bullied each year, undermining their social confidence and emotional development. The film “Bully“, a documentary created in collaboration with The Bully Project, focuses on the affect that bullying has had on five families. It also takes a […]

Bringing Some Sass: Bring It On the Musical

If you’re looking for a theatrical night of introspection and quiet anguish, “Bring It On” is probably not going to deepen your existential wonderings. But if you’re looking for an energetic, funny and witty musical—and yes, there are cheerleaders—you’ll love “Bring It On.” Loosely based on the 2000 movie, this Broadway-bound musical uses high school […]

Quick and Easy: Giving Children a Voice

Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a complex motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for children to produce sounds, syllables and words. Despite their ability to understand and comprehend language, they are unable to communicate. The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA) and Silent Stars Foundation have been exploring the effects that […]

Fresh: Get a Little Naughty

Looking for a unique thank you note or Mother’s Day card? Naughty Betty greeting cards are a great way to break from the ordinary. Christine Montaquila and Courtney Weinberg of Glencoe spent many years crafting clever messages in the advertising world, and now they’ve started their own line of funny and sarcastic greeting cards and […]