Best of Chicago 2011

80 great finds in dining, arts & culture, shopping, and more

Students from the Street: A Look at Dartmouth's Foundation Years Project

A short-lived 1960s-era program that transported street-smart Chicago Vice Lords to the hallowed halls of the Ivy League school has been largely forgotten—except by those who volunteered for the...

By Jay Pridmore

From This Day Forward: Portraits of Love

Civil unions for same-sex couples were legalized in Illinois on June 1—a day that launched celebration, action, and overwhelming emotion for Chicagoans joined by a historic law. "I never thought...

By Lena Singer

New Details Emerge in the Death of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott

SHADOWS OF DOUBT: Nearly two years after Michael Scott turned up dead in the Chicago River, we reveal exclusive new details about his final hours—clues that only deepen the mystery of what really...

By David Bernstein

Tereasa Surratt’s ‘Found, Free & Flea’ Stokes Summer Camp Nostalgia

CABIN CHIC: A stylish new book for those who wish the charm of their childhood summer camp could be packaged and sold

By Cassie Walker Burke

A Night Out at The Bedford

OUT OF THE VAULT: Want to get a seat at Wicker Park's new bank-turned-bar? Go on a Thursday.

By Amalie Drury

Discover President Roger Hochschild’s Recoup de Grâce

With purchase of 15-room home, couple ameliorates earlier loss

By Dennis Rodkin

Florida Architect-Designed House in Naperville Sells for $3 Million

By Dennis Rodkin

What We Know, and Don’t Know, About Concussions

As area physicians and legislators grapple with the long-term impacts of concussions, one Northwestern doctor admits much of it remains mysterious

By Karen Springen

Why I Run

MAKING STRIDES: Our man wonders why he endures the mental and physical grind of long-distance running. Then, one nasty spring day, in a stinging horizontal rain, the answer comes to him

By Jonathan Eig

Will Shoppers Rush Michigan Avenue on Topshop’s Opening Day?

SHOPPER: The British retailer brings its second U.S. store to Chicago on September 7

By Lena Singer

Cool Wares for Coffee and Tea

CAFÉ SOCIETY: Give your guests a jolt with these stylish glasses, mugs, teaspoon sets, and more

By Bridget Maiellaro

4 Questions for Ian Schrager

By Jeff Ruby

The Hot List: 10 places everyone's talking about and dining at in August—in order of heat

Chicago's most-buzzed-about restaurants this month

By Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby

What's New, What's Coming, and What's Cheap in Chicago Dining

Michael Jordan's Steak House, M, Libertad, Minghin Cuisine

By Carly Boers, Jeff Ruby, Joanne Trestrail

Urban Forager Dave Odd Combs Chicago's Alleys for Dinner

EXTREME LOCAVORE: Restaurants like Blackbird, Browntrout, and Longman & Eagle employ the talents of this in-demand scavenger

By Katherine Sacks

Reviews: GT Fish & Oyster, Perennial Virant

THE GOLDEN BOYS: It’s not even fair how many good restaurants Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz own. Here, two more

By Jeff Ruby

A Guide to Weggis, Switzerland, by Ravinia President Welz Kauffman

MOUNTAIN DO: Enjoy a restorative retreat for culture lovers

By Catey Sullivan

Q&A with Top-Notch Headhunter Peter Crist

WHAT I WAS THINKING: The recruiting firm exec reveals what he looks for on behalf of his clients—and what job applicants can do to improve their odds

One Hoarder’s Last Hope: Asking a Stranger to Move In

1-800-CLUTTER-BUST: Attention hoarders, pack rats, nostalgists: Help is here, and she's coming to live with you.

By Jeff Ruby

8 Classes that Connect with Nature: Stargazing, Beekeeping, Mushroom Hunting, and More

CURRICULUM VITAE: Nature can often be the best teacher, as these courses will demonstrate

By Nina Kokotas Hahn

Lavinia Warren Inspires ‘The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb’

A diminutive debutante inspries a big novel by Glen Ellyn-based writer Melanie Benjamin

By Jenna Marotta

Who Deserves Credit for the Rookery?

THE WRIGHT QUESTION: The answer depends on whom you ask

By Jay Pridmore

Folk-Rock's Troublemaker Lissie Returns Home to Play Lollapalooza

GROUNDED FOR LIFE: The singer talks about her musical influences, growing up in Rock Island, and more

By Selena Fragassi

Five Best Things to Do in August

POCKET GUIDE: A cultural short-list for August, in order of buzz

By Jennifer Wehunt