Best of Chicago 2012

We pick 124 winners: amazing food, wonderful bars, super shops, culture finds, top-notch health and beauty services, great stuff for kids, and outstanding neighborhood businesses

Right-to-Die Advocate Jerry Dincin Awaits His Own Exit

THIS WAY OUT?: The Final Exit Network president has helped 14 gravely ill people end their lives. Now, at 81, the Highland Park resident faces a terminal illness himself

By Charles Bethea

Garry McCarthy Under the Gun

UNDER THE GUN: After a surprisingly chill NATO, Chicago’s police superintendent was the man of the hour. But the recent spate of violent weekends, and fear that the body count could continue to...

By Noah Isackson, additional research by Matt Schur

Hometown Talent Stars at the Chicago Dancing Festival

FEELIN’ GROOVY: The Midwest’s largest dance festival presents Bolero Chicago with 70 volunteers

By Cassie Walker Burke

Lollapalooza: A Primer

Here’s what you should know about the massive fest taking over Grant Park August 3 to 5

By Selena Fragassi

Five Best Things to Do in August

THE SHORTLIST: Five musts from our August culture calendar

By Elly Fishman and Graham Meyer

Kartemquin Tackles Scott Walker’s Wisconsin in ‘As Goes Janesville’

REEL TALK: The team behind ‘Hoop Dreams’ on the clash over collective bargaining rights

By Crystal Yednak

Hugh Hefner’s Hutch Sells

The largest of the former Playboy Mansion’s condos goes at a discount

By Dennis Rodkin

August Deal Estate News: Home Sales and Trends

By Dennis Rodkin

Review: Sixteen at the Trump Hotel

STARS IN THE SKY: After a dazzling start and a potentially devastating setback, Sixteen is back—and it's four stars. But it wants more

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

A Guide to Geneva: Where to Eat, Shop, and Play

INSIDER’S GUIDE: Nestled along the Fox River, this west suburban gem is becoming an ideal end-of-summer playground

By Eryn McGary Swanson

The Bests that Didn’t Make Our List

A FEW STARS SHORT: In which we take some of Chicago’s worst problems and give them “awards”

By Corinne Mucha

Is Paul Konerko Destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame?

HALL PASS: Sizing up the White Sox star’s bid for Cooperstown

By Chris Silva

Tastemakers Richard Wright and Valerie Carberry on Their Favorite Things

OUTDOOR MODERN: The auction-house owner and gallerist pick Persol sunglasses, Marni boots, and more

By Heiji Choy Black

Summer Accessories From the Marrakesh Express

Jewelry, shoes, and housewares that summon the spirit of Morocco

Mezlan Steps Into the Gold Coast

SHOPPER: The retailer of Spanish-crafted men’s accessories opens in the 900 North Michigan Shops in August

By Seth Putnam

Sales Check

Store openings and sales this month

By Julie Ma and Lena Singer

Chicago-Style BBQ Tour: Looking for the Best with Hecky Powell

BONE COLLECTORS: The Evanston pit master takes us on a cross-city search for real Chicago ribs

By Peter Gianopulos

Raucous German Beer Hall Prost! Reopens

After two years, the restaurant reopens with six times the capacity—and a 20-ounce soft pretzel

By Carly Boers

What’s New, What’s Coming, and What’s Cheap in Chicago Dining This August

A look at OON Chicago, Two, Senza, and City Farms Market & Grill

By Penny Pollack, Jeff Ruby, and Joanne Trestrail

‘Locally Grown’: The Farm Charm of Midwest Artisanal Farms

Anna Blessing’s new book includes looks at Mick Klug Farm and Seedling Orchard

By Carly Boers

Traversing Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

THE ELEVATED: Geographer David Solzman tells us where to find the best highs nature can offer

Inside the Mind of an Art Institute Guard

THOUGHT POLICE: Our columnist channels the musings of a seasoned... “guardian”

By Jeff Ruby

CTA President Forrest Claypool Talks Rail Politik

His thoughts on the Red Line shutdown, union negotiations, and his political future