July 2012
Cover Story
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The Alfresco Guide to Summer: Best Things to Do Outdoors in ChicagoThe breezes are balmy. The skies are blue (the lake, too). Summer is hands down the best season in Chicago. Why on earth would you stay inside? With this painstakingly researched guide to 167 best... |
Features
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How Jake Nickell Built His Threadless EmpireFROM SMALL TO XXL: You’ve heard of crowdsourcing? The 31-year-old founder of the Chicago T-shirt company basically invented it. Now he’s taking it to malls across the country |
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The Cluster Conundrum: Copycat Teen Deaths in Lake ForestResearch into the mysterious phenomenon of copycat suicides could help explain the recent deaths of three Lake Forest teens who stepped in front of speeding trains |
Departments
Culture |
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Dennis Watkins Returns in ‘Death and Harry Houdini’DARE DEVIL: The House Theatre co-founder and third-generation magician transforms his inheritance to a stage act |
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Joe Meno Talks ‘Office Girl’MORE THAN WORDS: Chicago’s prince of hipster lit explains why he colors outside the lines in his graphic new effort |
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Five Best Things to Do in JulyTHE SHORTLIST: Five musts from our June culture calendar |
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With ‘Mob Wives’ and ‘Chicagolicious,’ Reality TV Flocks to ChicagoTRUE DAT: Are we as dramatic as these shows make us out to be? |
Deal Estate |
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Chicago Foreclosures by the NumbersOne in 107 housing units faced foreclosure in early 2012 |
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Deal of the Month: Roscoe Village Four-BedroomCOMPARISON SHOPPING: At less than a million, it’s a steal for the size |
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Fraudster’s Condo For Sale in South LoopCRIME AND PUNISHMENT: The former head of WexTrust Capital pled guilty to a $255 million scheme—and his old condo is half-off |
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No Little Price Tag For Daniel Burnham-Designed HomeA Kenilworth residence designed by the legendary planner escapes the endangered list, goes on the market |
Dining Out |
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Reviews: A Toda Madre and RPM ItalianOF PEPPERS AND PASTA: A standout you’ve never heard of, a big-name spot that’s better than you think, and the danger of first impressions |
Politics |
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Moneyball Over Wrigley RenovationsSizing up the key players, from Rahm to Pat Quinn |
Sketch Book |
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Ideas for Wrigley Field RenovationsOur cartoonist brings the ballpark into the 21st century |
Sports |
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Chicago Olympians to Watch in LondonTHE GOLD STANDARD: The Summer Games kick off in late July—but for some local athletes, the Olympics begin now |
Style |
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MCA Curator Naomi Beckwith’s Favorite ThingsART SMART: The Hyde Park native picks shows us 20 items she loves |
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Stylish Melamine Plates For Outdoor EatingSTEP UP TO THE PLATE: These unbreakable beauties give backyard barbecues an element of style |
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Our Favorite Deck and Patio Furniture and AccessoriesTAKE ’EM OUTSIDE: This summer’s outdoor accents are made to weather the elements |
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Sales CheckStore openings and deals this month |
Table |
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The Hot List: 10 places everyone's talking about and dining at in July—in order of heatChicago’s most-buzzed-about restaurants this month |
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Trend: PoutineThe French Canadian dish is showing up all over town, including at Leopold, Red Door, and others. |
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It’s Cocktail Hour for LilletA legendary apéritif enjoys another moment in the sun |
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What’s New, What’s Coming, and What’s Cheap in Chicago DiningLa Sirena Clandestina, Drumbar, Dragon Ranch, and Troquet |
The Escape Artist |
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Upgraded Camping at Kinnikinnick Farm in CaledoniaPOWER DOWN: This summer, book a stay on this northwest Illinois farm and let living off the land help you press pause |
Arena |
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Pastor Corey Brooks Walks America For a Community CenterGOD IS HIS CO-PILOT: The leader of Woodlawn’s New Beginnings Church is hoofing it across America in a bold antiviolence crusade |
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Chicago Restaurant Critics Talk Food FightsDining writers don’t sharpen their teeth by taking on subpar restaurants. They sharpen them on one another |
