Where to Get Stuff Fixed

Austerity is the word these days, and one way to stay within your budget is to get stuff fixed. But where to go? Turn to our guide to Chicago's best fixers in 36 categories.

Rebecca Little

Chicago Weddings 2009

White weddings? No thanks, Mr. Idol. We like champagne, pink, blue, silver, and purple gowns. PLUS: invitations and gifts to match

Stacey Jones

Chicago Area Real Estate 2009

Our annual survey of home prices in 288 Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs. Plus: Eight true-life stories that reveal the perils and pluses of the volatile local housing market

Dennis Rodkin

The (Super) Natural

Audrey Niffenegger struck publishing gold with her best-selling first novel, The Time Traveler's Wife, recently made into a movie. Now the Chicago author is back with another story tinged...

Marcia Froelke Coburn

Table of Contents

Contributors

October 2009: Catey Sullivan, Brian Kuhlmann, Jeff Sciortino, Geoffrey Johnson, Rebecca Little

Graham Meyer

Feedback

In October’s letters: A food reaction, more on sex, and a few clarifications

The Other Cost of Living

Property taxes in the Chicago area are high, especially compared with how much we earn to pay them

Liz Fischer

GOP’s a Crowd

Democratic turmoil has Illinois Republicans feeling hopeful

Edward McClelland

Mister Fix-It?

A Florida-based PR journeyman tries to repair the images of Illinois’s most notorious defendants

Brad Spirrison

Divide and Conquer

Kate Schwartz Seamons

New on the Shelves

Chicago books out this month

Chicago's Fall 2009 Theatre Preview

Our superduper Fall Theatre Preview, featuring actress Molly Brennan; eight actors and directors tackling the season's toughest roles; playwright Keith Huff dishes about Broadway; the season's most...

Fashion Focus Chicago

The fashion event returns with spring collections, student creations and emerging designers

Books: Futurama

The “pre-eminent literary chronicler of the technological age” probes happiness

Christopher Benson

Shopper: Fix

Fulton Market’s latest newcomer offers something many Chicago boutiques don’t: clothing for both sexes

Rebecca Little

A New Voice

An American Latino classic comes to the stage

Liz Fischer

Sales Check

A roundup of October’s sales, store openings, and shopping news

Bridget Maiellaro

Dead Reckoning

Part of O'Hare's expansion has stalled, blocked by the religious beliefs and constitutional claims of the 160-year-old St. Johannes Cemetery. With the court battle nearing its end, time may have...

Geoffrey Johnson

Rickety Rich

After a strong start, high-priced home sales slow significantly in Chicago and the suburbs

Dennis Rodkin

Steak Out

Four new condos now occupy meatpacker’s grand mansion

Dennis Rodkin

Standing Tall

Former Ward’s headquarters gets a stylish upgrade

Dennis Rodkin

The Best French Toast in Chicago

FRENCH TWISTS: We couldn’t be bigger fans of classic French toast—what’s not to like about simple fried, eggy bread with butter and maple syrup? It’s a dish open to infinite...

Joanne Trestrail

Budget Beat: Angin Mamiri

This modest, family-run Indonesian restaurant offers locals a taste unavailable anywhere else in Chicago

Joanne Trestrail

Dining Out: New Sensations

The Lula duo takes Pilsen, Kleiner takes Old Town—and everyone else takes notice

Dennis Ray Wheaton

Opening: (K)new

The second chapter from Think’s ambitious chef

Jeff Ruby

Mini Review: Sen Sushi

Oak Park has a zen-like new sushi spot

Penny Pollack

Obsession: Falafill

Maher Chebaro's Boys Town location boasts the results of five years of falafel research

Jeff Ruby

Opening: Pelago

Italian wanderlust in a boutique hotel

Jeff Ruby

Singled Out: Castel Gandolfo

Doughy, delicious Neapolitan pizza is served at this brick oven pizzeria

Liz Fischer

Pour: Rye Chicago and Midwest Wheat

Koval Distillery captivates with their grain and fruit flavors

Dennis Ray Wheaton

Flesh and Blood

The day Grandpa finally told his war stories

Jeff Ruby