Cover Story

 

Where to Get Stuff Fixed
by Rebecca Little
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.

 

The (Super) Natural
by Marcia Froelke Coburn
Audrey Niffenegger hit it big with her first novel, the best-selling The Time Traveler’s Wife. Can her long-awaited new novel—replete with ghosts—live up to lofty expectations?

Shades of Love
by Stacey Jones and Barri Leiner
White weddings? No thanks, Mr. Idol. We like champagne, pink, blue, silver, and purple gowns. Plus: invitations and gifts to match

Real Estate 2009
by Dennis Rodkin
Eight true-life stories reveal the perils and pluses of the volatile local housing market. Plus: Our annual survey of home prices in 288 Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs

 

Departments

 

Arena
PAGE TWO Take a number: a lot of GOPers want to be guv. ARTS & CULTURE Our superduper Fall Theatre Preview, featuring actress Molly Brennan; from Isadora Duncan to an assertive Ophelia, meet eight actors and directors who are tackling the season’s toughest roles; playwright Keith Huff dishes about Broadway and James Bond; and an index of the season’s most anticipated productions, in order of our enthusiasm. Plus: Introducing the definitive Pocket Guide SERVICE DESK Where to eat, drink, and park for 15 theatres MONEY Your property taxes really are as high as they feel. STYLE What does your desk say about you? If you’re like most of us, it’s saying, “Help me.” Here are some ideas.

Table
A wonderful new pizza; a falafel maniac; six great French toasts; ten hottest restaurants right now

Cheers
Hipsters’ new home away from home; plus, five more beer bars in Logan Square

Reporter
by Geoffrey Johnson
On a runway planned for O’Hare lies St. Johannes Cemetery—historic, verdant, and out of legal options.

Deal Estate®
by Dennis Rodkin
Chicago’s annual roundup of the area’s priciest home sales

Outer Drive
by Jeff Ruby
The Thanksgiving when Grandpa told us about his time in the war

Chicago Guide®
Dance pirates, party trains, and the rest of the best picks for October

Restaurants
Highwood’s Sage Grille breaks in at two and a half stars; Taxim earns two stars; Mana Food Bar nabs one.

 

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