Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater Steppenwolf Theatre Company finally opened its expanded campus in April, and even if pandemic delays meant the inaugural production of Chekhov’s Seagull didn’t have the all-ensemble cast originally envisioned for the christening, no matter: The venue itself was the draw. Though it’s saddled with a clunky donor-exalting name — the Ensemble Theater in Honor … Read more
Sound Selector Series at The Silver Room Dance and shop? Why not? The Silver Room, owned by Eric Williams (pictured), is known as a purveyor of Chicago style, and its chill soundtrack comes courtesy of the Sound Selector Series. Live turntable work electrifies the atmosphere, making this spot a hangout as well as a retail … Read more
Sugar Moon Bakery Dina Cimarusti infuses her cookies with unexpected flourishes to hit the perfect balance between nuanced and homey. The salted chocolate chip gets a richness boost from tahini. An oversize s’mores variety may sound like kiddie bait, but atop that graham cookie is a smoky housemade maple marshmallow. Not a single offering, including … Read more
Sarah Sherman Chicago comedy fans knew Sarah Sherman better as Sarah Squirm, the freaky face of the Hideout’s bizarre showcase Helltrap Nightmare. While she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live last fall under her real name, she carried her flair for the outlandish and grotesque with her and made a quick (and sometimes queasy) … Read more
From a fancy take on a sloppy Joe to a lamb-stuffed Chinese wrap, here (in no particular order) are the top handhelds to hit menus in the past year.
Camp Aramoni Chicagoans have long flocked to Starved Rock State Park for its gorgeous waterfalls and vistas, but the surrounding area has traditionally lacked standout lodging. That’s changed thanks to this new 96-acre glamping resort just 10 minutes from the park. The camp (from $450 a night, including breakfast and dinner), which opened in April, … Read more
Defcee The life and work of Defcee provide a study in contrasts. He’s a serial altruist, rallying his pupils to conquer the written word. (His background includes stints as a CPS teacher, part-time prison instructor, and mentor to aspiring poets.) But on record, this lanky, lantern-jawed Jewish boy eschews warmth; instead, he tells hard truths … Read more
Taco de Bistec at El Tragón Taqueria With its crispy griddled cheese crust, the costra taco is a product of Mexico City that’s becoming popular in the States. You’ll find a really good version at El Tragón Taqueria, which opened last October in a gas station complex near Halsted and Division. Listed on the menu as … Read more
Packingtown Museum The Union Stock Yards once commanded more than a square mile of the South Side. But while Chicago is no longer the “hog butcher for the world,” the story of the meatpacking industry’s massive legacy is now told at a decidedly diminutive museum in the same part of town. Located at the Plant, a … Read more
Bamboo Room’s Bamboo Room The tropical behemoth Three Dots and a Dash is not exactly what we’d call restrained, but the Bamboo Room, a hideaway tucked within the River North bar, sure is. When it reopened last November after a pandemic pause, the tiki trappings had been stowed away. Now this 22-seat bar serves spirit-forward … Read more
