Features The Third Annual Big Onion Awardsby Ted Allen and Marc SpieglerOnce again it’s time to pay homage to those bureaucrats, politicians, and other public bumblers whose deeds gave off a pungent odor. From the imprisoned to the inept to the simply irritating, it’s a bumper crop this year. The Searcherby Geoffrey JohnsonCritic and historian … Read more
Features The Spirit of ‘96Our eight Chicagoans of the Year – whose contributions range from a rollicking political convention to a haven for the homeless – have done more than just make the impossible possible: They’ve made it real. Earth Angelby Penelope MesicAnne Heche, at 26, has gone from the Francis Parker School to leading … Read more
Features Earthly DelightsWhat ever happened to hedonism? Our correspondents went all out to bring back those delicious days of excess and escapism. In that spirit of pure pleasure, we present this guide to being good to yourself. Love Among the Ruinsby Marcia Froelke CoburnThe love-and-loss relationship between Scott McPherson and Danny Stotomayor has eerie parallels … Read more
Features Great Dining ‘96by Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne SpiselmanTo uncover the latest in munchies, martinis, and masterpieces, our dining experts ate their way through dozens of restaurants – from exciting new gems to comfortable old favorites – and all to pique your culinary curiosity. Plus: Is the pen mightier than the fork? Ted Allen … Read more
Features How Your Town Ratesby Dennis RodkinWhether you’re hunting for a home in the suburbs or just curious about how your town stacks up, here’s the tool to use: our survey of 160 communities, comparing qualities such as schools, crime, amenities, and more. Whatever Lola’s Wantsby Marcia Froelke CoburnVa-va-voom: Leopard print and blue velvet set … Read more
Features The Real Chicagoedited by Dale EastmanOur roster of scene watchers spotlight the people, places, and things that reflect the ethos peculiar to this cosmopolitan crossroads. Power Linesby Greg HinzA glimpse at Bill and Hillary Clinton’s pervasive Chicago connections Dream Housesby Jonathan EigHousing officials and developers want to transform Cabrini-Green into a thriving mixed-income neighborhood. … Read more
Features Gold Mettle Runby Gretchen ReynoldsJenny Spangler’s unexpected win at the Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials has set the stage for a Hollywood finish in Atlanta. Judgment Dayby Robert SharoffChicago’s top arts critics have the power to promote or pummel careers and performances, but who has the chutzpah to review the reviewers? We do – here’s … Read more
Features Split Witby Bob DailyAfter goosing Hollywood with such megaton hits as Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, Harold Ramis comes home to Chicago just in time for the release of his latest intellectual comedy. Here’s to highbrow humor. Haunted By Loveby Dale EastmanNorman Maclean published A River Runs Through It, his well-loved book of stories, 20 … Read more
Features Strong Suitsby Marcia Froelke CoburnWith their Bigsby & Kruthers stores bucking the slide in men’s suits, the Silverberg brothers are leading the war on casual days. Requiem for a Heavyweightby Richard E. CohenEven after his mighty fall, Dan Rostenkowski remained unrepentant. A Washington writer examines how history should view this complex man. Bill Zehme … Read more
Features Growing Up Jacksonby Dale EastmanAs the Reverend Jesse’s eldest son takes office in Washington, it’s easy to fancy the Jacksons as the country’s first black political dynasty. But as some 40 hours with them reveals, when you’re a Jackson, nothing is ever easy. Thanks, New York, for Giving Us the Bullsby Filip BondyOur beloved … Read more
