Features Best New Restaurantsby Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne SpiselmanInnovation prevails in new Chi-town kitchens: Chefs across the city and ‘burbs are taking chances with bold flavors and combos. Our critics have put their stomachs on the line to name the 27 best newcomers. Everybody Knows Billyby Marc SpieglerAs a force behind River North’s supertrendy … Read more
Features Vacations 101by Dennis RodkinRather than spend their downtime merely sunbathing or shopping, more Americans are opting to pursue – or perfect – a hobby. Here are 30-plus destinations that let you live and learn. A Rage for Justiceby Jonathan EigFourteen years after the brutal murder of Jeanine Nicarico, some of the officials who helped … Read more
Features Good Housekeepingby Ilyce R. GlinkAmericans spend billions of dollars annually on home renovation. To make sure your rehab money is well spent, here’s how to plan that next makeover, hire the right professional, and build in both value and quality. Her So-Called Lifeby Marcia Froelke CoburnThe good times are still killing cartoonist Lynda Barry … Read more
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
