Features Pleasure Principalsby Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne SpiselmanOur dining critics applaud their 60 favorites – from the sparkle and grace of the Gold Coast’s Pump Room to the unassuming neighborhood charm of Lake View’s Blue Stem. Da Rulesby Jonathan EigHow did Richard M. Daley – often inarticulate, sometimes obsessed with the minuscule – become … Read more
B.B. King wasn’t thinking about Chicago blues clubs when he wailed, “The thrill is gone.” But it certainly could apply. Six ways to revive a fading cultural art form
Features Hot ‘Hoodsby Dennis Rodkin, with Lindsey Chow and Susannah FeltsThe sizzling local real estate market refuses to cool off. A survey of home prices in 270-plus Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs – with a look at some standout places to live A Very Private Manby Cynthia HansonWhen he died suddenly last March, gum magnate William … Read more
Features Sacked!by Jonathan EigMichael McCaskey should have been the right man to run the Bears. But under his leadership, the team stumbled so badly that his mom had to fire him. And Now, a Few Words on Behalf of the Worst Writer in Chicagoby Steve RhodesHe won an award for producing some of the worst … Read more
Features The Best of ChicagoOur writers explore the rich possibilities of our peerless city and uncover the most romantic restaurant, the tallest climbing wall, the liveliest jukebox, the prettiest public garden, and a host of other people, places, and things that make Chicago special. Plus, our dining critics name their favorite spots for eight restaurant … Read more
Features How They Metby Christine NewmanThirty couples tell their mating game stories – true-life tales of meeting cute, missing connections, getting struck by lightning, and making all the right bold, fast-forward moves. 20 Places to Find That Special Someoneby Lucinda HahnLooking for love? We go beyond the bar scene to offer these suggestions – venues … Read more
Features Summer: A User’s GuideNow that summer is finally here, make the most of this glorious but fleeting season by following these experts tips about fashion, food, sports, and more. The Trip to Bountifulby Magda Krance with Amanda KubekTop Chicago chefs tour local farmers’ markets, sharing secrets about favorite vendors and summertime recipes. Our guide … Read more
Features Best New Restaurantsby Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne SpiselmanOur critics’ hunt for this year’s best new restaurants turned up 24 choice spots, many with a familiar French tilt. Also, check out our roundup of recent and upcoming openings for a preview of next year’s contenders. Behind the Shieldby Jonathan EigOfficer Joe Miedzianowski developed a … Read more
Features Welcome to the WeekendFrom the Straits of Mackinac to Marengo Cave, from Michigan Avenue to the mighty Mississippi River, here are 18 enticing destinations to enliven spring and summer weekends. Crimes of Paschenby Marcia Froelke CoburnFor years, Maria Tallchief and Buzz Paschen – prima ballerina and contracting heir – lived a privileged existence; then … Read more
Features Chicagoans of the CenturyAs the century races to a close, the era’s 100 most important Chicagoans pass in review. Mayors and musicians, architects and athletes, we rank them all. Who’s on first, who’s bringing up the rear – and who got left behind? Our definitive list tells all. Right on Qby Jonathan EigDePaul’s Quentin … Read more
