Features The Big Onion Awardsby Marc Spiegler and Todd PruzanIt’s enough to bring tears to the eyes: our fourth annual tribute to the bureaucrats, politicians, and other public bumblers whose greed, ineptitude, and shabby behavior irritated us immensely Birth of a Salesmanby Ted AllenWhen Sean Conlon arrived in Chicago seven years ago, his first career … Read more
Features The Power Packby Marc SpieglerPresenting Chicago’s 100 most powerful people, from Hizzoner and cronies to superrich business leaders to a certain hoops demigod Bound for Gloryby Jonathan EigNovelist Leon Forrest, author of the highly praised but rarely read Divine Days, always wanted to be recognized as a great writer. Last fall, facing the ultimate … Read more
Features The Best of Chicago A budget brunch with a touch of exotica; a suburban library with drive-through service; a tenor sax man who leavens his manic intensity with a sense of humor – these are just a few of our 100-plus favorite things as Chicago puts its best foot forward. Designing Manby Christine NewmanInterior … Read more
Features Great Dining ‘97by Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne SpiselmanIs Cajun hot or not? How haute can you get? Ever passionate about finding great food, our expert reviewers stuffed themselves silly in search of dining enlightenment. Plus, Tara Croft asks: Can top chefs enjoy cheap chow? Dangerous Memoriesby Cynthia HansonA North Shore woman’s recollection under … Read more
Features Home Economicsby Geoffrey Johnson and Dennis RodkinWith the local real estate market booming, homeowners in the city and suburbs are wondering about trends, hot neighborhoods, and current housing prices. Our insider’s look at 275 towns and neighborhoods provides answers. The Last Wordby Jonathan EigMike Royko worked too much. He drank too much. He cared … Read more
Features Chicago Styleby Ted Allen and Lisbeth LevineFrom Issey Miyake and Donna Karan to leather pants and platform sneakers, this city is home to fashions both flashy and frugal – where people look fabulous wearing whatever they want to. How Do We Lookby Lisbeth LevineIssac Mizrahi, Cynthia Rowley, Chris Zorich, and other experts weigh in … Read more
Features It’s Your Dealby Jan Parr and Joanne Trestrail with Libby MorseWe’ve scoured the off-price stores, scoped the outlet malls, and tracked down discounts all over town. The result: bargains galore on everything from designer clothes to decadent chocolates to kitchen sinks. Between Black and Whiteby Jonathan EigA look at the principals in the Bridgeport … Read more
Features Street Smartsby Todd PruzanWe offer help for Chicago’s harried drivers and transit passengers: dozens of useful tips on getting around faster, easier, and freer of hassle, whether you travel by car, train, or bus. The Fall and Rise of William Kennedy Smithby Ted AllenIn a probing series of interviews, the Kennedy scion – acquitted … Read more
Features The Ghosts and Mr. Burkeby Jonathan EigThe payroll scandal entangling Ed Burke raises a question: How could one of the city’s brightest, most powerful politicians wind up in such a mess? The Gatekeepersby Cynthia HansonChicago’s top movers and shakers employ resourceful assistants to make calls, book flights, anticipate needs – and open the gates … Read more
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
