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
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
