Running on Empty: Postmarathon Drinking

The Chicago Marathon—which begins this Sunday, October 10th, at 7:30 a.m. in Grant Park—has taken over my life, and I’m not even running it. The Creative Director is, though, and over the course of his seven months of training I’ve found myself engaged in the following activities…

The Discreet Charm of RL

From its fumbling start just off the Mag Mile, the first and only American restaurant in the Ralph Lauren empire has evolved into the dining room of choice for Chicago’s local celebrities and society elite. Its secret? To paraphrase Marshall Field: Give the diner what she wants

In a Muddle: Judging Carnivale’s Mojito Contest

Since I began writing The Chaser a year ago, I’ve become a regular on the cocktail-contest-judging circuit. It seems I’m now a booze expert (I know, Mom: It’s really not the best thing for maintaining youthful-looking skin or long-term health)…