Chicago magazine’s November 2010 issue hits newsstands Thursday, October 14th. To schedule an interview with one of our writers or editors, please contact Elizabeth Riley at enriley@chicagomag.com.

Mextravaganza! (cover story): The magazine’s dining critic, Jeff Ruby, names the city’s top 12 Mexican restaurants and 30 must-eat dishes. Plus, ten Mexican beverages of note, eight peppers to know (in order of heat), and dispatches from the Maxwell Street Market.

Her Next Act: Former White House social secretary, Desirée Rogers, is back in Chicago to tackle a new challenge: reviving Johnson Publishing and its Ebony and Jet magazines.

Noah’s Arc: In the past, Joakim Noah was a notorious goofball and aggravation to his teammates. But these days, this Bulls center-forward has redeemed himself with one of the most dramatic turnarounds in pro sports. Writer-at-large Bryan Smith takes a look at his transformation.

Mouth Wide Open: Remember the UFO sightings at O’Hare? Or Daley’s stunt at Miegs Field? As part of the magazine’s upcoming anniversary, Chicago names the city’s top 40 “Oh my God!” moments in recent history.