Features Secret City We searched high and low to uncover the unusual, the useful, the amazing, and the arcane in Chicago. Among more than 80 revelations: how to use your pennies on the tollway, the house that haunted F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Field Museum’s million-footed monster, and much more Behind the Scenes CITY 2000, the … Read more
Features Glorious ItalianOur dining critics have spent the past four months twirling their gilded forks. From spaghetti and meatballs to spaghetti with caviar, here they present the best of all foods Italiano in Chicago. The Manilows Are Inby Carol FelsenthalSusan and Lewis Manilow are a low-key, high-impact couple whose commitments – cultural and political – … Read more
Features The Best Places to Workby Ted Shen and David ZivanWe present 25 local employers who treat their workers right, offering good pay, topnotch benefits, outstanding training, golden opportunity, and perks galore. The Case of the Fatal Face-Liftby Cynthia HansonOnly six months after he married cosmetics mogul Marilyn Miglin, businessman Naguib Mankarious died following plastic … Read more
Features Society’s Angelsby Rebecca CutlerHave pedigree, will party: For a clan of ambitious, socially connected young people, it’s hip to be charitable – and their galas and get-togethers are raising millions for good causes. Portraits of the Artistsby Penelope MesicFor a book commemorating the 25th anniversary of Steppenwolf Theatre, photographer Victor Skrebneski shoots the actors. … Read more
Features Best of Chicago From actor to multiplex and on through zoo spot for kids, we take an alphabetical look at the best people, places, and things in Chicago and the suburbs. Once you know your ABC’s – as in “aromatherapy,” “bike trail,” and “cabaret” – city fun becomes a breeze. The Sisterhoodby Marcia Froelke … Read more
Features Griefby Robert KursonSooner or later, we all have to face it – the sorrow that grips us when we lose people we love. But everyone must find his own way through the sadness. Here, several Chicagoans who have faced profound loss share their experiences. Net Prophetby Steve RhodesNorthwestern University marketing professor Mohanbir Sawhney has … Read more
Features Billy: A Rock Operaby Robert KursonLocal boy Billy Corgan made Smashing Pumpkins into the biggest band ever to have come out of Chicago – but the group’s troubles with drugs, personnel, and sales threaten the dream. Dream Jobsby Jeff RubyWhat’s it like to get paid to play games all day? Or to pick which … Read more
Features Best New Restaurantsby Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne SpiselmanThe envelope, please…In the category of best new restaurants, the members of the Academy (i.e., our dining critics) pick this year’s top 25 spots. And we promise: no long speeches. Shatteredby Carol FelsenthalA fierce North Shore hockey game has left one boy paralyzed and another facing … Read more
Features Great Nights OutWhen darkness descends on Chicago and the suburbs, the bright lights go up in restaurants, theatres, and clubs. Here’s a guide to some of the area’s liveliest nighttime destinations. Lord Jimby Steve RhodesFormer governor Jim Thompson was considered Presidential material when he left Springfield in 1991. Instead, he’s using his clout to … Read more
Features House Beautifulby Dennis RodkinIn a city renowned for its architecture, these 30 holmes – in Chicago and the suburbs – stand out. Brand Xby James McManusIn the lackluster post-Michael era, rookie sensation Elton Brand gives Bulls fans reason to cheer. Spin Cityby Penelope MesicActor John Cusack stars in the Chicago-made movie High Fidelity, a … Read more
