Rich Melman finally wins a Beard Award, taking this year's Best Restaurateur prize. But he was a no-show at the ceremony itsef, and Rick Bayless called him out. Can't we all just get along? Read more
“What’s with the sign? Looks like Barnum & Bailey presents a bar,” huffed The Creative Director as we pulled up beneath the many-bulbed marquee announcing Standard Bar/Grill the latest incarnation of the Wicker Park watering hold most recently occupied by Loft Six Ten... Read more
Need something to listen to? Want to stream locally? The CSO, Chicago Public Library, Thrill Jockey, CHIRP, and WFMT all offer good options for when you're desk-bound or on the go. Read more
Why are people up in arms about WalMart coming to Chicago, when other big-box retailers with comparable labor practices are welcomed with open arms? Plus: labor opposition to Walmart isn't a zero-sum game, even if it looks like it. Read more
Looking to update your bathroom? The Kohler Store in Burr Ridge is holding a Bathroom Makeover Event May14. Hosted by HGTV’s interior design star and Chicagoan Monica Pedersen... Read more
30 years ago today, the poet laureate of midcentury Chicago died. In recognition, here's an epic account of the last year of Algren's life, by his friend Joe Pintauro. Read more
The Chicago-based coupon giant makes two high-profile moves, partnering with music borg Live Nation and sponsoring the Oscars of the food world, as it wades through the coupon-site blowback. Read more
Park Ridge's favorite daughter gets caught in another less-emotional-than-it-looks moment. She still can't catch a break from the camera. And she can't even get into an ultra-Orthodox newspaper. Read more
According to the classic song from The Music Man, they’ve got trouble, right there in River City. But you can’t say the same for Mason City, River City’s real-life counterpart. The Iowa hometown of Music Man composer Meredith Willson—and the model for the River City setting of his enduring hit about a traveling salesman/con artist—opens a new architectural museum this week... Read more
