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Chicago Magazine
They’re Back!
Fiery History
A Critical Drama • No, it’s not teaching kids to be racist [“Evanston Drama Teacher vs. Critical Race Theory,” September]! So many act like racism doesn’t exist, but it does. Teach the truth of how America was established.
Your Best Frozen Treat Photos
Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters
Holding Back the Lake • On the edges of the city, the Chicago Department of Transportation dumped riprap as a temporary emergency fix to stem the rising water. But will that hold until 2028 or later?
THE GRID • PILSEN
Amy Tan Isn’t Perfect • This year’s Carl Sandburg Literary Award winner on getting over perfectionism in writing and the myth that Asians are a “model minority”
Rise Up • A towering David Adler edifice comes to market in Lake Forest.
Open House Chicago • On October 16 and 17, the doors of Chicago’s most iconic structures will open to the public’s prying eyes! Put these architectural sites and walkable trails on your OHC2021 must-see list.
Ahead of the Curves • A jewelry line that resonates during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond
Game On! • With the opening of the brand’s first brick-and-mortar store, the Gold Coast has never felt so country club chic.
Ask a Budtender • Featuring Datrianna Meeks
Nicole Clarke-Springer • Dancing queen, daily walker, Diana Ross superfan
Tasty Tomes • From Japanese cocktails to a deep dive into Chicago pizza, these seven new books are must-reads for food lovers this fall.
Food Meets Family
Full Steam Ahead
Supermarket Sweep • Lincoln Park’s Dom’s Kitchen & Market aims to be all things to all foodies. How does it stack up?
5 You’ve Gotta Try
Meat Treats • At Lardon, Logan Square’s new all-day café, Chris Thompson puts Midwestern twists on traditional European cured meats. The build-your-own charcuterie and cheese board is the star. Here’s what to order.
Bring on the Funk • A weekend-only natural wine shop and bar in Pilsen is the city’s hottest destination for vino.
Ancestral Eats
The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)
The View From Afar • Sandra Cisneros reflects on her new novella, her Chicago roots, and “the sounds of the buildings you can afford.”
THE READING LIST Big Fall Novels
“LIKE A SNOWSTORM LIT BY COLORED FIRE” • AS THE CITY MARKS THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEFINING EVENT, ROBERT LOERZEL MINES THE ARCHIVAL RECORD TO OFFER A COMPELLING PORTRAIT OF WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO LIVE THROUGH THOSE DISASTROUS DAYS.
Ace in the Booth • If you follow the White Sox, you likely know broadcaster Jason Benetti was born with cerebral palsy. But that’s just the start of his story.
MAKING THE CUT • Choosing the right doctor to perform your surgery is key to your recovery. Here’s a roundup of 497 local specialists named top doctors by their peers — plus tips from patient advocates on how to select the right surgeon for you.
SEEK OUT SUPER-SPECIALISTS
BRING A PLUS-ONE TO INTERVIEWS
PERSONALITY COUNTS
GET SECOND OPINIONS
CHECK YOUR SURGEON’S WORK
Fall Lineup, Your Way • Whether you are ready to dive back into big events or prefer to keep things low key, we’ll help you navigate the increasingly crowded cultural calendar.
GET YOUR GROOVE BACK
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