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Chicago Magazine

Thankful? You Bet.

Sketching Secrets

Voice of the Sox • I am a tried-and-true Cubs fan since birth [“Ace in the Booth,” October]. However, this season, I have tuned in to every Sox game just to listen to hear Jason (and Steve) because he is such a joy!

Your Best Pie Photos

Talking points • This month’s conversation starters

The Big Bet • Casinos, a racetrack, and major sports teams are all trying to cash in on Illinois’s $5 billion a year sports betting habit.

Garden of Love • Theaster Gates hopes his Kenwood Gardens project brings art, food, serenity, and love to the South Side.

Gales of November • Why this is the stormiest, deadliest month on the Great Lakes

Chicago Humanities Festival • The intellectual-a-palooza is back this fall, with in-person and virtual conversations designed to blow your mind.

On (and Off) the Beaten Path • Urban hustle is right outside, but this hidden gem at 1907 North Halsted Street keeps sweetly to itself.

THE BIG NUMBER $130K

Pillow Talk • Upbeat affirmations and bold hues brighten your home as the days turn darker.

A Grand Showing • Vintage vendor collective Warehouse 55 inspires you to go big.

Ask a Budtender • Featuring Datrianna Meeks

Giving Thanks by Giving Back • Ten Chicago nonprofits where you can donate money and time this Giving Tuesday and beyond

Cara Sabin and Sarah Gonsiorowski • Lunge Ladies, dancers, BFFs

Fresh Start • With Esmé, Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo have created an artforward restaurant that foregrounds community and staff well-being. (The food rocks too.)

What a Dish • The story behind three of Esmé’s most striking serving pieces

Texas Tradition • Howdy Kolache brings twists on the classic breakfast pastry to Chicago.

Fusion Crispy Shrimp Mini Cakes at DaNang Kitchen

Top Carrots

Wine Trailblazers • These Black-owned companies with Chicago ties are forging a path in the industry.

Three More Black-Owned Wines to Try …

Keep Calm, Tapeo On • Embark on a tapas crawl to three new modern Spanish spots in town.

GAMBAS AL AJILLO SMACKDOWN • All three spots offer takes on the tapas classic. Here’s our ranking.

The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)

Paradise Found • A new musical about a progressive community in Civil War America debuts at the Nederlander this month before heading to Broadway.

AGENDA • Top 10 reasons to fill up your calendar this month

Salvaging Their Stories • Ken Krimstein’s latest book sketches a powerful portrait of Eastern European Jewish youths, full of angst and optimism, on the eve of the Holocaust.

The Female Lens

51 DINING SECRETS • From snagging a top table to ordering from underground takeout spots, here’s everything you need to know to become a savvier diner.

OVERHEARD • TALES FROM A TOP-SHELF BARTENDER

HOW TO GET INTO A BUSY RESTAURANT • Jen Newton, beverage director, Rose Mary

HOW TO READ A MENU • Paul Fehribach, chef/co-owner, Big Jones

HOW TO FIND VALUE ON A WINE LIST

Underground Eats • TRYING TO DECIDE ON DINNER? LOOK TO INSTAGRAM, WHERE YOU CAN ORDER TAKEOUT FROM CHEFS LIKE KARLA MORALES, WHO MAKES VEGAN LATIN DISHES.

ASK THE DINING EDITOR

THREE MORE UNDERGROUND SPOTS TO TRY

CHEF-APPROVED...