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Behind the Lens
Burning Reviews • Despite an exoneration by the City of Chicago in 1997 [“Inside the Great Chicago Fire,” October], Chicago magazine’s Instagram poll found that 24 percent of readers still believe Mrs. O’Leary and her lantern-kicking cow started the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Your Best Fall Foliage Photos
Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters
Rise and Fall • The Loop is Chicago’s fastest-growing neighborhood, Englewood its fastest shrinking. That says a lot about where the city’s headed.
Photo Realism • Biographer Ann Marks uncovered the true story of photographer Vivian Maier’s life.
Bright December • The Morton Arboretum’s Illumination lights up the darkest month.
A Palmer House • A grand Gold Coast greystone offers rooftop views of the city.
THE GRID
Good Cheer • Gorgeous glassware kicks off the holidays with an elegant vibe.
Urban Design • Mighty Violet helps you send bold greetings, Chicago-style.
Ask a Budtender • Featuring Datrianna Meeks
Larry Yando • Scrooge, vitamin devotee, bagel lover
GIVE GREAT • GIFTS FOR EVERY TYPE OF PERSON ON YOUR LIST (THAT THEY’LL ACTUALLY LOVE)
A Personal Touch • An American chef finds himself in Spanish cuisine.
A Festive Finish
Chill Out • Make the most of winter by hitting a patio or rooftop for dinner and drinks. These six spots will keep you warm — and well fed.
Midnight Snack • Oriole debuts a late-night bar service that includes a stellar ham sandwich.
Flavor of Love
Budget Bubbles • These sparkling wines will help you ring in the new year without breaking the bank.
The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)
New House Rules • House Theatre’s new artistic director is doing away with boys’-club culture and changing the status quo.
AGENDA • Top 10 reasons to fill up your calendar this month
The Power of Black Excellence • In Energy Never Dies, Ayana Contreras explores the surprising connections among Chicago’s tastemakers and cultural innovators.
Gift-Worthy Kids’ Books
CHICAGOANS OF THE YEAR • AFTER NEARLY TWO YEARS OF DISRUPTION, WE HONOR THOSE WHO ARE HELPING TO REOPEN—AND REMAKE—THE CITY.
EMILY LANDON • CONTINUING TO BE THE VOICE OF REASON
SHAKA RAWLS • CREATING SAFER SPACES FOR YOUNG MEN OF COLOR
JOE SHANAHAN AND KATIE TUTEN • BRINGING THE HOUSELIGHTS BACK UP
JEAN BAPTISTE POINT DuSABLE • REDEFINING HISTORY
The 27 Best Things We Ate This Year • FROM WHITEFISH BAGEL SANDWICHES TO DUCK CARNITAS TACOS TO BAKLAVA FRO-YO, IT’S BEEN AN INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS YEAR. THESE ARE THE DISHES WE CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT.
CHECKLIST • Clip and save. Keep track as you work your way through every item on our list.
Winter Escapes • How to take a real break, unwind and recharge — whether you have one day or seven
A Day • WHAT’S YOUR DREAM FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF? JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN’T SPARE MORE THAN A DAY AWAY FROM LIFE’S DEMANDS DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T SCRATCH THOSE ITCHY FEET.
Act Like a Culture Vulture • In a city rife with culture, sometimes the only way to avoid the stress of the season is to immerse yourself in art.
Take Your Dog Walk to the Next Level
Transport Your Mind • Winter doldrums...