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Chicago magazine

The New Power Generation

The Lord’s Work

ICEBREAKER

Knife Points

Q: Why do Chicagoans say “Jewels” instead of “Jewel”?

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

La Salle Street Blues • As businesses desert the once-vibrant corridor, boosters worry the mayor won’t get behind a mixed-use revitalization plan.

Gold Coast Empire • A mansion with TV and movie cameos on its résumé hits the market.

MY TOWN GLEN ELLYN • ALICIA HAUGE, CO-OWNER OF COMMON GOOD COCKTAIL HOUSE, RECOMMENDS THESE FOUR SPOTS.

Raising L • Commuters Take Action cofounder Fabio Göttlicher wants you to know that Chicago’s public transit system is in trouble.

Too Little, Too Late • How did the L perform in 2023? Not well, according to CTA data tracked by Commuters Take Action. Only half the trains scheduled arrived on time.

The Thompson Center Reboot • Architectural treasure? Taxpayer money pit? Charming fixer-upper? Spaceship? All of the above? Here’s what to know about the Googleplexing of Helmut Jahn’s opus.

Sonat Birnecker Hart • Liquor mogul, Saturday unplugger, reluctant rebounder

Harrison McEldowney’s New Point of View • After a 10-year stage absence, the celebrated choreographer returns with a modern-tech twist for Trinity Irish Dance.

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

The Roots of a Mini Empire • With his fresh take on plant-based dining, Rodolfo Cuadros has built a string of Latin American restaurants.

Throwback Tipples • At the new bar Golden Years, the ’70s are alive and well.

Grilled Shellfish Parrillada at El Che Steakhouse & Bar

The Heart of Ukraine • At Anelya, Johnny Clark taps his familial roots for a menu that’s unlike any other in town.

Island Time

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

Flour Power

History Rewritten • A Portage Park illustrator preserves Chicago’s past one letter at a time.

The Power 50 • Who’s in charge here? These heavy hitters know how to use their influence to make things happen in Chicago and beyond.

The Ramen Lord • AT CHICAGO’S BUZZIEST NEW RESTAURANT, MIKE SATINOVER IS OBSESSED WITH ONE GOAL: MAKING THE PERFECT BOWL OF JAPANESE NOODLES.

Fashion Gets Fun • DESIGNERS HAVE GONE PLAYFUL THIS SEASON. THESE PIECES, PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE OLD POST OFFICE IN THE WEST LOOP, FEATURE CLEVER TWISTS GUARANTEED TO DELIVER.

Put a Ring on It • Marrow Fine gives “I do” a stylish spin.

Cycle Stars • They are two of the area’s oldest bike shops, third-generation family affairs. Which one pops your wheelie?

Garden of Delights • Spring is awakening with botanical-inspired style.

Chris Ware • The cartoonist, 56, on why he doesn’t script his stories and why self-confidence is overrated