Chicago magazine

For 40 years, Chicagoans have turned to Chicago magazine for expertise on Chicago’s dining, shopping, and entertainment scenes, as well as for award winning reporting on the key people and issues in the city. Get Chicago Magazine digital subscription today.

Chicago Magazine • A TRIBUNE PUBLICATION

The Right Idea

Potted Plant

Worthy Honorees • Wow, one of my former Columbia professors [Dawoud Bey] is on the same list as Jonathan Toews [“Chicagoans of the Year,” December]. What a city we live in.

More Money, More Problems • A darling of Chicago society draped herself in couture clothing and eye-catching jewels. But how her husband paid for them made him a target of lawsuits.

Your Best Brunch Photos

Talking Points • This month’s essential cocktail party fodder

Reinventing the Mall • After losing four anchors in five years, Stratford Square became the poster child for the retail apocalypse. Now it’s attempting an equally dramatic makeover.

The Film Decoder • Jacqueline Stewart, University of Chicago cinema professor and new host of Turner Classic Movies’ Silent Sunday Nights, peeps at your TV screen on airplanes.

Getting Away With Murder • A report blasting the way the Chicago Police Department investigates homicides made headlines recently. Here, a deeper look at the yearlong study.

Is Fulton Market Unlivable? • It’s the place to be — if you’re a concrete construction barrier.

Permission to Parent Less • Rachel Bertsche, Chicago contributor and author of the new book The Kids Are in Bed, urges parents to plan playdates for themselves.

Clean Getaway • Channel a chic Captain Planet on your winter vacation with this eco-friendly swimwear.

Practical Whimsy • A new store from a cult design brand brings cheer through functional objects.

Fallon Ryan’s Muralist • The flack and star of Amazon Prime’s PR Girl on her favorite illustrator

Erin Heatherton • Model, weightlifting convert, Popsicle producer

Future Perfect • Plan smart for 2020 with analog calendars and planners from these local paper purveyors.

Start a Podcast • EXPERT: Eunji Kim, cocreator of The Ajumma Show

Renovation of the Heart • Dating coach Bela Gandhi attempts to transform my love life.

Walk the Line • Minimalism and boldness coexist in these black-and-white sneakers.

Flipping Out • At Gaijin, Paul Virant celebrates the art of okonomiyaki — savory Japanese pancakes.

Chill Chasers • Elske’s bar team turns mushrooms, dill, and even kitchen scraps into seasonal schnapps.

Savory Pies

Take the Party Upstairs • A trio of popular bars have opened Airbnbs just in time for your winter staycation.

French Twist

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

Thrilling Return • Carlos Gaytán is back with a deeply personal restaurant inspired by his Mexican hometown.

A Very Virtuous Cheeseburger

Citizen Ron • Two decades ago, at the peak of the dot-com boom, one internet impresario had all of Chicago’s tech world in his sweaty grip.

The Discerning Consumer’s Guide to To Getting High • The best strains, the tastiest edibles, the coolest accessories, indispensable expert advice — here’s everything you need to know as Chicago enters the legal cannabis era.

Welcome to the Dispensary! • A product guide for your first Chicago weed retail experience

I Did Not Inhale

ASK A BUDTENDER • Lorena Cupcake is a dispensary agent at Modern Cannabis (MOCA) in Logan Square.

Where to Buy • These Chicago-area dispensaries will be open for business in the new year. Most, if not all, are expected to have recreational licenses by January 1....