Chicago magazine

Stay city smart. Subscribe to Chicago magazine. Chicago magazine delivers an authoritative guide to life in one of America's greatest cities. From insight into the best dining and shopping to interviews with fascinating figures shaping the future of Chicago, every issue is your source for living city smart.

Chicago magazine

End of the Ego Era

Life Behind Bars

BELLOW AND BLUES

CITY OF BIG QUESTIONS

Smooth Sips • The Sportsman and the Forest Fire are both good [“Fancy a Drink?,” February]. I will always champion the Duck a L’Orange Old-Fashioned at Community Tavern. @YinkaDoubleDare via X

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

Stealing Home • Despite all the hoopla, the White Sox’s proposed move from Guaranteed Rate Field to the 78 is anything but guaranteed.

Forget Me Not • The University of Chicago’s Wilma Bainbridge is getting to the bottom of what makes certain artwork memorable.

MEMORABLE VS. FORGETTABLE • These four paintings from the Art Institute’s collection scored on the extremes of the Brain Bridge Lab’s memorability scale (represented here from 0 to 100).

Richard Wright’s Theatrical Dreams • The Chicago author found great success as a novelist but struggled as a playwright. Here’s what we learned from a new book on his dramatic pursuits.

Why Lightfoot Lost • A new book assesses the recent mayor’s tumultuous tenure.

Jon Michael Hill • Acting prodigy, dedicated weightlifter, diabetes self-manager

Merchant’s Mansion • A Montgomery Ward heir’s Winnetka home blends the historic and modern.

MY NEIGHBORHOOD BEVERLY • OPTIMO HATS FOUNDER GRAHAM THOMPSON RECOMMENDS FOUR SPOTS IN HIS HOOD.

Bodies of Work • A new Art Institute show aims to contextualize the feminine forms of the late Christina Ramberg.

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

Brunch Is Back! • Japanese breakfast? Pistachio croissants? Four newcomers get the weekend started right.

Right on Time • Bisous is the predinner drinking option the West Loop needed.

Shawarma

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO DELIVERY GIANTS: HAPPY HOLDINGS’ RISE WITH 3 VIRTUAL BRANDS

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

Good Eggs

When More Is More • A dream home in Naperville provides a young family dramatic spaces for entertaining and private spots for retreating.

Taking Sides • End tables don’t have to serve merely as resting places for your coffee or phone. These six beauties double as works of art.

Bar Under the Stars • How to turn your backyard into an alfresco drinking and dining oasis

Best New Restaurants • Centered more on great ingredients than on chef egos, these 12 newcomers add up to one fantastic year for dining.

1 Warlord • 3198 N. Milwaukee Ave., Avondale

2 Atelier • 4835 N. Western Ave., Lincoln Square

3 John’s Food & Wine • 2114 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park

4 Kyoten Next Door • 2513 W. Armitage Ave., Logan Square

5 Anelya • 3472 N. Elston Ave., Avondale

6 Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant • 4337 N. Western Ave., North Center

7 Akahoshi Ramen • 2340 N. California Ave., Logan Square

8 Thattu • 2601 W. Fletcher St., Avondale

The Menu Items of the Year • Breaking down the dishes and ingredients we’re seeing everywhere

9 DeNucci’s • 503 W. Dickens Ave., Lincoln Park

10 Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food • 2852 N. Clark St., Lake View East

11 Maman Zari • 4639 N. Kedzie Ave., Albany Park

12 Itoko • 3325 N. Southport Ave., Lake View

WELCOME TO NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT STATEVILLE •...