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Chicago Magazine

Beyond and Back

Winning Shot

Tough Customers • Gorgeously written [“The Problem With Alinea,” October]. My meal years ago was mostly frustration. I remember hating nibbling meat on a meat hook, loving the plate plunked on a cushion filled with rosemary air, and being annoyed with the tedious service.

Your Best Sandwich Photo

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

State of the Unions • As other Midwestern states restrict labor’s power, an amendment on the Illinois ballot would further protect it here.

America’s Ted Lasso • Gregg Berhalter will lead the U.S. at the World Cup (and yes, he teaches positivity).

Two-Flat, One Family • After a century with one clan, a Rogers Park building is ready to welcome new owners.

Where It’s @

The New Do-Gooders • Want to make a difference? Start with these three organizations, all recently formed to address critical needs in our city.

Paula Fasseas • Animal crusader, intermittent faster, inversion table user

BROADWAY IS BACK! • THERE'S NOTHING LIKE SEEING IT LIVE! SEASON SUBSCRIBERS SAVE UP TO 58%

The Art of Creative Protest • Court Theatre’s Gabrielle Randle-Bent directs an anti-apartheid play that echoes wider.

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

Grain Man • At Publican Quality Bread, Greg Wade makes some of the city’s best loaves — and pretty banging sandwiches.

French Revolution • At Obélix, Oliver Poilevey deliciously modernizes French flavors with global inspirations.

Spice World

Kale Ahead

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

Travel Guide • As an information desk volunteer at O’Hare, the author wants to help reduce your airport stress. That’s not always easy.

DeMAR DEROZAN’S DISCOMFORT ZONE • THE BULLS STAR IS COMING OFF THE BEST SEASON OF HIS CAREER, BUT HE WON’T STOP HIS PURSUIT OF GREATNESS — NO MATTER HOW PAINFUL IT GETS.

THE DISCERNING EATER’S GUIDE TO PLANT-BASED FOOD • ARE CATERING TO VEGANS AND VEGETARIANS — AND SERVING UP TOP-QUALITY DISHES EVEN THE MOST ARDENT CARNIVORES WON’T WANT TO MISS. SOME OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS AROUND TOWN

Vegetarian Kids Deserve Better • AN IMPASSIONED PLEA TO RESTAURANTS FROM A MOM

The Ultimate Dairy-Free Cheese Plate • CHEF KEVIN SCHUDER WALKS US THROUGH THE $23 FERMENTED SPREAD AT LINCOLN PARK’S FANCY PLANTS KITCHEN.

How to Supercharge Your Salad Game • ELECTRIC GREENS’ HEAD CHEF BREAKS DOWN THE FORMULA.

Why Faux Burgers Beat the Real Ones • OUR DINING CRITIC, A CARNIVORE, MAKES A CASE FOR MEAT-FREE.

The Herbivore’s Big Mac • HOW MAX MUSTO MAKES HIS DELICIOUS MEAT-FREE DOPPELGÄNGER

CRISTINA HERNANDEZ OF TART PIE

Vegan Twists on Local Classics • A LIFELONG CHICAGOAN TRIES MEAT-FREE HOT DOGS, DEEP DISH, AND ITALIAN BEEF TO SEE IF THEY MEASURE UP.

The Art (and Science) of Vegan Cocktails • ANY DRINK THAT CALLS FOR EGG WHITES OR DAIRY LEAVES VEGANS OUT. HELLO, CLEVER SUBSTITUTES.

DAVID LIPSCHUTZ OF BLIND FAITH CAFÉ

The Five Best Vegetarian Tacos, Ranked • CHICAGO’S RESIDENT STREETFOOD EXPERT WEIGHS IN.

“I Didn’t Care About My Life” • VIC MENSA HAS BEEN THROUGH SOME DARK TIMES, FUELED BY DEPRESSION AND DRUG ADDICTION. NEWLY SOBER AND WITH AN ALBUM ON THE WAY, THE HIP-HOP STAR SHARES WISDOM LEARNED THE HARD WAY.

Wants...