Michigan City, IN Lifestyle and More

publisher · 196.4K followers

Old Italian Grocers Still Slice Mortadella At These 6 Illinois Markets

A single log of mortadella can weigh more than a toddler, and somebody still slices it by hand. That old ritual lives on behind a handful of no-frills Illinois deli counters that still do things the slow way. I find that oddly thrilling, like discovering your favorite song still plays...

Illinois · 2d

rolling out

James Sanders on the best BBQ in Chicago that never reheats

James Sanders started his career at Ryan’s Steakhouse the day after he graduated high school. He set cooking aside to join the National Guard, then studied at Southern Illinois University, where late night backyard barbecues for friends turned a passion into a plan. Back in Chicago, he attended culinary school and worked as a prep cook for the Chicago Bears. He went on to own and oversee 22 Harold’s Chicken locations across the country, then launched Fuze Catering, the first African American owned catering company to cater events at the Art Institute of Chicago. Fuze also catered the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

oakpark.com

The heart of Hemmingway will take its final beats this month

After 25 years, Hemmingway’s Bistro is saying its final “Au Revoir” to Oak Park. The French restaurant at 211 N. Oak Park Ave., is owned and operated by Chef Christopher Ala and his wife Lucia Ala. For over two decades it has been a testament to resilience...

Oak Park, IL · 3h

everafterinthewoods.com

Inside A Retro Illinois Pie Shop, Cream Pies And Savory Slices Never Went Out Of Style

A pie called the Fat Elvis sits on the menu at a cheerful little shop in Illinois. Right next to it, you might spot a lamb and apricot hand pie. That combo alone tells you this place plays by its own rules. The chocolate cream pie is considered a house...

culturalcreatives.org

publisher · 12.7K followers

3 Illinois Places Where Going Alone Could Be Riskier Than You Expect

Illinois does not need a remote mountain range to present serious outdoor hazards. Sandstone bluffs, canyon trails, and Lake Michigan can all punish a decision that seemed minor a few minutes earlier. Going alone matters because there may be nobody beside you when a slip, sudden wave, or wrong turn occurs.

Illinois · 13h

WTTW - Chicago PBS

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Nov. 11-17

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more. Daily Chicagoan, the newsletter from WTTW News, sends these picks to your inbox each week along with more essential recommendations from our staff. Sign up here. Wednesday, Nov. 11:

partner publisher · 393 followers

Siliconera Nandemo

Chicago couple opens pizza from Keith Lee-recommended restaurant. Uh, that definitely shouldn’t be in there: ‘And its a knockoff? im ccryyinnn’

'I need ANOTHER pizza for FREE.'

fastfoodclub.com

publisher · 127.4K followers

Chicago Has 7 Old-School Italian Red-Sauce Joints Where The Waiters Remember Your Order

Some Chicago restaurants chase trends, and some have been serving the same lasagna and chicken Vesuvio for generations. This list is about the second kind. These are the red-sauce rooms with checkered tablecloths, framed photos, old-world murals, and servers who treat regulars like family. A few have been around since the 1930s, and a couple sit right across the street from each other in Heart of Italy.

Chicago, IL · 21h

NBC Chicago

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade to start an hour earlier for the first time in 92 years

If you’re planning to attend the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade this year, set your alarm an hour earlier. For the first time in the parade’s 92-year history, the procession will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning — an hour earlier than in previous years, according to a parade spokesperson who confirmed the change to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago Public Radio

The Rundown: Beware of rats in your car’s engine

Good afternoon! It’s Thursday, and while I love how widely available $9 matcha drinks have become, I don’t think I’d wait three hours for one. Here’s what you need to know today. Local mechanics say rodent infestation in engine compartments is not only common in the...

publisher · 67.1K followers

Fox 32 Chicago

List of holiday themed bars and restaurants in Chicago

CHICAGO - It's just about time for holiday cheer to spread across the Chicago area. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season in the area with several festive bars and restaurants popping up. Chicago holiday bars and restaurants. Local perspective:. All throughout the Chicago region there are...

publisher · 127.4K followers

NBC Chicago

Highly-acclaimed Chicago restaurant opens in Highwood on North Shore

One of Chicago's most beloved Mediterranean restaurants is now open on the North Shore. Avec, from the award-winning One Off Hospitality group, opened its doors at 250 Waukegan Avenue in Highwood Nov. 6. The restaurant, inside a former boxing gym, was transformed by Present Future Architects and Chas Bender Co. over the past 1.5 years into a 95-seat, bleached-oak dining room with exposed beams, a U-shaped bar and an exhibition kitchen customers can see from the street.

Highwood, IL · 10h

nrn.com

Trending this week: Portillo’s to shutter five to nine restaurants outside Chicago

This week on Nation's Restaurant News, the top story was “Portillo’s to shutter five to nine restaurants outside Chicago.” Portillo’s plans to close a "mid- to high-single digit" number of underperforming restaurants outside Chicago, mostly in the fourth quarter, as part of a turnaround plan. The company did not say which restaurants are scheduled to close or where specifically.

islands.com

Chicago Boomers Are Moving To This Midwestern State With Vibrant Cities And Iconic Craft Brews

Retirement doesn't necessarily have to mean packing up for the Sun Belt. For some baby boomers, the next chapter might be just across the state line — somewhere they can enjoy a change of pace without straying too far from the people and places they know. That's apparently the approach of many Chicago boomers, according to a U-Haul migration study: Wisconsin was the top net-gain state for baby boomers moving out of Chicago in mid-2026. For boomers looking to downsize, slow down, or find a city that's a little more affordable, Wisconsin has some options. It has thousands of lakes and miles of scenic trails, alongside cities like Madison and Eau Claire, where award-winning breweries, museums, and senior centers can keep daily life exciting.

publisher · 7.1K followers

Secret Chicago

Bears star D’Andre Swift names his 3 favorite Chicago restaurants—and launches a limited-time Philly-meets-Chicago menu

Caleb Williams has already made it known that his favorite restaurant is Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna, calling his love for it “ the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life. “ Now, fellow Bears star D’Andre Swift is sharing his own go-to Chicago restaurants —and his list offers plenty of inspiration for your next dinner out. D’Andre Swift shares his favorite Chicago restaurants While Williams’ pick might settle your next pizza order, Swift’s shortlist gives you a few more options for a night out: West Loop steakhouse Adalina Prime, Lincoln Park steakhouse & cocktail lounge The Bull Moose , and Asian bistro & nightclub TAO . For something a little more game-day-ready, though, you can try a menu the running back helped create himself. What’s on D’Andre Swift’s menu at Jake Melnick’s? Swift has teamed up with Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap on “Da Swift Picks,” a limited-time lineup that mixes Philadelphia-inspired flavors with Chicago favorites. Here’s what’s on the menu: High Step Hoagie Dip ($12.95): Salami, prosciutto, hot peppers, provolone, and cream cheese, served with fresh Sidewinder Fries. Swift City Wings ($19.95): Long hot pepper-garlic butter, giardiniera rub, parmesan, and a Cooper’s Wiz sidecar. Hometown Fries ($9.95): House-cut fries,

partner publisher · 99.3K followers

WGN News

At Your Service: Gary Sinise talks about family’s military history and shares late son Mac’s music

At Your Service highlights Chicagoland's hometown heroes — both active and retired veterans — along with the latest military news and developments.

hoodline.com

North Lawndale's Sears Sunken Garden Pergola Rises Again After 120 Years

The rebuilt pergola is the first major construction milestone in a yearslong effort to restore the 1907 Sears Sunken Garden. Crews have begun installing replica concrete columns, and the structure is expected to be completed by early December. The work is part of a broader restoration whose overall price has been described differently in coverage.

chicagocrusader.com

partner publisher · 11.9K followers

Black McDonald’s Operators Bring Thanksgiving Relief to 3,000 Chicago-Area Families

As families across Chicago prepare for Thanksgiving amid rising household expenses, the Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana is continuing its longstanding tradition of giving back to communities in need. Through its 26th annual Food for the Body & Spirit initiative, the organization plans to...

Chicago, IL · 14h

Timeless Dishes

8 Regional Hot Dog Styles and Stands, From Chicago to Seattle

From Chicago's garden of toppings to Seattle's cream cheese, eight regional hot dog styles and stands, each with its own bun, sauce and story. The post 8 Regional Hot Dog Styles and Stands, From Chicago to Seattle appeared first on Timeless Dishes .