Kate Stahl | August 9, 2011 8:20 amWelcome back to the Pop 5, featuring Chicago's best places to do anything and everything. Last week, we wrapped up our Summer beauty series with the best spas in the city, and this week, we're moving on to one of my favorite subjects: cocktails! And we're not talking about your typical vodka-tonic.Read More
Kate Stahl | August 3, 2011 8:40 amWelcome back to Pop 5! We've been talking Summer beauty for some time now, naming the best spots for everything from facials to faux glows. Last week, we asked about your favorite spa in Chicago, and the results are in.Read More
Rebecca Taras | May 13, 2011 9:34 amWelcome back A Day in the Life. Last week, we took you through a day with hospitality queen Jodi Fyfe and her latest venture, Paramount Events. Today, we're going behind the scenes with Spa at Harpo stylist and salon owner George Gonzalez.Read More
Kate Stahl | March 9, 2011 8:01 amNews broke this week that super-chef Stephanie Izard (shown above), former Top Chef and the brains behind Girl & the Goat, will open a neighboring spot in the West Loop, a diner/bar/bakery called The Little Goat. The place will be a traditional diner, but obviously will have Izard's gourmet spin, with house-baked breads, house-made bacon, and more. Izard envisions the casual spot as a place that diners would frequent often, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with late-night meals.Read More
Kate Stahl | January 18, 2011 8:01 amCupcakes, watch out. There's a new sweet trend in town, and surprise, surprise, Brendan Sodikoff of Gilt Bar and the brand-new and super-hot Maude's Liquor Bar is kicking it off with The Doughnut Vault! Set to open in River North by the end of the month (Sodikoff is still keeping quiet about the exact location), The Doughnut Vault will serve up a variety of classic flavors like old-fashioned glazed, next to artisan concoctions like carrot cake, maple-bourbon glazed with crispy bacon, chocolate fudge, and lemon chiffon.Read More
Kate Stahl | January 4, 2011 8:02 amHere's a 2011 prediction: Maude's Liquor Bar (840 W. Randolph St., 312-243-9712) will become one of the year's hottest spots. The West Loop restaurant/bar is scheduled to open tonight, taking on classic French fare but giving it a modern twist (a combo that's shaping up to be a hot culinary trend).Read More
Kate Stahl | November 15, 2010 7:57 amUnless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard that the Michelin Guide is releasing its Chicago edition on Wednesday, and the city's top chefs (Paul Kahan, Rick Bayless) are pretty much shaking in their boots.
If you can hardly wait to find out who received a coveted star, there are plenty of ways to occupy yourself until the big news is revealed. Last week, Michelin announced 46 local winners of its "Bib Gourmand," awarded to restaurants where an appetizer, entrée, and glass of wine can be purchased for $40 or less.Read More