Kate Stahl | November 3, 2011 8:00 amIf you're anything like me, the minute temps drop below 60, you start craving comforting, warming drinks. A cup of tea gets me through the morning, but when I need a sugar jolt in the afternoon, it's hot chocolate I crave. Swiss Miss works when I'm in a fix, but when I have the time, I'm heading to one of these five spots for a grown-up take on my childhood favorite.Read More
Kate Stahl | October 25, 2011 8:30 amWelcome back to our Pop 5 sweet series. So far, we've talked about the best cupcakes and frozen yogurt in Chicago, a category that was filled with lots of imports from New York and LA, so this week, we're keeping things super local with the best chocolate and candy made in the Windy City. From artisan cocoa creations that have become famous throughout the country to amazing truffles, caramels, and unique confections, the sweet creations just keep coming from Chicago's candy men and women.Read More
Kate Stahl | October 19, 2011 8:00 amWelcome back to Pop 5! Last week we talked fro yo (the results are in!), but Halloween is quickly approaching, and to me that means one thing: candy! It's the one time of year that it seems kind of OK to eat lots of mini chocolate bars and fun-sized confections — even though your trick-or-treating days are long gone (please tell me you're not still knocking on strangers' doors!).Read More
Kate Stahl | September 12, 2011 9:00 amJayson Home & Garden (1885 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-248-8180) is always packed with the most insanely gorgeous furniture and home accessories in the city, but on Sept. 23-25, the store is getting even better.Read More
Kate Stahl | August 12, 2011 8:10 amPint-sized superstar Selena Gomez comes to town tomorrow to perform at Rosemont Theatre (5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont, 847-671-5100). If you can't make the show and aren't opposed to hoards of underage, screaming fans, stop by Kmart (4201 N.Read More
Kate Stahl | August 2, 2011 8:40 amIf you're like me (and pretty much every other design-minded person in Chicago), you're probably obsessed with Jayson Home & Garden (1885 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-248-8180), the chicest, most expertly curated home store in town. Full of curiosities, midcentury-meets-modern furniture and a combination of ethnic, rustic, and sleek accessories, the shop basically looks like my dream home.Read More
Kate Stahl | March 23, 2011 8:00 amMy favorite part of Easter is probably the candy, and you can get a head start on the holiday with new chocolate treats from two of my favorite local candy companies. Vosges Haut-Chocolat just started shipping its Peanut Butter Bon Bon Eggs (shown left) this week. Made from organic peanut butter, deep-milk chocolate, and pink Himalayan and Maldon salts, the five absolutely beautiful eggs ($22) come in a purple gift box, making them totally appropriate for a Spring present, though I don't think I'll be sharing.Read More
Kate Stahl | January 14, 2011 8:01 amThis weekend, eat some aphrodisiac-laced chocolates, shop at one of the city's coolest boutiques, and go see a baby whale for free!
Stop by Vosges Haut-Chocolat (951 W. Armitage Ave., 773-296-9866; 520 N.Read More
Kate Stahl | December 9, 2010 8:03 amTonight from 5 to 8 p.m., head to Tribeca Boutique (1035 W. Madison St., 312-492-9373), known for stocking wearable pieces with price points below $150, to fill out your own holiday wish list. Sip holiday cocktails from Beer Bistro and choose from clothing and accessories from designers including local jewelry designer K.Read More
Kate Stahl | November 15, 2010 8:00 amA little-known fact: Chicago is a candy-making mecca. From the Cracker Jacks and Juicy Fruit introduced at the 1893 World's Fair to Marshall Field's — now Macy's — famous Frango Mints, Chicago has been the place to make candy for more than a century. Just ask Fannie May, Tootsie Roll, Snickers, Jelly Belly, Bloomer Chocolate (responsible for that smell in River North), and Brach's, all of which were previously or are currently produced in Chicago.Read More
Kate Stahl | November 3, 2011 8:00 am
If you're anything like me, the minute temps drop below 60, you start craving comforting, warming drinks. A cup of tea gets me through the morning, but when I need a sugar jolt in the afternoon, it's hot chocolate I crave. Swiss Miss works when I'm in a fix, but when I have the time, I'm heading to one of these five spots for a grown-up take on my childhood favorite.
Read More
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