"Here we go again: Welcome to the fifth installment of “Ask Rick,” the experiment intended as a way for readers to ask me questions that they might have about the place we all call home. The month of June and a bit of July brought in more questions, comments, criticisms and bits of praise and [...]
"Crispy skin is up there with life's greatest pleasures, alongside hot sauce and honey butter. Don't settle for anything less than a jarring crunch followed by the juicy flesh of a perfectly fried piece of chicken. From Nashville hot to Korean-style, these 20 poultry experts know their way around a frying and promise to serve [...]
"Raw Bar’s closing on Clark Street to make room for WHISK. After a 13-year run just north of Wrigley Field, Raw Bar & Grill is going away. Ownership is handing over operations to the owners of WHISK, the West Town restaurant known for its burgers, brunch, and Mexican-inspired menu. The restaurant space will be split [...]
"The development at 450-454 W. Belmont will contain 80 units and 48 parking spaces. A long-discussed apartment development is finally ready to break ground in Chicago’s East Lakeview neighborhood. The upcoming project at 450-454 W. Belmont Avenue landed its full construction permit late last week. Situated just steps from Belmont Harbor and Chicago’s popular Lakefront [...]
"Boka Restaurant Group hopes the “traditional Americana feel” that was successful at Swift & Sons, its Fulton Market steakhouse, translates well across from Wrigley Field when they open the company’s 19th restaurant. Dutch & Doc’s, the home run-hitting group’s newest restaurant, debuts today for lunch and dinner next to the Hotel Zachary at the corner [...]
"Mike Sula says Mordecai is an experience worth braving the Wrigleyville crowds for. Matthias Merges’s project inside Hotel Zachary is a refreshing addition that brings fine dining and a seriously impressive whiskey collection to the neighborhood. For fans who want more than an Old Style, the cranberry gin rickey is “tall, pleasingly bitter” and “fresh as [...]
"Those walking in the sunshine on Wednesday afternoon in Lakeview may have noticed some surprising activity as Slice of Cheesies, the new pizza parlor from the owners of Cheesie’s Pub and Grub, is open. A formal opening wasn’t expected until Friday, but the doors were open and vintage video games were plugged in at 958-964 [...]
"After months spent huddling around fireplaces and shivering from inevitable bar-room drafts, you deserve a drink. Outside. With the sun beaming down, margarita in hand. Chicago is happy to oblige with droves of excellent alfresco watering holes. Whether you're looking for a boozy slushy, an ice-cold beer or a glass of rosé, we have just the spot for you. Our guide to [...]
"Fun in the sun is coming... It may seem like spring will never truly arrive in Chicago but think positive thoughts because warmer days are (presumably) ahead. And when temperatures finally do rise, many of the city’s newest restaurants will be ready to unveil their patio spaces. Beat the crowds by checking out the list [...]
"The Hotel Zachary and the Ricketts family aim to transform Lakeview... The Hotel Zachary has finally opened across the street from Wrigley Field, a massive development that’s attempting to redefine Lakeview with a bevy of new dining and drinking options. Gone is the McDonald’s at the corner of Clark and Addison and its place there’s a 173-room boutique hotel with [...]
