Chicago

Leader of the Park

dsimmons — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

If you see Madiem Kawa with a gang of kiddos around Washington Park, give her a high five.

Wallflower

dsimmons — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Just shy of finishing decorating your pad? Reserve some space for Binth's mod posters, like colorful prints of the Chicago skyline made from recycled paper and hand-mixed, nontoxic, water-based ink.

Pie R Squared

dsimmons — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Wanna serve a killer cocktail to your circle of friends? This Biter-approved Pumpkin Pie Martini is your answer. Mixologist Brenda Matiase from The Bar at the InterContinental Chicago shared with us a smooth, sweet way to use up this season's pumpkins.

It's the Hard(s) Knock Life

dsimmons — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Got clothes that look like you don't care for them a smidge? Instead of casting them off to Goodwill (which gets 1 billion pounds plus of clothing annually), polish 'em up at DIY Hards. It's got pay-as-you-go sewing machines (thread's included) and felt appliqués and letters for sale, and staff'll help with everything from patching a hole to making a new shirt out of an old dress.

Petal to the Metal

dsimmons — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Wanna get outside before fall speeds past you? Floor it to the Chicago Botanic Garden (even if it's on your bike).

Milwaukee, 53202

dsimmons — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

I had family in from CA this month, and since there's way more to the Midwest than meets the coast-dweller's eye, I decided to retrace the path of one of our Chicago city breaks.

Cleaning Guide Promo

ddiprima — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Girl Sprouts

dsimmons — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

What's better than a frozen Thin Mint? Not much, but this hits the seasonal spot: sweet, creamy squash and pepper lasagna with a ginger kick - recipe, courtesy of the chef at organic-haven Sprout. No resource-intensive meat, no pasta - and we didn't miss a thing. Scout's honor.

Second City

dsimmons — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Are your weekend plans starting to feel comically routine? Improvise a way to get to Pilsen (you can always hop the CTA) to check out the arty hood's galleries next Friday night - 30 of 'em will stay open late.

Getting Drafted

dsimmons — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Wanna recruit a better beer? Dodge the ordinary draft and arm yourself with a pint o' Half Acre's latest brew, Magnus. Sample the dark, chocolaty malt and five other staple brews, including a bitter, brown Over Ale and a light Daisy Cutter pale ale (which we like to lap up at Naha) during HA's new Friday beer tastings.