We get lots of email from readers in our inbox, some kind, some not so much. And we also get questions about certain stories in the area. Without a doubt, the story we're asked about the most is the case of Anthony Abbate, the Chicago Police officer caught on tape beating a Chicago bartender after she allegedly refused to serve him more beer. A December start to his trial came and went but nary a word was uttered about what was up with the case. While we still don't know exactly what happened, we do know now that he did appear in court today for a hearing and he's due back in court on February 26 when it's expected he'll be issued a new trial date. more ›

It's easy to forget that, with all the hype recently bestowed to the Violet Hour since it opened months ago (much of it warranted, we'll preface), that this city was already teeming with master mixologists before Toby Maloney blew back into town. Case in point, at the recent "Chicago Iron Bartender" competition, Sepia's Peter Vestinos beat out a packed field including Nacional 27's Adam Seger, Tim Lacey of Spring Restaurant Group, and Otom's James Macknyk... more ›