Carnivale University - the fantastic mash-up of a name the Chicago restaurant has given its occasional classes in mixology, Latin cooking and entertaining - met again on Wednesday evening for a basic introduction to the Mojito. Led by head bartender and house mixologist Daryl Freeman, Mojitos 101 gave the crowd of 50 or so students the tools and know-how to whip up this classic, fresh, fair-weather rum cocktail at home. more ›

If you had any doubts that mixology has become a lofty subject as of late (and, depending how you feel about it, that's for better or for worse), you must not have known that it's currently being practiced in space. more ›

In today's issue of Newsweek, Lisa Miller takes on a story that we have been following for months - the effect of our changing dietary habits on American society. Unlike most of the media coverage of this, which focuses on a ridiculous (and mostly made-up) "war" against foodies, Miller focuses on the impact of new food trends on America's perception of class. Despite the hysterical cover title ("how our foodie obsession is driving americans apart") she ends up with a fairly dead-on description of the problems underlying America's food culture. more ›

A report from the Brookings Institute today examines "metropolitan areas' progress toward achieving productive, inclusive, and sustainable growth that drives national prosperity." How's Chicago doing? more ›