Earlier this month the Chicago City Council approved the Chicago Fair Trade Resolution, bringing the city closer to being the largest Fair Trade City in North American. Sponsored by 4th Ward Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, the resolution commits Chicago to promoting and procuring commodities produced via a market-based economic system that requires a living wage and safe, environmentally sustainable conditions for workers, artisans and farmers. “I have always been a strong proponent of living wage legislation, not only here but around the world,” says Preckwinkle. “I’ve been concerned with environmental preservation, which is another component of this resolution.” more ›

Make sure you check out Chuck's entry on Chicago Gourmet and check back over the weekend to hear how this weekend's largest event is going! more ›

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With the city being overrun by holiday bar crawls, it might be difficult to walk the streets this weekend without being accosted by a drunk dude in holiday vest or run over by a Santa in a hazmat suit. Throw on your best Cosby sweater and enjoy any or all of these weekend delights.... more ›

Last weekend we were at Bridgeport Coffee House restocking on their "Stockyard" blend when we noticed a blend we hadn't seen before, "Ravenswood Roast." We asked owner Mike Pilkington when he started making blends honoring north side neighborhoods. "I'm not" was his answer. He then explained that the "Ravenswood Roast" was part of a new fundraising arm of his wholesale business. The idea began in spring, when a customer came into the shop inquiring about... more ›

Doug Zell, CEO, Intelligentsia more ›

Phewww, gas prices are finally starting to go down after another summer of paying way to much to fill the tank. Chicago peaked at an average price of $3.29 per gallon of gasoline in 2006 and is expected to make it all the way down to below $2.30 by mid-winter. The average price of gas in the city is currently $2.59. Does anyone else find that number a bit low? It's got to have something to do with the neighborhoods that we at Chicagoist are driving through, but an average of $2.59? That means there is lots of gas being sold for less than that price. more ›

Little-known secret: Chicagoist is somewhat of a fitness buff. We’re pretty dedicated runners, but we like to mix up the exercise regime. This quest for some cross-training led us to Eckhart Park for lap swim this week. However, we arrived early and had some time to kill. Not to mention, we were feeling the hunger. Imagine our delight when we turned and saw the Swim Café. Located at 1357 W. Chicago, the Swim Café is... more ›

Chicagoist would like to set one thing straight: A digital jukebox and electronic poker machine are not a fair trade for a Nintendo entertainment system. The new management at Darwin’s (1935 N. Damen) has removed the Nintendo system from the front bar, and we could not be more disheartened. Many a Saturday night, when tired of the typical bar scene, Chicagoist would take refuge at Darwin’s. We’d order a few beers, play some Super Mario... more ›