When it comes to autumn fruit, the pumpkin is king. From the flickering grins of jack-o-lanterns on Halloween to the mouth-watering pumpkin pies that grace many a Thanksgiving table, the rotund squash is ubiquitous at this time of year. Not only is the pumpkin festive-looking and delicious to eat, but it is also healthy for our bodies and for our state's economy. Grab your carving knives folks, it's time to celebrate and Illinois is pumpkin central! more ›

If we have grandkids, we'll tell them about we grew up eating instant oatmeal that resembled lumpy paste. Thank God those days are over. We love our steel-cut oatmeal. Steel-cut oatmeal is widely available now (McCann's and Quaker are very popular choices) and it has everything going for it: taste (traditionally described as nutty), great chewy texture, whole grains, fiber, etc. If you're shunning oatmeal and all you've ever had is rolled oats, it is time to give steel-cut oats a try. more ›

Jamba Juice adds oatmeal to its breakfast menu today with slow cooked organic steel cut oats, real fruit and brown sugar crumble. They're promoting the launch with a "Spreading the Warmth" campaign today, making special deliveries to Chicago's non-profit workers and hosting a "knitfitti" art installation at Jamba Juice's 20 N. Michigan location. Additionally, downloading this coupon will get you the oatmeal for $1. more ›

A few months ago, Ann Sather packed up and moved a few doors east into a brand-spankin’ new location at 909 W. Belmont. The old location was put up for sale, and it was anyone’s guess who would win the bid to settle in. It always makes us nervous when there is retail space for rent in our neighborhood; because we would rather see a distinctive new business that will bring character to the area, instead of another Starbucks, Jamba Juice, or Potbelly’s. more ›

It seems like yesterday that preservationists and historians protested in vain about the relocation of the old Maxwell Street Market. Indeed, ten years does pass like a fleeting memory. It was a contentious debate that was eventually wasted breath. Most of us have lived in Chicago long enough to know that when Mayor Daley lobbies for something, he gets it. And this was a project both he and the University of Illinois at Chicago put... more ›