When we placed the call for new food and drink writers last month, we had an idea of what we were looking for. Then real life interceded. Some candidates dropped out of the running. Those that remained made their case, the quality of writing so good we felt bad having to cut someone. Then we envisioned some candidates in roles we didn't expect, and someone wrote us with an offer we couldn't refuse. When the... more ›

In an effort to be your one-stop McDonald's shop, Chicagoist has the following sad news to report: A unique, historic Crystal Lake branch of the mighty empire is shutting down. Granted, that's not as tragic as the overall fast food gentrification trend, but there's something special about this particular Mickey D's: it's housed in a piece of Chicago. Four years after the very first McDonald's opened in Des Plaines, Crystal Lake became home to the... more ›

If the title of this post makes you tingle a little, you’re one of us and you probably already know that this week was the first week of the major roll out of the Farmer’s Markets across Chicagoland. (Some have been open for a few weeks already) We like to visit a couple of different markets around the city and if you’re one of those insane, up at the crack of dawn jogging type of... more ›