The weather is starting to turn, which makes for a good reason to enjoy a cider. Coming from Spain's Basque region is this wonderfully dry, naturally fermented cider. The makers of Isastegi Sagardo Naturala recommend it be given a long pour, a sip at a time, to break up any residual carbonic gas. Those long pours make a world of difference, releasing a banquet of musty aromas on the nose to complement its dirty golden appearance. more ›

What's a wino to do in a down economy? Drink cheap wine! And we say "cheap" in the most deserving way. more ›

Composer John Cage liked to quote a Zen saying: "If something is boring after two minutes, try it for four. If still boring, try it for eight, sixteen, thirty-two, and so on. Eventually one discovers that it's not boring at all but very interesting." Jim Jarmusch seems to have taken that as his modus operandi for his new movie, The Limits of Control, opening today at Piper's Alley. more ›

The Café Society program, run by the Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council, aims to create more informed and engaged communities through weekly coffee shop conversations that tackle relevant social issues. more ›