Use up the last of the summer tomatoes before they wither. more ›

As the weather today reminds us, summer is coming to an end. At the beginning of each summer, we make a list (in our case, a mental one, but we're willing to accept that some are more organized) of all the fabulous thing we want to do and eat before the summer ends. And then, suddenly, it's September and summer is just about over. If we try hard, there are a few more weeks of decent weather left for us to pack in the fun - and pack on the pounds. This is our checklist, our "bucket list" of summer food activities left to do. more ›

If the title has you a little confused, you can rest assured that this is indeed a restaurant review. A play on the name of the eatery, however, was too good to pass up. If you are going to name your restaurant after most folks' favorite season of the year, it better live up to the moniker. We have written before about the dangers of setting the bar high on your food and service by choosing a name with grand connotations. Thanks to the fun, fresh flavors we encountered at Edgewater's Summer Noodle & Rice, we can say that here the name is more than apropos. more ›

Need a reminder of why Chicago summers are so great? Check this breathtaking time-lapse that crunches our already compressed glory season into four minutes. more ›

Despite the raging storms that are mercilessly pummeling Chicago, it's still officially summertime and that means you officially need to get in front of the grill. Summertime is a great time to try grilling things you might not think to grill; think avocados, watermelon, and peaches. This week, try grilling bananas - we'll show you how. This is an easy way to end a cookout, because the grill will already be hot. more ›

June is GLBT Pride Month, and this refreshing sipper is the perfect drink for celebrating it. more ›

Not that there is ever a time of the year that does not lend itself to a cold libation of good liquor and fresh mixers. But few seasons seem to scream for frosty, tequila-based cocktails like summer. When the temperature goes up, the clothes come off, and the margaritas come out. Perhaps the most popular tequila drink in America, it is a concoction steeped in myth and controversy. Regardless of where it came from or how it is best served, one thing is certain . . . we have a definite love affair with this drink. Heck, it even has its own national holiday! (February!?!?) more ›

It's almost festival season and we're getting anxious to get back into the swing of All Things Summer. There were some good times at Wicker Park Fest 2010, so expect to see more of the same at the festival this year. The lineup at Wicker Park Fest 2011 so far includes Wild Flag, Wavves, Ana Sia, Joe Pug, Flosstradamus, California Wives, and Blitzen Trapper. If anything, surf pop favorite Wavves will probably draw a nice crowd, and the same for all-girl awesome band Wild Flag. The festival also continues its tradition of bringing in solid DJ acts in addition to bands. more ›

Summer Sped Up (A Chicago Timelapse) from Josh Kalven on Vimeo. more ›

It's grilling season, which means that ribs are on the menu, whether you like them directly over an open flame or low and slow. A good rub can go a long way to giving your ribs a good foundation for added flavor. We grilled some for our father for Father's Day using a simple rub that is easy to mix and store, if you have any extra. more ›

As Fest Season 2010 continues to roll through the streets of Chicago, many smaller outdoor street festivals tend to get lost in the shuffle. Chicagoist is recommending the second annual Metronome Celebration in trendy Logan Square this Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13. more ›

It was revealed this past week that the city Plan Commission has approved balloon rides to continue this summer at Navy Pier from New York-based company, AeroSpace-NYC and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. The balloon rides initially started as a test run, operating out of Gateway Park at the western end of Navy Pier for two months last summer. This year, the rides will also take place in Gateway Park and will start in early May and run until late September. Due to complaints last summer that the balloon rides blocked views of the lake, a logo that appeared on last year's balloon has been removed for this year. [Chicago Tribune] more ›

Oh, Summer, you got here just in time to make us realize you'll soon be gone... more ›

The equine population of Chicago has tripled this summer, thanks to the horses performing in Cavalia in the West Loop.“It’s all about natural horsemanship and movement,” said performer Casey Hackett, 26. “We’re harnessing their energy into the performance, and the show changes every time.” more ›

• Do not be alarmed when the loud F-16s go screaming overhead tonight at 1 a.m.; there's a good reason for it.
• Looks like there will be a delay in the guilty plea of former Blago cohort Len Monk who was scheduled to do so tomorrow.
• A plant in Carol Stream was evacuated earlier today because of a chemical leak.

We like coming home to a package of beer samples on the doorstep after a long bike ride; it lets us imagine we're at the general store by Kettle Moraine after a long day on the trails. more ›

Ah, Summer. It may be in the 60's outside right now, but the beaches are now officially open and Memorial Day weekend brings the unofficial start of summer. While it may not feel quite like it yet - though it did yesterday, whatever that's about - we thought we'd take a dip in the pool - our Flickr pool, that is, for some shots of Summer to get us excited. more ›

Ah, I-94. It's construction season. Again. As part of our penance for trying to flee to the northern climes (Lake Geneva, anyone?) during the sweltering summer, we'll be forced to sit on hot asphalt, in bumper-to-bumper traffic staring longingly off the highway. Why? Because it's time for a major highway expansion and modification north of the border. How big? Well, they're making "Are we there yet?" landmark Mars Cheese Castle move from its iconic location - 100 feet further from the roadway. more ›

In an effort to improve traffic flow throughout downtown, the Mayor's Office of Special Events announced yesterday that Taste of Chicago will have 15 percent fewer food vendors this year. The emphasis on improving traffic flow means that only 55 food vendors will be presenting their wares at the annual event, starting June 26. Other proposed changes to the event are a continuation of the "healthy" options the city encouraged vendors to serve last year and a requirement for vendors to serve a minimum of two smaller and less expensive "taste-of" portions geared for folks who can't or don't want to handle the giant turkey legs so synonymous with Taste. Those turkey legs may be in danger of decreasing, as well. Manny's Deli, which has turkey legs on its menu, hasn't made a full commitment to this year's event. more ›

That's what some of us will be by the end of the day, no doubt. Might as well get there pleasantly. And that means avoiding the stupid green beer -- or anything else that looks like the slime mold from Swamp Thing. Instead, try some nice Irish whiskey with a goodly portion of lime juice. To be honest, the Suffering Bastard is really more of a summertime drink. But since it's so gorgeous out there today, what's the harm in having a little wishful thinking? more ›

It's going to be a beautiful weekend. We snapped this shot while riding along the lakefront yesterday afternoon. We couldn't agree with the sentiment more. more ›

Whew, it's going to be hot today, with highs pushing past 90. Enjoy today's sun while it lasts, though—the rest of this week should be rainy and cooler, with highs in the 70s and lows all the way in the 50s. The showers are part Hurricane Gustav's dispersing storm system. more ›

Your weekend forecast: Gorgeous. Clear skies, highs in the mid-80s, with nighttime lows dipping as low as 55 tonight. Sunday and Monday will be a little warmer, so get that barbecue gear ready and enjoy. [NWS, Accuweather] more ›

Temperatures will be a little hotter today and will continue to climb into the mid-80s through the weekend. Thunderstorms tomorrow could end our 22-day dry spell, which is the driest stretch for this time of year since 1963, but even if it does rain tomorrow, the weekend should be warm and sunny. Go go gadget sunshine! [WGN, NWS, Accuweather]
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If cucumbers and other sides of the pillow had a baby, that pilcumber's coolness would roughly approximate today's: Fantastic. Temperatures today will be in the mid-70s, with breezes keeping everything seeming milder than that. The rest of this week should be a little warmer, and there's a chance of rain Thursday. Finally, a chance to test out my new umbrella! [NWS]
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While astronomical summer doesn't end until the fall equinox September 22, meteorological summer is drawing to a close, and it sure does feel like fall. Temperatures this week will stay on the cool side, barely cracking 80 until Thursday, with clear skies and moderate breezes. more ›

It's sunny now, but look for showers this afternoon and evening, with wet weather continuing through Saturday. We haven't had real rainfall in about three weeks, which is an unusually long dry spell for August. [WGN, NWS, Accuweather] more ›

Highs will barely climb out of the 70s today, but it should be warmer Sunday and Monday. Expect sunny and clear skies for the next five days or so, with a fabulous warm-but-not-sweltering weekend ahead. So beautiful. [AccuWeather, NWS]
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There's a chance of rain this afternoon, but beyond that, clear skies from here through Monday. This weekend should be sunny, with highs in the low 80s, and very little humidity. Have a barbecue. [AccuWeather, NWS] more ›