Chicago magazine

Chicago magazine delivers an authoritative guide to life in one of America's greatest cities. From insight into the best dining and shopping to interviews with fascinating figures shaping the future of Chicago, every issue is your source for living city smart.

Chicago magazine

Peas in a Podcast

Hot Mess

Blue-Ribbon Eats • Cariño’s huitlacoche ravioli is the best bite of food you’ll have in this city [“The Best New Restaurants,” April].

CITY OF BIG QUESTIONS

Talking Points • This summer’s conversation starters

The TikTok Candidate • Influencer Kat Abughazaleh is getting national buzz for her run for Congress. But how well does she know the district she’d represent? We quizzed her.

In Defense of the Libs • With his new book, Kevin M. Schultz reclaims the “grand centrist philosophy” of American life.

Making Some “Illinoise” • Sufjan Stevens’s sweeping ode to the Prairie State turns 20. Let’s explore the album’s enduring status as a cult classic.

Summer’s Required Reading • From stories steeped in the rhythms of the city to a lighthearted romance, these new novels by Chicago-connected authors provide ample beach-chair fodder.

Pascal Ibgui • Golden Bachelorette heartthrob, avid shutterbug, croissant indulger

A Walk in the Garden • A new MCA exhibition reconsiders generations of local queer art — and the activism that inspired it.

AGENDA • Top 20 reasons to fill up your calendar this summer

Lounge Music • Charis and Parachute HiFi are jumping on the trend of vinyl-centric listening bars.

Play Zone • Giant’s test kitchen gives chefs — and diners — a chance to try new things.

Frozen Drinks

Home Sweet Home • At Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen, flavors from the Kongu Nadu region take center stage.

Slow Burn

Haute Potato

The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)

Requiem for the Montrose Beavers • The author was delighted when the woodchomping rodents surfaced at the harbor. Then one turned up dead.

“It’s My Turn on the Line” • In an exclusive interview, Senator Tammy Duckworth laments the lack of resistance to Trump and describes her rescue in Iraq as a “gift.”

All Hail Giardiniera! • Chicago’s beloved condiment adds zip to everything it touches. Our definitive guide includes a recipe from star chef Sarah Grueneberg, a taste test of local brands, and more.

The Nine Best Ways to Experience Giardiniera • ALMOST ANY DISH — DIPS, FRIES, PIZZA — CAN BENEFIT FROM A LITTLE PICKLED HEAT.

The Giard Whisperers • SIX NOTED CHEFS EACH OFFER THEIR SINGLE BEST TIP.

The Great Giardiniera Taste Test • WHAT’S THE BEST LOCALLY MADE JARRED GIARD? OUR DINING CRITIC DID A BLIND RANKING OF SEVEN TOP HOT VERSIONS. THE RESULTS MIGHT SURPRISE YOU.

How to Make Your Own Cheffed-Up Giardiniera • MONTEVERDE’S SARAH GRUENEBERG SHARES HER RECIPE (AND TIPS!) FOR MAKING THE CONDIMENT AT HOME.

HERE’S HOW FAR YOUR MONEY WILL GO IN TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET.

WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR $250K

WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR $500K

WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR $1 MIL

WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR $2 MIL

Sun Sisters • Two siblings are turning protection from ultraviolet rays into a fashion statement.

Shine Time • The cult-fave jewelry maker brings its dainty, stackable collections to town.

Greenhouse Calls • Here’s the dirt on three worth-the-drive garden centers that grow vegetation onsite.

Modern Garden • Find sleek new ways to cultivate your outdoor space — and personal style.

Joe Mantegna • The actor, 77, on his big break, a lesson from Gregory Peck, and his greatest Cubs memory