Chicago magazine

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Chicago Magazine

A Tough Lesson

Sushi Counter • Dining critic John Kessler ate at five of the city’s finest omakase restaurants, including three over three straight nights, and four à la carte spots as part of his reporting for “Sushi’s Big Moment” (page 64). Here’s a by-the-numbers look.

Your Best Hot Dog Photo

Talking Points • This month’s conversation starters

RINO Hunters • Darren Bailey’s Trump-style conservatism has taken over the Illinois Republican Party, which may doom it in November.

“We Just Want Safe Spaces to Bike” • Christina Whitehouse is trying to make Chicago’s streets less dangerous for cyclists.

It Was Leopold, Not Loeb • A new book on Chicago’s most famous thrill killers argues we’ve had it wrong about the mastermind. Here’s what we learned.

Where It’s @

Country Squire • The former seat of a gentleman’s farm comes to market in Naperville.

The Tampon Test

The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Fall Trips • This time of year, you can save significantly when heading to these five coveted destinations.

Immersed in Immersive • These days Chicago is awash in “immersive” experiences: Van Gogh, Frida, Prince! Here are some we’d love to see.

Lucianne Walkowicz • Aerial performer, walker, former Adler astronomer

Ravyn Lenae Savors Her Moment • On the heels of her acclaimed debut album, the Chicago songwriter comes home to open for one of her biggest influences.

AGENDA • Top 10 reasons to fill up your calendar this month

Local Libations • With Bronzeville Winery, Eric Williams aims to give South Siders a spot for great drinks in their own backyard.

Flights of Fancy • Claudia’s whimsical bar serves Shakespeare-themed cocktails and classic French fare.

4 Top Spots for $1 Oysters

Unsteady Seas • At José Andrés’s Bar Mar, the small plates shine, but as a serious seafood restaurant, it comes up short.

Sugar Rush

Cool Buzz

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

History Repeating • Devastated by fire, a Victorian home in Hinsdale gets a contemporary rebirth that stays true to its past.

Hearth Hopes • How do you warm up a nonfunctioning fireplace? With a bit of creativity.

A Room With a View • Bring the outdoors in with scenic wallpaper — from traditional landscapes to ethereal panoramas.

Setting the Stage • During his teenage years on the North Shore, Fall Out Boy’s lead guitarist found his place in Chicago’s punk rock scene.

Sushi’S Big Moment • Thanks to an omakase boom, a rise in quality à la carte offerings, and a new school of clever chefs, sushi is emerging as one of Chicago’s best cuisines.

5 Omakase Spots You Need to Know Now • These quintessential restaurants (listed in order of our favorite) will give you a crash course in the tasting menu scene at Chicago’s sushi counters.

Drink Like a Fish • Dila Lee, sake and spirits sales manager for the importer Komé Collective, gives two beverage recommendations each for five common types of sushi.

The Sushi Showboat

The Up-and-Comers

The Sushi Masters

Sushi Smackdown • To compare four of the most noteworthy à la carte spots in town, we ordered hamachi (yellowtail), a whitefish (sea bream or fluke), and unagi (freshwater eel) at each.

The Accusation • MATTHEW BARON WAS A BELOVED TEACHER AT SKINNER WEST ELEMENTARY...