Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i Chicago magazine

DEPUTY EDITOR STANLEY KAY, WHO SHEPHERDED THIS month’s hefty cover story, “The Savvy Parent’s Guide to Raising Kids in Chicago” (page 58), with an assist from Dining Editor Amy Cavanaugh, brought some firsthand knowledge to the subject: He and his wife, Rebecca, are raising their 20-month-old daughter, Sadie, in Lincoln Square. “There’s so much life in the city, so many things happening, that it’s fun for her just to exist here,” says Kay. “There are adventures everywhere. It’s not just things like going on a museum excursion or going to Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. It’s also things right outside our window. Every bus that goes by is something for her to point at. Every fire truck that goes by, she’ll imitate the siren.” Of all the parts of the feature, Kay…

Q: Who was Chicago’s first Black alderman? In 1914, Oscar Stanton De Priest, a successful contractor, real estate agent, and investor, was elected alderman of the 2nd Ward, then in the South Side’s Black Belt. Boosted by the growth of Black voters in Chicago from the Great Migration, De Priest won with 48 percent of the vote. Three years later, the Alabama native resigned amid accusations of graft, a longtime City Council custom, but was acquitted thanks to a defense by Clarence Darrow. That wasn’t the end of De Priest’s political career. In 1928, after a Republican congressman for the 1st Congressional District died before an election, De Priest took his place on the ballot and won. (At the time, Black voters still backed the party of Lincoln.) During his…

IN CHICAGO, BOTH the perpetrators and the victims of violence are disproportionately Black. But that doesn’t happen in a vacuum, notes David Stovall, a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. He argues that conflict in low-income Black communities is heightened not merely by the city’s negligence but by its “planned abandonment” of these residents. A Chicago native who grew up in Calumet Heights and now lives in East Woodlawn, Stovall examines these dynamics in his new book, Engineered Conflict: Structural Violence and the Future of Black Life in Chicago, which he describes as an “amalgamation of conversations, observations, and research” from the past 25 years. Writes Stovall: “As tensions grow in a moment with severely limited access to education, affordable housing, living-wage employment, and health care, Black people are often…

SINK YOUR TEETH INTO IT Extending from January’s Puppet Theater Festival, the whimsical U.K. musical version of Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile squats at the Studebaker Theater. Jan. 29–Feb. 21. fineartsbuilding.com RHYTHM IS GONNA GET YOU Inspired by HBCU marching bands and the hit 2002 movie, the rollicking Drumline Live features elaborate choreography and plenty of percussion. Feb. 1. auditoriumtheatre.org MISSISSIPPI GODDAM A powerful mix of theater and documentary, Collaboraction’s Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till draws from court testimony in this landmark lynching case. Feb. 1 – Mar. 1. collaboraction.org TUCKIN’ AND TRUCKIN’ Deadheads in drag might sound super niche, but Nashville-based cover band Bertha: Grateful Drag has been winning fans and music critics with its tight harmonies and colorful riffs. Feb. 6–7. thaliahallchicago.com SONG SUNG…

THERE’S AN ALCHEMICAL FEEL TO MAKing a batch of Brazilian pão de queijo: A short spell in the oven transforms rounds of wan, shaggy dough into puffed, golden spheres with an irresistible cheese pull. “It’s one of those rare dishes that feels both humble and special,” says Abraham Ramirez, co-owner of the Logan Square cocktail bar La Licor Panamericana. After mixing, don’t skip the one-hour chill; it makes the sticky dough much easier to shape. LA LICOR PANAMERICANA’S PÃO DE QUEIJO Makes 25 to 30 pieces Active time 25 minutes  Total time 2 hours 2½ cups tapioca flour (like Bob’s Red Mill brand)1 cup whole milk4 Tbsp. unsalted butter1 tsp. salt1 large egg1½ c ups grated queijo Minas cheese (available at Brasil Legal Cafe), or 1 cup shredded mozzarella plus½…

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This feature and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately. In such an emergency, wait for an ambulance rather than driving to the hospital. DR. RUPA SANGHANI Grace DeForest and William Louis Veeck Endowed Professor of Cardiovascular Research and the Interim Chief of Cardiology at RUSH University Health Center DR. SADIYA KHAN Magerstadt Professor of Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Preventive Cardiologist at Northwestern University…

Kids love dinosaurs, and there are a number of places to see them in the Chicago area. I caught up with Elliott Sagal, a wellknown aficionado of dinosaurs and other prehistoric fauna, in his North Shore home to discuss his favorite dinosaur museums. Do you like the Field Museum? Yes! Why? Because it has Sue. That would be Sue the T. rex, centerpiece of the Field’s Evolving Planet exhibition and one of the largest and most complete T. rex fossils ever found. It even has its own merch and social media accounts. Why do you like Sue? Because she’s a talking T. rex! Does Sue talk? Yes! Sue does not, in fact, talk. What else do you like about the Field Museum? The thing I like about the museum is…

Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, historian: Raising kids on the South Side, I need to keep them busy. The Chicago Park District has so much free stuff going on, between the camps and all the movies. My other Chicago parent hack is the ability to ignore. If you can live next to the L and ignore it, you can ignore ’em when they whine for nothing. Dan O’Conor, the Great Lake Jumper: Magic Inc. on Lawrence Avenue will open kids’ eyes. My boys learned card tricks that they still use to this day. Tanja Babich, ABC-7 anchor: You can make a field trip or adventure out of anything in the city. My 6-year-old was overjoyed when we took a CTA bus to her dentist’s appointment the other day. My teens used to love free days…

Itoko Picture yourself chatting with that snobby parent in the school pickup line and humble-bragging about how your kids insist on brunch at Itoko for kabocha pancakes. Gene Kato’s children’s menu includes chicken yakitori don and a beginner’s sushi set. Hit brunch between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and it’s free for those 12 and under; otherwise, kids’ options are $12 for brunch and $20 for dinner. Lake View Summer House Santa Monica Get the young’uns involved in the cooking with the DIY pizza at this Lettuce Entertain You spot. They get a tray with dough to stretch before adding sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. This option is available Monday to Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Other standouts on the $7.95 menu: grilled cheese with a blend of cheddar and American…

1 Design streets for families, not cars Chicago’s grid is blessedly easy to navigate — if you’re in a car. Eleanor Esser Gorski, CEO and president of the Chicago Architecture Center (and a former deputy commissioner in the city’s Department of Planning and Development), argues streets should be designed for families, too. That means more multiuse greenways that prioritize pedestrians, more protected bike lanes, and lower speed limits in residential areas. It means more bike racks and benches throughout the city, not just downtown. And more public facilities: “Parents often need bathroom breaks, and they need places to get the kids dressed, give them a snack,” Gorski says. 2 PUT PLAY SPACES EVERYWHERE The Chicago Children’s Museum installed a series of art-driven learning installations at everyday locations, such as at…

Chicago Comics 3244 N. CLARK ST., LAKE VIEW A comics cathedral where underground legends mix with the caped and cosmic Origin story In 1991, Eric Kirsammer loaned money to an acquaintance who vanished, leaving him with a business instead of repayment. “Overnight I owned a comic store.” The vibe A tin ceiling, creaky wood floors, and exposed brick make this feel like an Old World gallery—if that gallery happened to stock manga, mutants, and mature titles. What you’ll find The store’s secret superpower is balance. Marvel and DC heavyweights sit alongside local indies and smallpress rarities. Golden and Silver Age gems are tucked behind the counter. Celebrated clientele Legendary artist Alex Ross is a regular. Once, a star-struck employee bolted in awe when Ross walked in. If the shop were a character…

1 The Winter Olympics begin Feb. 6. Who to root for? Hockey player Kendall Coyne Schofield of Palos Heights, speed skater Ethan Cepuran of Glen Ellyn, and figure skater Bradie Tennell of Carpentersville are among locals contending for slots. 2 The Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 7 to 16, will include a new exhibition called Chi-Town Alley, showcasing performance cars, custom cars, and street-inspired rides but, alas, nothing on that local car culture essential known as dibs. 3 The Chicago Fire play their home opener Feb. 28. That’ll likely make for cold weather for men in shorts. Why so early? Because of the MLS’s midseason shutdown for the World Cup. 4 Bestselling local author Mary Kubica releases her latest thriller, It’s Not Her, Feb. 3. Set in a northern Wisconsin resort town,…

AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF LOOKINGGLASS Theatre Company, actor Kasey Foster spends more time in front of a computer than footlights, but the multitalented artist (she’s also a singer) hasn’t lost her passion for playful movement. After graduating from her hometown college of Purdue University Fort Wayne, she moved to Chicago and began performing with companies such as Redmoon, Lookingglass, and the Actors Gymnasium and learned new skills, like clowning, puppeteering, and stilt walking. Even today, she says, “I’m always happy to hop on some stilts. It seems like such a scary thing, but everybody can do it.” Between juggling Lookingglass and mom duties, Foster, 44, doesn’t have as much time for exercise as she used to, but, among other things, she has a weekly date with herself to go dancing on…

Four Cafés With Fresh Takes on Asian Fare LUCKYCAT 2806 N. Clark St., Lake View East Who’s behind it: Stephanie Bian, a former barista whose background is in software, and Jake Lee, who worked in business administration. They started serving espresso drinks at pop-ups at Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant before opening their brick-and-mortar spot in September. The concept: Bian, a Chinese American who grew up in the suburbs, and the Korean-born Lee named their cozy café after the Japanese cat figurine said to bring luck. So far, it’s working: People are flocking for espresso and matcha drinks, plus coffee and teas from China and Kyotostyle cold brew. Lee takes the lead on the all-day menu, which includes a breakfast sandwich with a fluffy egg, Gruyère, and hot honey chile crisp on…

1 PETITE EDITH What Jenner Tomaska’s latest: a French bistro with Midwestern influences. Why An irresistible mash-up. Think: caviar on confit potato fritters, escargot agnolotti. Where 868 N. Wells St., Near North Side 2 BAR TUTTO What A new Italian café from Joe Flamm featuring a coffee program, sandwiches, and pastas. Why You can now get your Flamm fix morning, noon, and night. Where 1110 W. Carroll Ave., West Loop 3 OX BAR & HEARTH What John Asbaty cooks seasonal fare over an openflame hearth. Why We’re talking dishes like charred cabbage with brown butter hollandaise and smoked trout roe. Where 1578 N. Clybourn Ave., Goose Island 4 DOUBLE FUN What A lively neighborhood cocktail joint from the Sparrow and Bisous team. Why You can start or end your night with vespers, stingers, and other classics. Where 2…

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This feature and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately. In such an emergency, wait for an ambulance rather than driving to the hospital. MICHELLE EMEBO: Heart Disease Survivor Struggling to control her blood pressure and weight after the birth of her daughter, Michelle Emebo knew she needed to get serious about her heart health. Just a few years later, she’s in the…

Maggie Daley Park “As a parent of one child within a playground with very few individuals present, it would be very much appreciated to not have ‘staff’ yell during any attempt at fun. Sorry that I like to interact with my kid and play. Btw, we can smell and see you smoking pot Mr. ‘Staff.’” Bartelme Park “I enjoyed coming here but the dog owners need to be more considerate on picking up after their dog’s poop. There are many children who play here and unfortunately my sister fell and ended up landing on fresh dog poop.” Oz Park “We went to the playground a few days ago with our grandson. We decided to go sit down at the deck seating area, there were a few nannies next to us,…

Theo, 9 TELL US A JOKE: “Did you hear about the actor who broke his leg onstage? He’s still in the cast.” Tommy, 8 HOW DO YOU MAKE KIDS LAUGH? “Ask their parents what they like, and then do what they like. Maybe a funny drawing.” Cora, 10 TELL US A JOKE: “Why did the cat meet the unicorn? Because he was meow-gical.” Avie, 7 TELL US A JOKE: “Why is Christmas cold? Because it’s Decemburr!” Maggie, 9 TELL US A JOKE: “What do whales like to eat? Fish and chips!” Angela, 8 HOW DO YOU MAKE KIDS LAUGH? “I could do a funny dance.” Alyssa, 9 TELL US A JOKE: “Why did the cat join the K-pop band? Because it liked to purr-form.”…

Issa: “It looks like a tree. I would put my coloring books there.” Issa: “It doesn’t look comfortable.” Issa: “It kind of looks like a person.” Avery: “It’s cozy and cute.” Avery: “It has a lock, and I have some gems I can put in it.” Avery: “It looks like a treehouse. You can pretend you live in the forest.” Avery: “It doesn’t look like a real cat.” Issa: “Bears are cool.”…

Carter Zembik eyed his food suspiciously. Ordered off the robust children’s menu at River North’s Bar Goa, it was a block of pan-seared paneer set in a bowl of creamy russet makhani sauce. “C’mon, bud, I think you’d like it,” urged his dad, Josh, dipping the tines of his fork into the sauce and aiming them at his 5-year-old son’s mouth. Carter pursed his lips: No dice. Carter and Josh, my neighbors, had agreed to accompany me for an early dinner at this trendy modern Indian spot to test-drive the uncompromising kids’ menu ($10 to $14 per item). Would an avowed picky eater warm to the charms of a crisp dosa? I asked Carter what he generally likes to eat. “Peppers!” he said excitedly. “And peas!” Josh chimed in. “He…

Flying THE INSIDER: Brittany Riley, O’Hare-based flight attendant Study the seat map before you book: “You don’t want to be at a bulkhead with kids, because you don’t have the under-the-seat availability. Being closer to the bathroom is also huge. But some kids have anxiety with flying, and at the back, you feel everything.” Spring for the checked baggage fees: “Checking as many bags as you can is super helpful. When my kids were young, I would pack the stroller with carry-on items all the way up to boarding and wear my son in the baby carrier, so that I could have my hands free. Then I’d check the stroller at the gate.” Be ready for a tantrum: “I always kept backup items for when meltdowns occurred. For example, kids…

A Better Lemonade THE EXPERT: Danny Shapiro, bartender and Scofflaw Group cofounder 1. Peel two lemons and set the peels aside. 2. Juice those lemons, along with four unpeeled ones (should yield about 12 ounces of juice). 3. Make lemon simple syrup by combining the lemon peels, 2 cups of sugar, and 1 cup of water in a pot over heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar dissolves, the syrup is done. Let it cool. 4. Stir together the syrup and the lemon juice to make a sour mix. 5. Strain the sour mix. 6. For a 48-ounce pitcher, combine 12 ounces of sour mix with 36 ounces of water (either still or, if you want to get fancy, sparkling). Add ice. Stir. But Shapiro recommends making the lemonade one glass…

FOR FIVE YEARS, ÁNDALE MARKET’S ANDERSONVILLE shop has been the kind of place where you come for a chocolate bar and somehow leave with olive oil, pet treats, and a candle shaped like a cannoli. Owner Mia Sakai has now doubled the temptation with a 1,300-squarefoot Lincoln Park location. Consider it a modern remix of the classic bodega: penny-tile floors, pressed-tin ceiling, and bright colors everywhere. The shelves pop with five local chile crisps, the Shelfie Award–winning Chinese Mom Kitchen crackers, and a tinned-fish lineup that’s become a neighborhood talking point. Then there are the loaves from Publican Quality Bread. Delivered fresh daily, they sell out fast. “People stop in just for a baguette,” says store manager David Oakes. Regular pop-ups from local makers, who give out samples, add to the…

■ I lived on Wells, right above the blues bar down the street from Second City. So I was with those people all the time—Dave Pasquesi and Joel Murray and all those greats. But I am not a comedian at heart. I understood that quickly. I can be funny, but not on the spot. My funny comes out of playing it very truthfully. ■ Acting is what I was born for. I just feel like this is who I am, and so I never had to wrestle with that. ■ A lot of actors, once they’ve done a play, they understand what acting is. I’m talking about the Greek word “thespian,” which means “inspired by the gods.” Once a show has opened, the Equity union protects actors, in that the…

WITH BRANDON JOHNSON’S POPULARITY BARELY ABOVE MEGHAN MARKLE LEVELS, he is certain to face a host of challengers in the 2027 election. So far, only three — Mike W Quigley, Maria Pappas, and Joe Holberg (who?) — have said that they’re running, but others have hardly made a secret of their interest (we see you, Susana Mendoza) and more will surely follow. Here’s how we rank the prospective candidates in terms of their chances. 1. Alexi Giannoulias: He hasn’t yet declared, but he has been raising $1 million a quarter in campaign funds, despite the fact that he has no competition for his current job as Illinois’s secretary of state. If he gets in the race, he’s the clear front-runner. In the words of one political consultant, he is the only…

IT’S ADMITTEDLY “A LITTLE silly” for all four members of Third Coast Percussion to gather around a single marimba, says founding member David Skidmore. But that’s exactly the scenario the chamber music quartet asked rising composer JaRon Brown to create with the new work This Too Shall Pass. Skidmore describes “dancing around each other” to perform it, which undoubtedly necessitates some functional choreography. He adds, “JaRon’s music is really thoughtfully put together, with a sense of lightness, fun, and whimsy.” (Third Coast once performed a piece by the South Carolina composer that’s meant to mimic the feeling of having butterflies in your stomach.) This Too Shall Pass gets its world premiere February 25 as part of Third Coast’s concert at Gottlieb Hall in the West Loop. Taking on a new…

Le Bouchon Monday special: Half-price bottles of wine Oenophiles and bargain hunters unite on Monday nights at this bistro. On almost every table, you’ll see a bottle from the stellar all-French wine list (ask about off-menu options for reserve natural wines and rare Burgundies), and the sound of sparkling bottles popping can be heard over the conversations of those fortunate enough to have snagged a reservation. (The six-seat bar is a good alternative for walk ins.) Seek out the M&C Lapierre Morgon “N” Beaujolais (normally $95, it goes for $47.50 on Mondays), a red that pairs with everything. 1958 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown The Duck Inn Monday special: Burger Lab In the restaurant business, Monday isn’t typically a soughtafter shift. But at this gastropub, the staff is as excited as the regulars…

PIZZA DADA 125 S. Clark St., Loop ■ Perfect order Vodka roni ($4.99), Caesar ($6.99) ■ Much to my chagrin, Chicago has never been a slice town. Matt Sussman (Table, Donkey and Stick; Danke) shares that lament. Growing up in Westchester County, New York, “there were three different places I could walk to for a slice,” he recalls. While we aren’t there yet in Chicago, Pizza Dada, which Sussman runs with pizzaiolo Steve Owens at Sterling Food Hall, is filling that slice void downtown. These New York–style slices are great. The menu includes 10 of them, which are thin without any sag. The vodka roni, with crisp pepperoni cups, basil, rich vodka sauce, and Parm, is a standout, as is the white pie, with garlic, basil, dollops of ricotta, and…

It is wired into our DNA as parents: When we see our kids doing something cute, we must take a photo. But snapping a quality picture of a child isn’t easy. They’re always on the move, they don’t want to smile, they’re tired of us using their image and likeness to boost our own clout on Instagram. (Sorry, kids, the people demand content!) So for advice, we turned to an expert: Elizabeth De La Piedra, a Chicago contributing photographer and the mother of two boys, ages 11 and 9. “I love this shot because my boys are always play fighting and being rambunctious. This was a moment of calm, but I loved how their legs stayed locked in the same position of play fighting. They were watching a movie and…

Getting your child to sign off on bedroom decor boils down to one rule: Treat them like a collaborator. “Ask them questions about their favorite colors and toys,” says Andrea Mills, an interior design magazine editor who curates an Instagram feed of kids’ rooms. “Let their interests do the heavy lifting.” If your kid … … loves art: Forget the fridge. The online store Wallsauce can turn a child’s drawing into peel-and-stick wallpaper. Or use high-gloss white of chalkboard paint on a dedicated surface as a built-in whiteboard. “One contained zone lets creativity run wild without taking over the room,” says Mills. … is always on the move: Take inspiration from the playground. Mills once saw a bedroom that had a corner climbing wall, the floor padded with soft mats…

1 Pothole Mosaic Street artist Jim Bachor fills potholes all over Chicago with colorful mosaic depictions of sweets, celebrities, and iconic art—miniature surprises that kids can search for throughout the city. His take on Gustave Caillebotte’s Paris Street; Rainy Day is on the 4700 block of North Knox Avenue in Mayfair. 2 Self-Portrait The 30-foot-tall sculpture by Keith Haring that anchors the AIDS Garden Chicago, south of Belmont Harbor, encourages kids to strike their own wiggly pose against the lakefront backdrop. 3 Oz Park Sculptures John Kearney’s bronze and chrome depictions of Dorothy and crew turn this Lincoln Park park into an open-air storybook. Sadly for kids raised on Wicked, there’s no statue of Elphaba. 4 Snow Sculpture for Chicago Tony Tasset’s faux snow pile—tucked into the last remaining display…

Ube French Toast THE CHEF: Lawrence Letrero of Bayan Ko and Bayan Ko Diner “Being restaurant parents, dinners as a family at the house are rare, so breakfast is important for us,” says Letrero, who griddles up this brilliantly purple, tempura-like dish alongside his favorite short-order cook, daughter Juliet, 10. “It’s also an easy way to get kids learning to cook.” 2 cups all-purpose flour4 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. salt3 Tbsp. sugar4 large eggs2½ cups whole milk4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted1½ tsp. ube extract (like Butterfly brand)Neutral oil, for frying8 to 10 slices thick-cut briocheCooked thick-cut bacon, maple syrup, and powdered sugar, for serving 1 Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a rectangular baking dish. Whisk in eggs, milk, melted butter, and ube extract until just combined. (Don’t stress…

Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park 8301 Janes Ave., Woodridge Perfect for: Families who can’t agree on slides versus splash time The draws: A lazy river, a zero-entry pool, six (!) water slides (three body, one inner tube, one drop, one kiddie), and a six-lane lap pool Why worth the drive: It feels like a mini-resort. With the slides and preteen splash pads, plus plenty of shade and a transportive Bayou theme, it has the makings of an all-day outing. Nonresident admission: $21 Centennial Park Aquatic Center 15600 West Ave., Orland Park Perfect for: Big kids who want speed and drops they can brag about later  The draws: A 200-foot flume, tube slide, zero-entry pool, and platform cliff jump where adventure seekers can freefall into a pool below  Why worth the…

Some creative journeys start at a drafting table. Jenna Mendelsohn’s began in her grandmother’s jewelry box. “I spent so much time digging through it as a kid,” she says. “Every piece had a story.” After a career in wholesale fashion for designer Diane von Furstenberg in New York City, Mendelsohn moved to Chicago to build a business of her own. Her first jewelry collection, A Date to Remember, reimagines the charms she grew up studying: sculpted hands as a nod to holding on, a basket for carrying memories, a four-leaf motif pulled from her grandmother’s heirloom bracelet. The 14-karat gold vermeil pieces are suited for both dressing up and running out the door and possess “a quiet magic,” as Mendelsohn puts it, built on generations-old inspiration. jennalondonofficial.com…

It’s embarrassingly easy to lose a whole day shopping in Lake Forest. You park once, the brick sidewalks practically guide you along, and the old clock tower chimes on the hour to remind you you’re overdue for a meal. I start at Lillie Alexander (197 East Westminster Avenue) to get a pulse on the North Shore mood: reliably chic, with finds like Isabel Marant blazers and a denim wall that makes me reconsider every pair in my closet. From there, I hit the area’s athleisure darling, Lux Lane (252 East Deerpath Road), where I am somehow convinced that a jogger set absolutely deserves gold jewelry. Then there’s the Lake Forest Shop (265 Market Square Court), the town’s grande dame of retail since 1922. It leaves no stone unturned, mixing…