It’s Wednesday, Chicago.
Despite all the pollen in the air, the weather has been beautiful lately, and I’ve been trying to spend as much time as I can outside.
There are two great ways to soak in all the outdoors have to offer this summer, as two of the Chicago area’s most popular green spaces celebrate major milestones: the Chicago Botanic Garden is marking 50 years, while the Morton Arboretum is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Plus, we’ve compiled a list of 50 live music events this summer. While Sueños and Coldplay are over, there’s still time to plan to attend events such as the Pride Fest and Parade, the Black Keys, Lady Gaga, the Chicago Jazz Festival and more.
Meanwhile, Tribune critic Louisa Chu’s review of Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat called the establishment “the Lizzo of vegan and vegetarian restaurants.” The vegan/vegetarian spot serves dishes such as pizza poofs, sweet steak sandwiches and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. Yum!
See you next week.
— Kayla Samoy, deputy senior editor
This year, the Chicago Botanic Garden is marking 50 years, while the Morton Arboretum in west suburban Lisle is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The Botanic Garden has an art exhibition celebrating the milestone called “Flourish: The Garden at 50,” while the Arboretum has new works by South African artist Daniel Popper. Read the full story here.
Parachute relaunches with more Korean fare, along with 5 more new restaurants around Chicago
It’s been a long two years since fans of Parachute could indulge in the James Beard award-winning restaurant’s Korean American fare, but they’ll notice some changes now that it has reopened. Gone is the legendary, labor-intensive bing bread, but in its stead are seasonal Korean pancakes, a quieter dining room and two chefs ready and raring to go.
But it’s only one of several exciting new restaurants in Chicago, and Tribune critic Louisa Chu has a roundup of all the spots that’ll get your stomach growling.
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“Cezanne,” a co-exhibit between the Art Institute and London’s Tate Modern, is the first major Paul Cezanne retrospective in the U.S. in some 25 years and the first at the Art Institute in more than 70. Read the full story here.
Howard Street Brewing is Chicago’s northernmost brewery, located in a part of the Rogers Park neighborhood that has struggled to attract and retain businesses, especially community gathering spots. Read the full story here.
“Fire Island,” written by Plainfield’s Joel Kim Booster, is a take on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” — but set on present-day Fire Island in New York. As Tribune critic Nina Metz writes, the romantic comedy is “a very gay, very horny, very charming riff.” Read the full story here.
‘Hustle’ review: Adam Sandler plays an NBA scout who’s found his 6′ 9? underdog
While Tribune critic Louisa Chu was working on a guide to Chicago-style plant-based food, she stumbled upon chef Laricia Chandler-Baker and Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat, a restaurant that was so good it needed its own story altogether. Read the full review here.
Live music in Chicago: Our 50 concerts for summer 2022, Lollapalooza to The Weeknd
This summer, there are a ton of concerts and music festivals in Chicago, from big events such as Lollapalooza and Riot Fest to concerts featuring Lady Gaga and Norah Jones. We’ve put together a list of 50 events taking place all the way to late September so you don’t miss anything. Read the full list here.
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Tracking down the novice behind Shy Slice, the intriguing new pizzeria in Irving Park
Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger explores a new pizzeria called Shy Slice, which serves square-cut, tavern-style pizza, available as whole pizzas or by the slice. The virtual kitchen operates out of an Irving Park neighborhood restaurant called Patino’s Grill. Read the full story here.
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“Skates a New Musical” is dedicated to the nostalgia of the teen-friendly roller rinks that once ringed downtown Chicago. Tribune critic Chris Jones said the show relies for its “appeal on the talent of its cast” and “its heart being firmly in the right place.” Read the full review here.
Review: With ‘Don Quixote’ at the Lyric, Joffrey makes good on a 2-year-old promise
7 Midwest state, national parks worth exploring this summer
America’s first national park, Yellowstone, celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. But you don’t have to trek to Wyoming to soak in the beauty of nature and unique adventures — we’ve got a list of seven state and national parks in the Midwest with everything from the world’s largest dark sky sanctuary to sweeping caves perfect for experienced spelunkers and beginners alike.