Happy Wednesday, Chicago.
None of us are impervious to change, and in many ways, that’s a good thing. Here at the baiduhai’s food and entertainment sections, we’ve been pondering how we can change to give you, our readers, as enjoyable, useful and equitable an experience as possible.
There are a few things we’re switching up already: Starting next week, this newsletter will hit your inbox on Thursdays. We hope this change will help readers sketch out weekend plans and get the most up-to-date food, movie, theater and television reviews.
But we also want to know what you think about our work. So we’ve put together a survey with five questions, looking to better understand what sort of coverage our readers crave most. Please take a moment and fill it out — we’ll be using the responses to help shape our journalism in the coming months. Have questions? Email me at [email protected].
In the meantime, this week’s stories are filled with all things Chicago: Iconic Italian beefs to indulge in while watching “The Bear,” the rarest (and most expensive) ramen in the city and two moving theater productions about teenagers at a couple of our most esteemed stages.
We hope your July Fourth is filled with fun (and fireworks!), and we’ll see you next week (on Thursday!)
— Ariel Cheung, food and travel editor
“The Bear” is a darkly comedic drama that takes its inspiration from a local staple: Mr. Beef sandwich shops. Tribune critic Nina Metz writes that the show is able to richly and lovingly portray the sweaty, cacophonous kitchen dynamics of a modest neighborhood joint. Read the full review here.
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Column: The rarest ramen in Chicago is made with bison bones in a new West Loop shop
Considering Chicago’s love of all things beef (hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, steak) Gyuro Ramen’s beefy gyukotsu ramen doesn’t sound like a tough sell. Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger writes that what makes it even more surprising is the use of bison bones instead of the traditional beef bones to make the broth. Read the full review here.
This show from Chicago playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney of “Moonlight” fame is set in a fictional school dedicated to the preparation of “strong, ethical, Black men,” and it centers on the senior year experience of one gay teen. Tribune critic Chris Jones said the show “is brilliantly cast, excitingly staged and filled with the heart that comes from age.” Read his full review here.
Review: Theo Ubique Theatre puts on a warm and welcome ‘Godspell’ — thankfully, sans clowns
‘Keep on loving you!’ Our true appreciation of the power ballad, an art form invented in Illinois
“The main export of Illinois is the power ballad,” writes the Tribune’s Christopher Borrelli, as he explores the Illinois-born art form. From REO Speedwagon to Styx to Journey, many power ballad heavy hitters had their roots in Illinois. Read the full review here to find out what Borrelli says is the best power ballad of all.
Chicago, a cello capital? Meet the local experimentalists reinventing the instrument in concerts
New book from The Violet Hour’s Toby Maloney shows you how to make bar’s most legendary cocktails
If you’ve ever enjoyed a deeply nuanced cocktail from the comforts of a high-backed leather chair at The Violet Hour, you can probably surmise that a lot goes into making it.
The esteemed bar’s head mixologist, Toby Maloney, breaks down the “how” of it all in his new book “The Bartender’s Manifesto: How to Think, Drink & Create Cocktails Like a Pro,” from technical execution to hospitality to the narrative arc that lives behind those storied cocktails. Read the full story here.
There have been many movies about the King, but “Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ is all show and no tell,” writes Tribune critic Michael Phillips. While Austin Butler fares pretty well, Tom Hanks’ depiction of manager Col. Tom Parker is another story. Read the full review here.
Lake Michigan car ferries make for fun Midwest getaways, plus 16 things to do once you land
For those seeking a fun Midwest getaway this summer, add some maritime adventure to the trip with Lake Michigan’s car ferries. Once you’re ashore, sticking to coastal parks and beaches is fine, but there’s plenty to explore in the waiting towns beyond. Read the full story here.
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Fireworks for July 4, 2022: All the Chicago and suburban fireworks shows this weekend
Fireworks displays were hugely popular last summer, but not every town was up and running. More shows are back for 2022. So if you’re looking for fireworks shows in the Chicago region for Fourth of July, or all summer long on Navy Pier, we have the list.
For one night Thursday, the Chicago Loop Alliance is bringing back its Activate event, a gathering of local arts and culture. The free street festival transforms alleys and other urban places into exhibition spaces where attendees can enjoy art, music and other performances. Read the full story here.
That’s not Asian carp, that’s ‘copi’: Unpopular fish getting a makeover
Illinois and partner organizations kicked off a campaign to re-christen as “copi” four species previously known collectively as Asian carp, hoping the new name will make them more attractive to U.S. consumers. Read the full story here.