It’s Thursday, Chicago.
Congrats to everyone on surviving the midterm elections (although the Chicago mayoral race now begins in earnest — brace yourselves). If you’re also bracing for the oncoming chilly weather, have no fear — we’ve got a list of indoor activities to keep you entertained this weekend.
On silver screens, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” debuts as the follow-up to Marvel’s “Black Panther,” from writer-director Ryan Coogler. With a cast that includes reprisals from Danai Gurira and Lupita Nyong’o, this movie was a long time coming after the loss of Chadwick Boseman in 2020. We have that review from Michael Phillips, as well as more from the screen and stage.
If you want to eat what you’ve seen on screen, we also have a review from Louisa Chu for Avondale’s Loaf Lounge, which opened this summer and serves the same chocolate cake used on FX’s series “The Bear.” Chef Sarah Mispagel worked as a pastry consultant on the show. Read that story and more in our weekly roundup of Food and Arts coverage from your friendly Tribune journalists.
Enjoy the weekend, we’ll see you back next week.
— Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor
Restaurant review: Loaf Lounge, home of ‘The Bear’ chocolate cake, makes sandwiches we need to eat in Chicago
With sandwiches, cakes, pastries and more, Loaf Lounge is a welcome addition to Chicago’s cafe scene. Although the cafe gained notoriety for its chocolate cake as seen on “The Bear,” its breakfast sandwiches have quietly become just as popular in their own right, writes Tribune food critic Louisa Chu. Read more about the chef’s sandwich shop “with dedicated intention” here.
Review: ‘Wakanda Forever’ is a more-is-more sequel, ungainly but moving
Two years after the death of Chadwick Boseman, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” in theaters this weekend, mourns the loss of King T’Challa and the actor who played him — and continues the story.
“Practically every actor on screen here is marvelous, even when the script and effects-driven spectacle settles for the wrong kind of ‘more,'” writes Michael Phillips. There’s a Chicago tie-in to anticipate as well. Read his entire review here.
Grab a slice at one of these three East Coast-style pizzerias
Who says you have to travel east to taste quality New York- (or New Jersey-) style pizza? Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger praises three area slice shops that are devoted to serving thin-crusted, sparingly topped pizzas.
Some Home Depot hot dogs now made with wagyu, the fanciest beef on the market
The 28th Black Harvest Film Festival is going on now through Nov. 20 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, with special programming attention in honor of co-founder and chief programmer Sergio Mims, who died in October.
With screenings of titles from the last half century of Black cinema, from Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” to Reginald Hudlin and Eddie Murphy’s “Boomerang,” “this year’s festival also reminds us of what one man accomplished in a too-short lifetime devoted to cinema in every possible context,” Michael Phillips writes.
J.B. Pritzker, conqueror? Twitter memes reimagine the governor
Review: ‘The Twenty-Sided Tavern’ celebrates fantasy gaming. Just don’t mention Dungeons & Dragons.
“The Twenty-Sided Tavern” is a new interactive, live version of a role-playing fantasy game now at the Broadway Playhouse. Audience members can select the decisions actors make in the game in real-time “a la Second City,” writes Tribune critic Chris Jones, but using their smartphones instead. The show runs until Jan. 15.
Review: ‘Almost Famous’ is now a sweet Broadway musical
More Top Picks Steering Cover
First look: Hop Butcher for the World transforms former Half Acre taproom, opens Thursday
Hop Butcher for the World’s new taproom opens today in the North Center neighborhood. Co-founders Jeremiah Zimmer and Jude La Rose said they made the space their own after taking over from Half Acre Beer Co., which occupied the space for eight years.
“In addition to several hazy IPAs, there will be a saison, an extra special bitter, an Italian-style Pilsner and a hefeweizen on tap,” writes Josh Noel. Get a first look at the new space here.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to buy Cannabist stores in Villa Park, Jefferson Park
Mozart, dancing frogs and a message of inclusion in rare Joffrey Ballet/CSO collaboration
For three nights only starting Thursday, the Joffrey Ballet and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be onstage together at Orchestra Hall. Joffrey choreographers Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Cathy Marston will headline, and dancers will be accompanied by the CSO under Maestro Harry Bicket.
Talking with jazz pianist Fred Hersch ahead of his concert at SPACE
The Billy Goat Tavern ditched its kaiser roll ‘cheezborger’ bun. Is nothing sacred?
“Too many of our cherished institutions have disappeared. Marshall Field’s is now a Macy’s, the Tribune Tower houses million-dollar condos instead of a newspaper, and both the John Hancock Center and the Sears Tower have been renamed. Can’t we just hold on to one cherished Chicago tradition?” asks Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger.
But, the third-generation owner points out, there’s more to the story. Read why the venerated cheezborger institution made the change here.
Two months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Netflix’s “The Crown” is back for its fifth season, which picks up with the drama and scandals of the British Royal Family during the ’90s. In her latest review, Tribune television critic Nina Metz questions whether the series truly takes the institution to task.
My worst moment: Larry Wilmore’s rocky ‘Daily Show’ start
Ski guide 2022: What’s new up north at 6 Midwestern ski resorts
With snow on the way in a few weeks, now is the time to plan your family ski trip, with many options within driving distance of Chicago. Read our rundown for this year here.
Midwest winter ski guide: 8 resorts tailored to families, ski purists or breezy day visitors
Airbnb will make cleaning fees more transparent for travelers
Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.