It’s Thursday, Chicago.
We’re still wringing ourselves dry after a week of record rainfall and flash flooding across the city and suburbs — but the sun is back, and our spirits are high.
In case you’re feeling nostalgic for the pleasures of summers past, like walk-up ice cream shops, memorable outdoor concerts, or crafting the perfect Chicago-style hot dog at home, we have some ideas to get you started.
Speaking of hot dogs, what better place to celebrate all things condiments than the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin, which is just over a two-hour drive from the city? We have everything you need to know about visiting the mustard mecca here.
Enjoy the weekend, we’ll see you next week.
More Top Picks Amazfit Bip 5
— Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor
The new ensemble comedy “Joy Ride” from director Adele Lim stars Ashley Park (of “Emily in Paris” BFF fame) and Sherry Cola as best friends on a trip to China “full of sex, drugs and K-pop covers of Cardi B,” Tribune critic Michael Phillips writes.
“The movie’s good and thirsty, and while many of the jokes push their luck, the movie doesn’t have a mean bone in its body,” he writes. Read his full review here.
Who makes Chicago’s best hot dog? Food critic tries 21 to find out.
Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger went on a quest to find the best hot dogs in a city where locally produced sausages reign. Read his top four picks here.
Critic feedback: Your best hot dog questions answered
“The Lincoln Lawyer” is back for a second season on Netflix, with 10 episodes premiering in two parts. It “makes a persuasive case that TV needs more legal dramas told from the point of view of defense attorneys,” Tribune critic Nina Metz writes. Read her full review here.
My worst moment: When eljko Ivanek alarmed Mary Tyler Moore — multiple times
The city’s few months of sunshine and heat are in full swing, and the restaurant industry is abuzz for “patio season.” Grab your crew and pencil in a time at one of our 44 picks for the summer, here.
Review: In ‘The 39 Steps’ at Drury Lane Theatre, a worthy cast tries to untangle Hitchcock
“The 39 Steps,” on stage at Oakbrook Terrace’s Drury Lane Theatre, is directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller and stars Broadway actor Gavin Lee as the main hero, along with Caitlin Gallogly, Zuhdi Boueri and Tom Detrinis. But Tribune critic Chris Jones worries the latest production of the classic British farce misses the mark. Read his review here.
Review: ‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story’ at the Marriott is an enjoyable way to keep these songs alive
Rosé fatigue? 5 intriguing bottles that’ll have you swooning this summer
Despite its place as a summer beverage sweeping social media in recent years, consumers are tiring of bland, watery rosé and might not know of finer options that are lush and flavorful. Two Chicago wine directors weigh in on great rosé you probably haven’t tried yet, here.
A music critic’s 8 great places for live music this summer
More Top Picks Garmin Tandem
Summer and live music outdoors go hand in hand, and the Chicagoland concert docket is stacked. But you don’t need to spend a lot of money or endure a crowd of thousands to see a good show — particularly with the help of our roundup of live music in the city, here.
Neo-soul collective Karma Fête releases debut EP
Hot dog! National Mustard Museum is an enthusiast’s wacky dream come true
Spend a weekend this summer checking out the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin. It’s home to over 6,000 mustards, making it the world’s largest collection of mustard and related memorabilia. Plus, admission is free. Read more here.
Summer movie season is in full swing. Here’s what’s coming through Labor Day
Movie fans are awaiting a summer of blockbusters, including “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie,” both premiering July 21. Here’s a month-by-month guide to everything coming out this summer.
Teatro ZinZanni will return to Chicago in the fall
When a longtime Dairy Queen near Southern Illinois University closed this spring, it sparked fears for the fate of other company ice cream-only locations. In Lombard, one such store has been open since 1953, and kept the same neon sign since 1955. Read about the Dairy Queen location’s unique connection to the community here.