Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

It’s Thursday, Chicago.

Another looming snowstorm has us planning out a legendary staycation ahead of the long weekend. If you’re in the same boat, you’re in luck, with much in the entertainment and dining world to ponder as the snow falls, including a book on one Chicago man’s cross-country journey to find wisdom from strangers.

We have mini-reviews for some hidden restaurant gems we missed in 2023, as well as the food and drink trends Chicago chefs forecast for 2024. Between “Mean Girls” at the movie theater and “True Detective” on streaming, there’s a lot to feast your eyes on.

And look forward to warmer days ahead with our roundup of all the festivals, street markets and celebrations to expect in Chicago this summer, here

More Top Picks Best Under Desk Ellipticals For Focus

.

Enjoy the weekend, and we’ll see you back here next week.

— Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor

‘Mean Girls’ review: New film of the musical is more like a pretty-good-time karaoke track

Avantika Vandanapu plays Karen Shetty, Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Reneé Rapp plays Regina George and Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners in
Avantika Vandanapu plays Karen Shetty, Angourie Rice plays Cady Heron, Reneé Rapp plays Regina George and Bebe Wood plays Gretchen Wieners in “Mean Girls.”

So much has changed in two decades. While the basic dynamics of “Mean Girls” remain in place, the war between Cady and Regina is captured by the characters’ cellphone cameras, TikTok and the cold glare of social media. Read Tribune critic Michael Phillips’ review here.

Mini reviews: Quick looks at Taylor’s Tacos, Marina’s Bistro and Egg Tuck

Taylor Mason, founder of Taylor's Tacos, poses for a portrait at Taylor's Tacos in the Little Italy neighborhood on Dec. 21, 2023.
Taylor Mason, founder of Taylor’s Tacos, poses for a portrait at Taylor’s Tacos in the Little Italy neighborhood on Dec. 21, 2023.

Last year was big for new restaurants, and here are a few we’re circling back to.

‘True Detective: Night Country’ review: A long day’s journey into … just another cop show

Jodie Foster stars in
Jodie Foster stars in “True Detective: Night Country.”

Jodie Foster and Kali Reis play remote Alaskan police officers who can barely stand one another while working to solve the deaths of science researchers. Read Tribune TV critic Nina Metz’s review here.

Chicago chefs’ 2024 food and drink trend predictions: Colorful ingredients, transparent pricing and ‘girl dinner dates’

Server Be'Anna Clark delivers wine flights to diners at Bronzeville Winery, 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave., May 17, 2023, in Chicago.
Server Be’Anna Clark delivers wine flights to diners at Bronzeville Winery, 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave., May 17, 2023, in Chicago.

From a focus on transparent pricing and social equity to an emphasis on fun, photogenic ingredients, here are some of Chicago chef and restaurateurs’ top predictions.

‘Monsieur Spade’ review: Clive Owen stars as the now-retired gumshoe Sam Spade

Clive Owen stars as Sam Spade in
Clive Owen stars as Sam Spade in “Monsieur Spade.”

Clive Owen ably dons the fedora in AMC’s “Monsieur Spade,” which catches up with the character decades later. Read Metz’s review here.

Top 10 theater shows for winter 2024: From the world premiere of ‘Purpose’ to Dana Delany in ‘Highway Patrol’

The original Broadway cast of
The original Broadway cast of “Girl from the North Country” at the Belasco Theatre in New York.

The winter theater season is upon us. Tribune critic Chris Jones lists 10 Chicago-area shows opening between now and the end of March that look especially interesting, here.

Advice from 1,000 strangers: A Chicago man’s journey to find wisdom takes him across the country

More Top Picks Best Pickleball Paddles

Chicagoan Imran Nuri, seen here Dec. 29, 2023, drove across the country last year asking 1,000 people for life advice, compiling what he learned and portraits from the people he met in a book.
Chicagoan Imran Nuri, seen here Dec. 29, 2023, drove across the country last year asking 1,000 people for life advice, compiling what he learned and portraits from the people he met in a book.

Chicagoan Imran Nuri asked people across the U.S. the same questions: What would you tell your younger self that you know now? What did you have to learn the hard way? What do you wish you knew earlier? Read here, maybe along with a box of Kleenex.

Chicago’s summer 2024 calendar: Taste, Jazz Fest and a birthday bash for Millennium Park

An audience listens to the opening night of the Chicago Jazz Festival in Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion on Aug. 31, 2023.
An audience listens to the opening night of the Chicago Jazz Festival in Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion on Aug. 31, 2023.

Longer days await us this summer, with longtime favorites like Maxwell Street Market returning, and a celebration of Millennium Park’s 20th anniversary. Get it all on your schedule here.

Top 10 live music concerts in Chicago for winter 2024: Living Colour, Jamila Woods and Mary Timony

Jamila Woods performs at Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago's Union Park on Sept. 11, 2021.
Jamila Woods performs at Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago’s Union Park on Sept. 11, 2021.

Though it will be challenging to replicate the blockbuster spoils of 2023, the new year is off with a proverbial bang, with Brittany Howard, The Kills and Cat Power on deck to perform in Chicago this winter. Read more here.