‘Playboy Swings’ emphasizes Playboy’s role in promoting jazz artists
When you hear Playboy magazine, what's the first thing that comes to mind? If you said "the articles," you're not fooling anybody. But a new book suggests that music, with...
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Beelow’s Steakhouse blend modern and tradition
Beelow's North Shore is "a different kind of steakhouse," observes owner Dan Beelow. The dark wood furnishings suggest the retro-elegant feel of the classic American 1950s steakhouse, but contemporary fixtures...
‘Light and Noir’ tells story of German exiles, emigres in Hollywood
Furnishings from Rick's Cafe in "Casablanca," a dress worn by Joan Crawford in "Mildred Pierce," and director Billy Wilder's Academy Award for "Sunset Boulevard" will be presented in a different...
Marshall Crenshaw headlines new Highland Park fest
The Ravinia District of Highland Park is turning it up to "11" with its first — and hopefully, officials say — annual Harvest & Harmony Fest, a free live outdoor...
Francesco’s is quite the Hole in the Wall
Frank Gallo, owner of Francesco's Hole in the Wall in Northbrook, has made cameo appearances in several films directed by Harold Ramis, once a regular at the restaurant and also...
Mary Kubica follows up ‘Good Girl with ‘Pretty Baby’
What a difference a year makes. In 2014, Mary Kubica, Plainfield mother of two, was a first-time author making the rounds of local bookstores and libraries to introduce herself to...
Village Tavern has welcoming vibe
"We've got something special going on here," said Mary Ann Ullrich, owner with her husband, Chip, of the Village Tavern in Long Grove, the oldest tavern/restaurant in Illinois in continuous...
Oak Park Micro Brew Review draws big list of breweries
Combine a beer festival with green and odds are it's a St. Patrick's Day celebration. But the Oak Park Micro Brew and Food Review, taking place 2-7 p.m. Aug. 15,...
David Lester on ‘The History of Boating on the Fox-Chain O’ Lakes’
At first glance, one might think David Lester went overboard with his self-published first book, which took 31/2 years to write and an estimated $50,000 to produce. But "The History...
Park Ridge Chorale goes glam for ‘Night at the Tonys’
The Park Ridge Chorale gives its regards to Broadway with its summer concert, "A Night at the Tonys." The curtain rises on the show July 25 at St. Luke's Lutheran...