Josh Noel – Page 17 –

Metropolitan Brewing's taproom and brewery, shown under construction in 2017, are located on a picturesque spot along the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Metropolitan Brewing vows to fight eviction threat in lease dispute with landlord, claims landlord has overcharged

December 2, 2020 at 4:26 p.m.

A yearlong dispute with its landlord has led to a threat of eviction for Metropolitan Brewing at its picturesque location along the Chicago River. Rockwell Properties, which owns the Rockwell...

Former Acadia pastry chef Kyleen Atonson, left, and chef Ryan McCaskey at the Jean Banchet Awards in Chicago on Jan. 13, 2019.

‘Kitchens can be the Wild West, but this was just beyond.’ Former Acadia employees allege chef Ryan McCaskey fostered a sexualized culture and toxic workplace.

December 2, 2020 at 12:55 p.m.

After the last guests had left on a Sunday evening in March 2018, employees at Acadia pushed the tables and chairs aside in the restaurant's private dining room and began...

A small stereo and other personal items found in the apartment of Tribune reporter Josh Noel's father-in-law after his death.

Column: Even in death, the ongoing gift of a forgotten stereo

November 27, 2020 at 9:48 a.m.

Soon after I met him, my father-in-law told me something that stuck with me: "I know I'll die alone." That may sound grave and self-pitying, and I guess it was...

The best Bourbon County beers of 2020? We crunch the numbers ahead of Black Friday release.

November 24, 2020 at 1:17 p.m.

We've said it before and we're saying it again: The only thing more fun than drinking Goose Island's barrel-aged Bourbon County beers is ranking them. And, like clockwork, the beer...

Chef Ryan McCaskey at his restaurant Acadia in Chicago's South Loop in 2012.

Acadia chef Ryan McCaskey sues former employee and lawyer who alleged cyber harassment

November 22, 2020 at 1:03 p.m.

Acclaimed Chicago chef and restaurateur Ryan McCaskey has filed suit accusing a former employee and the man's lawyer of attempting to extort McCaskey with claims of cyberstalking and harassment. In...

With restrictions on capacity in place at Chicago restaurants, the bar area at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. in Andersonville, is empty on Sept. 11, 2020. Owner Mike Roper has since decided to close for the winter.

Rather than battle through a winter of COVID-19, some Chicago restaurants make a simpler calculation: Close until spring

November 19, 2020 at 10:46 a.m.

Longman & Eagle was ready to give pandemic winter a try. The modern day Logan Square icon, which has cultivated cozy neighborhood whiskey sipping and high-end pub eating as much...

Midwest skiing roundup for 2020-21: Fresh air, exercise and adventure with COVID-19 precautions in place

November 15, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

No matter how good the snow or cooperative the weather, this winter's ski season will arrive with one obvious and glaring speed bump: COVID-19. "I've been in the industry 20...

Cruz Blanca became Chicago’s king of barrel-aged beers last spring. Does the 2020 lineup retain the crown?

November 13, 2020 at 4:52 p.m.

Go ahead. Name the king of barrel-aged beer in Chicago. Is it the veteran hand of Goose Island? Maybe the modern-day greatness of Revolution Brewing? Or even Begyle, which won...

Goose Island shifts Bourbon County beer tastings to masked, outdoor events due to COVID-19

November 11, 2020 at 8:54 a.m.

Goose Island Beer Co. is pressing ahead with its annual Bourbon County tastings on the day after Thanksgiving — just bring a jacket. Or maybe two. In a winter of...

Gifts for those who need a drink now more than ever

November 24, 2020 at 9:35 a.m.

Beer and spirits have always made an easy holiday gift appreciated by many. But in 2020, they may be more appreciated than ever. Laws have fortunately eased on sending such...

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