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Chicago Magazine

A Cold Embrace

Returning Home

Sandwich Masters • This is a damn good list [“Sandwich City,” November], and Grazi’s coming in second is perfect. (I’m partial to the American.) The experience of going there is pure Chicago — nicest, hardest-working, realest people. J.P. Graziano is essential. @br_tton via Twitter

The Wannabe Gravedigger • A veteran Merc trader thought he could find Genghis Khan’s tomb.

Your Best Soup Photos

Talking Points • This month’s essential cocktail party fodder

The New King of the Opposition • There’s only one man in Illinois with the money and political influence to rout Pritzker’s agenda — and that man, Ken Griffin, had a very good Election Day.

Against Hustle Culture • Social psychologist and Loyola professor Devon Price challenges the idea of laziness in a productivity-obsessed world.

Bungalow on Steroids • A now-two-floor house is listed for $1.83 million on an under-the-radar cul-de-sac in Uptown.

Sweet and Sour

The Original Queen B • A new book on Ida B. Wells sheds light on the journalist’s subversive, change-making career — from her great-granddaughter’s perspective. Here’s what we learned.

Why Is Netflix So Obsessed With Chicago?

Boozy Bubbles • Lather yourself up in the scent of … beer and cigarettes.

Sneakerhead Mecca • The celebrated foot fashion and streetwear destination lands on Walton, offering collectors a chance at serious bragging rights.

Elizabeth Margulis’s Artist • The Buffalo Grove celebrity stylist, closet curator, and woman behind @BigHairBigCity reveals her go-to painter.

Select One • Can a personality test help me manage my emotions through the pandemic?

Re: WFH Goals • Did you get the memo? There’s more to home office life than switching out your Zoom background.

Used, but Make It Fancy • The RealReal, a luxury consignment store, opened its doors on Michigan Avenue in October. If you find one of the following types of items during your pandemic-fueled closet purge, you’re in luck. They’re among the top sellers in Chicago — and so should fetch you good sums.

The Comfort of Curry • Kare raisu, a saucy Japanese classic that’ll warm you to the core, is popping up on takeout menus all over town.

Bagel Boom • Chicago has always taken a back seat to other cities when it comes to the iconic baked good, but three newcomers aim to change that.

Upper Crust

Smørrebrød! • It may be harder to say than hygge, but these Danishstyle open-faced sandwiches from the Humboldt Park microbrewery Ørkenoy will make you feel just as cozy.

Pimiento Cheeses

The Hot List • 10 places everyone’s talking about (in order of heat)

Road Food Fantasies • With the world of restaurant dining on indefinite pause, a food writer journeys into the past with Duncan Hines.

GET OUTSIDE! • Strap on snowshoes, go ice-fishing, gaze at a meteor shower, explore frozen waterfalls, spark up the grill, and 58 other delightful, pandemic-proof activities guaranteed to get you off your couch this winter.

DEVELOP an Appreciation for Dead Grass • Tucked into the southeast corner of Millennium Park, Lurie Garden is a place of surprising natural beauty in winter.

STEP Into Your Own Outdoor Wonderland • Cozy blankets! Romantic lanterns! Heated canopies! Transform your patio into a COVID-compliant gathering space you’ll use every winter from here on out.

PLAY All Day • Snowman...