Ask Alpana

Ask Alpana

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest! What makes a good Oktoberfest beer, and which ones should we choose for this celebration? Check, Please! host and master sommelier Alpana Singh shares some of her favorites.

Alternatives to Kozel Dark Beer:

• Plank Dunkler Weizenbock – "This is a higher alcohol dark weizenbock from a small Bavarian producer, and drinks more like a wine, with a malt-forward mouthfeel and higher gravity."
• Kulmbacher Monchshoff Schwarzbier – "This is THE classic 'Black Lager' or 'Black Pils' from Kulmbacher. It’s beautifully hopped, with a roasted malt character and dry finish. It’s a 'beer lover’s beer,' with bold flavor but low alcohol, and pairs well with a wide variety of foods."

Diet Wine:

• Invivo Bella –"This so called "diet" wine is a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at 9% alcohol without being sweet which is where the 30% savings come from in calories from a typical glass of wine."
• Twin Vines Vinho Verde –"Feather light in weight with a light spritz and flavors of green apples, lime and lemon peel."

Alpana’s Oktoberfest Beer Recommendations

• Left Hand Oktoberfest, Colorado
• Ayinger Oktoberfest Marzen, Germany
• Paulaner Oktoberfest, Germany

Scientific Chicago

Scientific Chicago: Emerald Ash Borer

A hungry insect is devastating Illinois' ash trees. Jay Shefsky introduces us to some researchers who are trying to understand the emerald ash borer--and find an ash tree that can co-exist with the pervasive pest.

• Comprehensive website about the Emerald Ash Borer
• Emerald Ash Borer in Illinois
• Morton Arboretum

Health

Physicians' Records

For two years a state website provided physicians' records, but earlier this year the law mandating this database was struck down. Should the state resurrect the database? We hear from both sides of this healthcare issue.

• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
• House Bill 6409

Politics

News Analysis: Mayoral Race

With more than a dozen African-Americans reportedly considering a run for mayor, we look at how that community--and others--may try to whittle down the field.

Big Cat and the Bears

Bears Alumni Club

The Bears pull off an unexpected win over the Dallas Cowboys. Ed O'Bradovich joins us on the Bears Alumni Club to break down the game.

Business

Urban Farming

How a local organization is turning an abandoned truck depot into an urban farm just minutes away from U.S. Cellular Field.

• Iron Street Farm
• Growing Power

Chicago Business News

Chicago Business

WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel tells us about the week's top business news, including Gatorade's new social media initiative, which some people are finding a bit too invasive.

Politics

Eugene Mullins

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's chief spokesman addresses recent news reports that he received more than $13,000 worth of new furniture for his office.

Arts & Entertainment

News Analysis: Reporters in Locker Rooms

An incident involving a TV reporter from Mexico has reignited the debate over female sports reporters in men's locker rooms. Carol Marin talks to a panel of some of Chicago's women reporters about what they encounter in the locker room -- and what they think needs to change.

The Week in Review

The Week In Review With Joel Weisman

On tonight's edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week In Review -- Frustrated cops complained to Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis about a manpower shortage; the field of possible mayoral contenders grew more crowded with State Senator Rickey Hendon officially jumping into the race, while former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., and State Senator Rev. James Meeks are all mulling bids; and the CTA cut more than 70 jobs in an effort to balance the 2011 budget. And in sports, the Bears won in controversial style while the White Sox choked in a critical series against the Twins.

Guests:

• Charles Thomas, ABC-7 News
• Mary Wisniewski, Chicago Sun-Times
• Abdon Pallasch, Chicago Sun-Times
• Jim Litke, Associated Press