A new book examines the city’s history and culture through a culinary lens, from Chicago originals to products and companies, restaurants, trends and beyond.

To honor the first female senator – who was an agriculturally minded lady – we concoct a drink straight from the farm: a dairy base that gets a spark from corn whiskey and would work hot or cold.

This week, we raise a glass to the moms who hold it down in the House (and the Senate) with a concoction as American as apple pie—fragrant applejack, tough whiskey and snappy lemon and ginger. 

To honor the first women of Chicago’s City Council, we mix smoky mezcal and bright grapefruit juice. It’s sweet but not too sweet, sharp but never bitter, and tough enough to duke it out with the best (or worst) of ‘em. 

Secret handshakes, arcane symbols and initiation rites are all hallmarks of the Freemasons, an organization shrouded in mystery. Geoffrey Baer explores their history in Chicago in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Aug. 15 marks the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Picasso’s debut, and Tuesday, the city celebrated the iconic sculpture with a public ceremony.

From the start, young Miss Potter was a virtual word machine, publishing a book of verse at age 12. This week, we mix up a deceptively delicate cocktail inspired by the original pink drink. Cheers!

Geoffrey Baer has the story of a statue's journey from a library to a North Side park in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”  

A new graphic novel wants to empower Chicago teenagers to push for the city they deserve. Meet one of the teens who created the book.

We raise a glass to a pair of sisters who made a fortune as brothel owners in the City of Big Shoulders with a ladylike drink.

For decades, it’s been the one place in Chicago where you can get a giant serving of corned beef or pastrami, with some juicy political gossip on the side. 

A relatively small but significant trove of photographs by Vivian Maier has a new home at the University of Chicago Library.

For decades, the steel industry forged Chicago’s industrial spine. Now, we forge a no-nonsense drink for the no-nonsense lady who brought the titans of steel to their knees.

Richard Cahan and Michael Williams spend a lot of time digging through old photos of Chicago, and together have created 14 stunning books. Take a look at their latest, “Chicago: Classic Photographs.”

We raise a glass to one of the first female architects in the U.S. with a rum-based sipper that creates beauty from the sour, the bitter and the strange.

You’ve heard Chicago described as the City of Big Shoulders and the City of Neighborhoods. Writer and photographer Larry Broutman offers yet another nickname: the City of Monuments. Learn why.