Come inside and take a break, Chicago.
You’ve shoveled out more parking spaces than you have in the past three years combined and your back is breaking. You’ve cursed it more than 50 different ways. You’re worried about the ice dams on your roof, but there’s not much you can do about them now. The weekend is upon us — and less than an inch more of snow is expected — so make plans now for a cozy weekend at home.
Ike Holter — an award-winning Chicago playwright, screenwriter and director best known for “Exit Strategy,” “Hit the Wall” and his work on “Fosse/Verdon” — reflects on films made by Black artists that don’t center on oppression. Instead, he offers a roundup of comedies, family dramas, coming-of-age stories and thrillers that together offer a more expansive glimpse of the Black experience. Read it here.
Watch this. Eat that: Detox with La Michoacana as you snack on ‘The Influencers’ bite-sized episodes
Start slow with 15-minute episodes of “The Influencers,” a Millennial mockumentary, and recharge with something sweet from La Michoacana. Tribune staffers Tracy Swartz and Louisa Chu have the details.
What we’re watching: ‘Nomadland’ to Queen Latifah’s ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘Outlander’ stars in kilts
We’ve got your latest roundup of what to watch — “Nomadland,” if you’re prepping for the Golden Globes, “Men in Kilts,” if you’re “Outlander” fans, plus a whole lot more. Or, check out these full-length reviews:
Speaking of Golden Globes, Michael Phillips also reviewed Netflix’s “I Care a Lot,” which features a nomination-worthy performance by Rosamund Pike.
He also binged the new Netflix six-parter, “Behind Her Eyes,” based on Sarah Pinborough’s best-selling thriller.
Perhaps you’re in the mood for something more weighty: Nina Metz reviews the indie debut “Test Pattern.”
And if you’re thinking of tuning into HBO Sunday for the premiere of “Allen v. Farrow,” read this first.
As always, we want to know what you’re watching; click here to share your picks with us.
Is homemade pasta the next sourdough bread? We can only hope. Here’s how to make it.
If you made sourdough bread during the first year of the pandemic, it’s time to learn how to make pasta as we head into the second. The vaccine is on the horizon, but it’s going to take a while. Let James P. DeWan distract you in the kitchen.
OMG, did you see this? A burning leaf that makes your house smell great.
Can we be real for a minute? One of the drawbacks of winter? You can’t air out the house, and we’ve all be home for so long now. Tribune design editor David Syrek has just the thing: paper incense. Check it out.
The Goods: Pro tips for keeping a guy’s skin looking great — even in a Chicago winter
Cold, dry air taking its toll on your skin? David Syrek’s got the skin-care products for you.
If You Like the TikTok Tomato Feta Pasta Recipe, You’ll Love These
Do you have “Hot Stuff” running through your brain because of a certain feta pasta TikTok video? Already tried it? The Daily Meal has more picks to satisfy your comfort food urges.
Chris Harrison’s announcement that he’d step aside from “The Bachelor” after posting a statement acknowledging that “by excusing historical racism, I defended it,” prompted Tribune columnist Nina Metz to reflect on just how meaningful — or not — these sorts of celebrity apologies are within our culture. Read her take.
Ethan Hawke’s ‘A Bright Ray of Darkness’: Watching a writer mature, on stage, for all to see
Biblioracle columnist John Warner considers Ethan Hawke’s new novel, “A Bright Ray of Darkness,” and how the actor and artist has matured as a writer since his first foray into fiction 25 years ago. Plus, check out Warner’s personalized book recommendations for readers. Or email him for your own by sending a list of the last five books you’ve read to books@chicagotribune.com.
Lakewood native Grace Kinstler got a ticket to Hollywood last Sunday on “American Idol.” Tracy Swartz has the story. Read it before the next show airs Feb. 21 on WLS-Ch. 7.
Takeout 100 — our guide to Chicago’s best restaurants for pickup and delivery right now
Need a refresher on where to order takeout right now? Our dining team rounded up 100 picks.
That’s it for this week. Stay warm and dry — and bust out the heating pad for your sore back.
