It’s Thursday, Chicago.
As the nation reels from the Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park, the Ravinia Festival announced that it would cancel shows through Sunday. A statement from the festival said the closing was out of respect for the community. The Ravinia Festival grounds are located a little more than 2 miles south of the Highland Park downtown area, surrounded by residences.
Meanwhile, pop culture fan conventions are back this summer around Chicago, looking closer to the old days before the pandemic. Whether you’re new to these pop culture fan cons or a veteran attendee, our guide has everything you need to know about four big events that highlight nerdy interests from Godzilla to horror.
And if you’re looking for an Instagram-ready dining experience that also has an interesting menu worth trying, check out 2d Restaurant. The restaurant gained attention on social media for looking like a black-and-white Paris-themed coloring book, but it’s clear that serious effort also goes into the food.
See you next week.
— Kayla Samoy, deputy senior editor
Ravinia Festival cancels concerts through Sunday in response to the mass shooting in Highland Park
Concerts affected by the closing include Sheryl Crow with Keb’ Mo’ and Southern Avenue, as well as “The Goonies: In Concert,” John Fogerty, Michael Franti & Spearhead with Arrested Development, and longtime Ravinia headliner Lyle Lovett. Read the full story here.
Steingold’s bagel of the month raises eyebrows, ire and dough — all for a good cause
When it comes to innovating Jewish delicatessen food, straying too far from the classics likely means some will voice their displeasure, notes food writer Lisa Shames. But that hasn’t stopped Aaron Steingold and Elizabeth Abowd, who have been experimenting with all sorts of rule-breaking creations at Steingold’s in Lakeview.
The shop’s bagel of the month campaign raises money for different charities with its unique bagel and cream cheese pairings, like the Flamin’ Hot Cheeto bagel with zesty ranch cream cheese. Read the full story here.
Chicago has long been a breeding ground for tap dance, and the city’s flagship summer festival, Rhythm World, is back. Director Jumaane Taylor looks to put his personal stamp on the 32-year-old festival, which takes place July 8-24 at various venues. Read the full story here.
2d Restaurant is a Parisian coloring book fantasyland — and what’s more, the food is actually great
While 2d Restaurant may have initially seemed like a gimmick after opening with long lines and a torrent of social media attention on its bold black-and-white design, it’s clear the restaurant is here to stay.
Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger writes that “the fascinating menu is worth trying too,” with its mochi doughnuts and fried chicken sandwiches. Read the full story here.
Tribune critic Michael Phillips describes the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as “co-writer and director Taika Waititi’s aggressively nutty follow-up to 2017’s ‘Thor: Ragnarok.'” The newest Thor movie has outlandish detours, wild tonal shifts, two giant screaming goats and four Guns N’ Roses songs to set the mood. Read the full review here.
Tribune critic Josh Noel sampled 25 beers to create this list of options that have both great value and good taste. These selected beverages — including Trumer Pils and Victoria — “punch above their financial weight,” which is perfect for those feeling the inflation pinch.
It Came From Rosemont — From Fan Expo to C2E2, Chicago’s big nerd cons return to full strength
This summer, the big pop culture fan conventions around Chicago are looking closer to the old days before the pandemic. Check out Christopher Borrelli’s full guide to learn what to expect at Fan Expo Chicago, G-Fest, C2E2 and Flashback Weekend.
Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will headline Blues Brothers Con at Old Joliet Prison
Eat. Watch. Do. survey: What would you like to see in the Tribune’s food and entertainment coverage?
Ravenous for recipes? Sour over star ratings? We’ve launched a survey asking readers what they’d like to see in our food and entertainment coverage. It’s only five questions, and we’ll use it to shape our coverage in the coming months. Check it out here.
Tribune critic Chris Jones writes that this show is a blast when it comes to “delivering zany puns, cracks and jokes.” It may bring to mind classics like “Little Shop of Horrors” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” although this story is squeaky clean. Read the full review here.
Michigan’s blueberry coast is ripe for the picking
“Blueberries are to southwest Michigan like cherries are to northern Michigan,” Grand Haven resident Tiffany Balk said once when contemplating what gift to give her friend. As soon as she heard herself, Balk realized she’d hit on a niche business. Read the full story here.
Hiking down to Phantom Ranch, the Grand Canyon’s ‘destination hotel’
