Kayla Samoy

Kayla Samoy is the editor of the Dining section and works in Arts+Entertainment for the Chicago Tribune. She is a University of Arizona graduate and previously worked for the Associated Press and the Arizona Republic.

Nathaniel Domingo and his partner Dianne Antonio at their family-owned restaurant, Da Local Boy, a Hawaiian fusion restaurant in downtown Chicago, July 10, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Restaurant reviews: Da Local Boy, The Greggory and The Radicle

July 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

As we pass the halfway point of the year, the Tribune food team takes a look at three recently opened restaurants across the Chicagoland area.

Katlynn O’Hara, left, and Yara Carter chat as they sit in the patio of Las Fuentes in Lincoln Park, June 23, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Patio guide: 22 spots to eat and drink outside across Chicago this summer

July 8, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

For this patio guide, we take a look at recently opened spots on the Northwest Side, patios along Route 66 and patios to totally escape the bustling city.

People attend the annual Windy City Smokeout outside of the United Center in Chicago on July 12, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Tribune’s summer 2026 arts, entertainment and food guides

July 9, 2026 at 9:58 a.m.

Summer is here and the Tribune arts, entertainment and food writers have everything you need to know to pack your schedule with fun events.

Empty bottles of Malört line a shelf at an Irving Park neighborhood bar in Chicago, Jan. 8, 2014. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)

‘Bad Decision for a Good Cause’: August event in Chicago looks to set Malört world record

May 29, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

Jeppson's Malört hopes to gather hundreds of fans to set the world record for most people taking a shot of Malört at the same time.

Mapped: Winners of the Chicago Tribune Food Awards since 2011

Chicago Tribune Food Awards winners map: All the places we’ve honored since 2011

May 27, 2026 at 1:38 p.m.

Here are all of the Chicago Tribune Readers' Choice and Critic's Choice Food Awards winners since 2011.

The Tribune's 2026 Readers’ Choice winners, clockwise from top left: Sip & Savor in Bronzeville, Mindy’s Bakery in Wicker Park, The Greggory in South Barrington, Brûlée in South Loop, Burger Bar in South Loop, Dion’s Chicago Dream in Englewood, The Polo Inn in Bridgeport, and Jimmy's Red Hots in Humboldt Park. (Chicago Tribune)

Tribune Food Awards: The 2026 Readers’ Choice winners

May 13, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

After reviewing hundreds of nominations and thousands of votes, we’re excited to reveal this year’s Readers’ Choice Food Awards winners.

The 15th annual Chicago Tribune Readers' Choice Food Awards. (Aly Morris/Chicago Tribune)

Readers’ Choice Food Awards: It’s time to vote

April 8, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The finalists have been selected and it's time to vote for whom you want to win the Chicago Tribune Readers' Choice Food Awards.

Tribune Food Awards: Readers’ Choice nominations close soon

April 3, 2026 at 11:21 a.m.

Only hours remain to submit your nominations for this year's Readers' Choice Food Awards.

15th annual Tribune Food Awards: Nominate your favorite food spots for Readers’ Choice

March 25, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

From pizza and burgers to new restaurants and suburban eateries, it's time for you to weigh in on your favorite food spots in and around Chicago.

The Soul & Smoke Meat Lover's Pizza is part of The Little Lark's 2026 Chicago Restaurant Week dinner menu. (Steve Lewis)

Chicago Restaurant Week 2026: 5 menus we’re excited about

January 19, 2026 at 1:52 p.m.

More than 500 restaurants are taking part in the 19th year of this food fest, including 75 that are making their Chicago Restaurant Week debut.

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