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.

Sous chef Ian Miller prepares a roasted garlic Caesar salad at Buttercup in the South Loop on Dec. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Restaurant reviews: Buttercup, Kanin and Nadu in Chicago

January 6, 2026 at 2:39 p.m.

To kick off 2026, the Tribune food team takes a look at three notable restaurants that opened last year: Buttercup in the South Loop, Kanin in Ravenswood and Nadu in...

The pepperoni and Mike’s hot honey drizzle pizza in a takeout box at Pizz'amici on Grand Avenue in Chicago, Sept. 25, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

2025 food favorites: The most memorable dishes and drinks we had across Chicago

December 29, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

With 2026 just around the corner, the writers and editors of the Tribune food section have taken some time to reflect on our favorite bites and drinks from 2025.

Kristoffer Polaha and Nikki DeLoach in "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas." (Hallmark Media)

Our 5 Hallmark Christmas rom-coms to watch this holiday season

December 22, 2025 at 10:29 a.m.

Here are my favorite 2025 holiday rom-coms that made me laugh, gave me cozy holiday feels, and yes, even made me tear up just a little bit.

The Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest winners. At left, the first-place winner, the Pracny-Inspired Nut Crescents by Janet Lapen of Downers Grove. Second-place, center, was awarded to the Eggnog Crème Brûlée Cookies by Lauren Wagner of Joliet. The third-place winner, the MMMM Cookies, Mom‘s Mandelbread Modified for Marty, by Elyse Tish of Glenview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Tribune’s 2025 Holiday Cookie Contest: Get the winning recipes

December 3, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

The three winning cookie recipes for the 39th annual Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest all pay tribute to bakers from years ago.

The Tribune holiday cookie contest winners. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

2025 Holiday Cookie Contest winners: Pracny, eggnog crème brûlée and mandelbread recipes come out on top

December 3, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

For the 39th annual Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest, 32 readers submitted recipes for sweet treats, including biscotti and shortbread, bars and balls, and classic chocolate chip and sugar cookies.

Thanksgiving at River Roast. (River Roast)

Thanksgiving guide: Where to get meals, pies and wine, plus a look at holiday shows

November 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

We have everything you need to know about where to get Thanksgiving mains and sides, pies and desserts, and what wine to pair with it all.

Here are the 12 finalists for the Tribune’s 2025 Holiday Cookie Contest

October 29, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

After days of voting, more than 1,800 readers cast over 3,800 votes to decide the 12 finalists in this year's Holiday Cookie Contest.

Just a few days remain to vote in the Tribune’s 2025 Holiday Cookie Contest

October 20, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Just a few days remain to get your votes in and help decide which reader recipes will advance to the final round of the Tribune's 39th annual Holiday Cookie Contest.

It’s time to vote in the Tribune’s 2025 Holiday Cookie Contest

October 15, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Voting is open in the 39th annual Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest.

There’s still time to enter the Tribune’s Holiday Cookie Contest

October 8, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

The clock is ticking, but there’s still time to enter your signature cookie recipe into the Tribune’s 39th annual Holiday Cookie Contest.

All Stories