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.

KC Bevis, Ibrahim Sabbi, Logan Howell, Diamond Burdine, Jack Halbert and Monternez Rezell of Chicago Dance Crash (Ashley Deran)

Our guides to 2024 fall arts in Chicago: Top picks for movies, music, theater and more

September 6, 2024 at 2:52 p.m.

From the writers, columnists and critics of A+E, all of the Tribune’s fall 2024 guides for arts and entertainment.

Emmi Garnier works behind the counter at Delightful Pastries on July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

6 picnic foods and park pairings to make the most of summer in Chicagoland

August 14, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Summer is fleeting, but there's still plenty of time left to enjoy a picnic outdoors.

Matcha soft serve at Taiyaki Chicago in Lincoln Park is seen on July 26, 2024. Taiyaki Chicago will be a featured vendor at Lollapalooza’s new Vibe Village. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Lollapalooza food 2024: Two new areas will feature plant-based meals and photo-ready desserts

July 31, 2024 at 12:02 p.m.

Plant Base and Vibe Village are two new food areas at the festival in Chicago's Grant Park.

Eric Burton of Black Pumas performs during Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park, July 19, 2024, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Pitchfork 2024: Black Pumas, Sudan Archives and 100 Gecs top a glorious Day 1

July 20, 2024 at 1:40 p.m.

Pitchfork Music Festival opened in Union Park Friday with the kind of July weekend NASCAR can only dream about.

Mohmmed Mohmmed, chef at Al-Diar restaurant, cooks fahsa in Chicago on July 5, 2024. (Troy Stolt/for the Chicago Tribune)

Mini reviews: Inside looks at Al-Diar, Bayan Ko Diner and Casa Madai

July 10, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

As we pass the halfway point through 2024, the Tribune food team looks at three notable places that have opened in recent months.

The “Inner Child” sundae consists of vegan confetti, cookie dough, strawberry sauce and sprinkles at Vaca's Creamery in Chicago, June 13, 2024. (Vincent Alban/Chicago Tribune)

Here’s the scoop: 25 Chicago spots for ice cream and cool sweet treats to beat the heat this summer

June 26, 2024 at 4:21 p.m.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the best ice cream and cold desserts in Chicago. But it is what we’d recommend a friend order when out with...

Fireworks explode over Navy Pier in Chicago in 2021. (Vashon Jordan Jr. / Chicago Tribune)

Fourth of July fireworks 2024: All the displays around Chicago

July 3, 2024 at 11:03 a.m.

See our list of almost 100 communities in the Chicago area with plans for Independence Day, many with parades and live music along with the pyrotechnics.

Jason Hammel of Lula Cafe holds his medal for winning Outstanding Hospitality at the James Beard Awards at the Lyric Opera House on June 10, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Lula Cafe is Chicago’s sole James Beard Restaurant and Chef award winner for 2024

June 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

The awards are widely considered one of the highest culinary honors in the United States. For almost a decade, Chicago has been the award show’s home and a major winner.

2024 summer arts in Chicago: The Tribune’s top picks for movies, theater, books and more

June 6, 2024 at 9:52 a.m.

The Tribune's summer 2024 arts and entertainment guides, for TV, movies, music, theater, books, museums, dance events and more.

People eat and drink on the patio at the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub, 1221 W. Blackhawk St., on May 3, 2024, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Patios at 35 Chicago restaurants and bars, from a spot with outdoor bumper pool to happy hour hangs

May 31, 2024 at 6:24 a.m.

The Tribune food team’s guide for outdoor patios contains spots where you can read or work for a spell, places with after-work happy hours to treat your team, plus patios...

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