Zareen Syed

Zareen Syed is an education reporter for the Chicago Tribune, covering issues that touch K-12 schools and colleges and universities. She also writes about campus activism and various student-led movements as well as narratives focusing on underrepresented groups. She joined the Tribune as a suburban reporter and has previously worked for NBC Sports, WGN-TV and Boston 25 News.

Guests attend the 2026 James Beard Awards after-party at Union Station on June 15, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

James Beard Awards start search for new host city

July 15, 2026 at 5:24 p.m.

The James Beard Foundation is searching for a new host city for its prestigious culinary awards after a decade-long run in Chicago, but local officials say they will compete to...

Produce for sale at the Low-Line Market in the 3400 block of North Southport Avenue in Chicago on July 14, 2026. Bethany Doerfler, senior clinical research dietitian at the Digestive Health Institute of Northwestern Medicine, suggested consumers consider purchasing produce from farmers markets while the cyclosporiasis situation stabilizes. Not only is the farmers market supply chain significantly shorter, reducing handling time and cross-contamination risks, but shoppers can speak directly with growers to learn about how the crops were fertilized or watered. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

What to know about eating at home and dining out during the cyclospora outbreak

July 15, 2026 at 11:29 a.m.

As cases tick up in Illinois, here’s how to avoid consuming produce with cyclospora that can cause explosive diarrhea.

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.

Harold’s Chicken CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod leads an employee training session in Chicago's Grand Crossing neighborhood on June 19, 2019. (Kristan Lieb/for the Chicago Tribune)

Chicken coup? Family flap over control of famous Harold’s Chicken Shack brand lands in court

July 9, 2026 at 10:28 a.m.

Six months after the death of Harold’s Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, the question remains: Who owns the iconic Chicago restaurant brand?

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.

Jacob Potashnick of Feld after winning in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category at the 2026 James Beard Awards at the Lyric Opera House on June 15, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Michelin retired its Green Stars to the dismay of sustainable chefs in Chicago

June 24, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Last month, Michelin quietly announced it was phasing out the Green Star distinction, which recognizes sustainability in restaurants.

The exterior of Mr. Beef at 666 N. Orleans St. in Chicago on May 20, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

‘The Bear’ was a love letter to Chicago. For the final season, here’s every local restaurant that was featured.

June 29, 2026 at 10:31 a.m.

Though “The Bear,” is ending with its final chapter airing June 25, fans can find solace in that it was driven by real-life places and people.

Jacob Potashnick of Feld poses after winning in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category at the 2026 James Beard Awards at the Lyric Opera House on June 15, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago sees one winner at the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards

June 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

At the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, the highest culinary honors in the United States, Jacob Potashnick, chef and owner of Feld, was the city's sole winner at...

Executive chef Bailey Sullivan finishes dishes at Monteverde, July 8, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

The James Beard Awards are on Monday. Here’s what you need to know.

June 14, 2026 at 10:17 a.m.

This year, Chicago has three nominees vying for a James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award.

Smyth chef and owner John Shields, right, celebrates with staff, Nov. 8, 2023, after the restaurant was awarded a third Michelin star. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago’s Smyth is the No. 1 restaurant in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list

May 29, 2026 at 7:32 p.m.

For chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, the award coincides with a historic milestone for Smyth, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in August.

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