Dining Player

Open-air real estate

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Diane and Thomas Wamberg patched together an old stone quarry, a gun club, a polo field and some farmland to create one of the most sprawling estates in the suburbs: a 30,000-square-foot house on 70 acres.

Bungalow Love

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:35:12 -0800

A few years ago, Bob Kressin was driving around the West Ridge neighborhood after hearing about its blocks of bungalows. The stained glass, the woodwork, the craftsmanship—all of it won him over.

Longing for home

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:34:32 -0800

It’s more than just four walls. Karen Forte traces her family’s history in a much-loved home—and the blow of having to leave it.

Two Mortgages

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:35:00 -0800

Ryan and Lynda Hamilton are building a $690,000, 3,900-square-foot home in Elgin, but they have a problem: Their 2,700-square-foot, single-family home in the Old Irving Park neighborhood has languished on the market since May 2007.

Slow Times for Luxury Homes

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:34:49 -0800

One year ago, Chicago attorney Donna More put her downtown home up for sale after landing a new job in Cincinnati. She's still looking for a buyer.

Check, Please! on Volare

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:26:08 -0800

Check, Please! on Volare

Check, Please! on Meli Café

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:00:00 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present Crain’s readers’ top spots for business dining. This week, attorney Vicky Halikias takes us to Meli Café.

Check, Please! on Rockit

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:13:03 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present Crain’s readers’ top spots for business dining. This week, Chauncie Burton of Starcom Worldwide takes us to Rockit Bar & Grill.

Check, Please! on La Scarola

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:13:42 -0800

One of Jed Levenstein’s favorite restaurants in Chicago is La Scarola. Though it may not be fine dining, the main attraction is the food and the lively atmosphere. And the excellent service that makes him feel at home. Whether the owner of Sparkling

Check, Please! on Le Colonial

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:13:53 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present Crain’s readers’ top spots for business dining. This week, VerveLife founder Justin Jarvinen dishes on Le Colonial.

Check, Please! on Sepia

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:14:16 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers’ top spots for business dining. This week: interior designer Erin Shakoor on West Loop hotspot Sepia. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Lulu’s Dim Sum & Then Sum

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:12:46 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. This week: Skokie theatre manager Michael Pauken on Lulu’s Dim Sum & Then Sum. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Kendall College

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:14:36 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Kari Dillon professes her love for the Dining Room at Kendall College. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Keefer's

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:58:17 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Andrew Pickell professes his love for Keefer’s. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Heaven on Seven

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:49:36 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Nicole Gotthelf professes her love for Heaven on Seven. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Borrowed Earth Café

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:44:57 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, management consultant Norma Rixter professes her love for Borrowed Earth Café. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Coco Pazzo

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:01:55 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Tiffani Kim Griffith professes her love for Coco Pazzo in River North. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on De Cero

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:48:28 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, village of Wilmette urban planner Erika Fabisch professes her love for De Cero. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Charlie Beinlich's

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:03:14 -0800

When Charles Lutz has a client in town, he doesn’t try to impress them with a pricey meal. He takes them to Charlie Beinlich’s for a cheeseburger.

Check, Please! on Wave

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:30:32 -0800

As executive director of Step Up Women’s Network, Gina Marotta has a special appreciation for restaurants run by women. She also loves great food. That’s what keeps her coming back to Wave, the hip restaurant in the W Lakeshore Hotel, where she can d

Check, Please! on OTOM

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:08:56 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Sheila Dantzler professes her love for Otom in Fulton Market. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:59:12 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, attorney Tony Dombrow professes his love for Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab.

Check, Please! on Socca

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:21:41 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, art director Christopher McGauran professes his love for Socca. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Petterino's

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:12:24 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Jaime Viteri, President and CEO, Viteri Inc., professes his love for Petterino’s. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Aigre Doux

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:42:41 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, attorney Arnim Johnson talks up Aigre Doux. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Quartino

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:13:46 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Production manager Robin Loth professes her love for Quartino. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW, Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Bluprint

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:27:09 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Kassandra Granger professes her love for Bluprint. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Thai Urban Kitchen

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:23:11 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Anthony Nove, a design assistant at Heffernan Morgan Designs, talks about Thai Urban Kitchen.

Check, Please! on Boka

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:26:49 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Argentum Strategy Group President Susan Silver professes her love for Boka. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Lou Mitchell's

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:55:00 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Risk Management International President Scott Mikros endorses Lou Mitchell’s big breakfast. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW.

Check, Please! on India House

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:59:54 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Coco Soodek, an attorney at Bryan Cave, professes her love for India House. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Ina's

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:50:17 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Chicago Architecture Foundation CEO Lynn Osmond talks about her favorite: Ina’s. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Vinci

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:29:32 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Promotional Products Co. president Francine Pepitone professes her love for Vinci. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Manny's

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:06:45 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, photojournalist Steve Matteo talks about non-power dining at Manny’s. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Raffi's on 5th

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:14:42 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, fitness instructor Nicki Anderson professes her love for Raffi’s on 5th. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on one sixtyblue

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:07:46 -0800

Helen Baker likes a restaurant that doesn’t get in the way. At one sixtyblue, the swank West Randolph Street dinner spot, the atmosphere is warm, quiet and conducive to conducting business or chatting up a client without distraction.

Check, Please! on Le Lan

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:56:45 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Robbie Schy, an account executive at Genesis Technologies, talks about Le Lan. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Lovely

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:55:46 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. Jill Evans, a partner at Shout Media Relations, talks about her favorite spot: Lovely. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Shikago

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:17:34 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Ernst & Young consultant Liz Quimson talks about her favorite lunch spot: Shikago. Check, Please! airs weekly on WTTW-TV/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Valois

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:28:32 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Ibis Design’s client-service director Robert Quashie talks about his favorite lunch spot: Valois.

Check, Please! on Club Lucky

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:47:19 -0800

Check, Please! can be seen weekly on WTTW/Channel 11.

Check, Please! on Atwood Café

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:43:11 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. In this episode, Chicago Chocolate Tours owner Valerie Beck talks about her favorite lunch spot: Atwood Café.

Check, Please! on Lucky Platter

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:04:57 -0800

The producers of Check, Please! present ChicagoBusiness.com readers' top spots for business dining. Freelance writer Brent Brotine talks about his favorite lunch spot: Lucky Platter. Check, Please! can be seen weekly on WTTW, Channel 11.

Check, Please! on OYSY

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:11:14 -0800

OYSY (pronounced Oy-see) translates to "delicious," but that's just one reason that senior account executive Rachel Gillman chose it as her favorite business-lunch spot.

Check, Please! on Trattoria No. 10

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:29:21 -0800

Check, Please! can be seen weekly on WTTW, Channel 11

Check, Please! on RL

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:16:38 -0800

Check, Please! can be seen weekly on WTTW, Channel 11

Alison's New Favorite

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Critic Alison Lara reveals her favorite restaurant for business: a chef-driven, contemporary steakhouse.

Laura's New Favorite

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Crain’s restaurant critics Laura Bianchi and Alison Neumer Lara reveal their top picks for business dining: Sixteen and Eve when you want to impress; Hub 51 and the Gage when you need to keep the bill in check.

Budget Favorites

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Alison's Top Pick

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Laura's Top Pick

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Critic Laura Bianchi names her favorite restaurant for business: a sumptuous, classic steakhouse

Casual Dining Picks

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0800

The critics give us the inside scoop on where they like to buzz in for a casual lunch downtown.

Power Brokers: Joanne Nemerovski

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:43:21 -0700

What does it take to sell Chicago-area's most expensive homes? Ride along with two top real estate agents and tour the swank properties they're showing.

Power Brokers: Margie Brooks

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:52:05 -0800

Top real estate brokers explain what it takes to close the biggest deals.