LOCAL FOOD ENTREPRENEURS l If good things come to those who wait, then Daly's Donuts should get off to a running start at their first brick and mortar Chicago store

RESTAURANTS l The James Beard Foundation has released the list of 2026 semifinalists for its annual award. Chicago (Local Food Forum's home base) is well-represented

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY l Sunset, sunrise. A panaromic view from a Chicago high-rise is a joyous thing...

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY l I'm wired to be an early riser. But often, there are sunrise sky shows that make it worth getting out of bed in the dark...

BEVERAGES l Whether you are doing Dry January or expanding your mixology chops, there's an alcohol-free cocktail contest and tasting event in Chicago on Jan. 18...

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY l We weren't able to capture Chicago's New Year's fireworks due to a logistical matter, but nature provided the year's first beautiful sunrise...

FOOD NON-PROFITS l Every year there are clusters of events planned by Chicago non-profits. One of these is in mid-September, with three big events on one day alone

NATURE l The natural environment in which Chicago sits is one of the favorite things about my hometown. Enjoy some lovely photos from the city's North Pond...

CHEFS l Rob Levitt is the new executive chef at The Publican, a restaurant that helped spark the transition of Chicago's meatpacking district into a culinary mecca..

LOCAL FOOD NEWS l Local Food Forum and Natural Awakenings Chicago are collaborating on a feature, Local Food Dispatch, which highlights regional event and food info