Eat. Watch. Do. — ‘Frankenstein’ at Joffrey Ballet, 43 Halloween specials, plus ‘Fraiser’ review
It’s Thursday, Chicago.
There’s a wide array of frightful and delightful activities to enjoy as we count down the days until Halloween in Chicago. You can consult our list of where to find ghoulish-themed dining specials, the city’s most haunted objects and a review for what’s probably the most eerie ballet on stage this year.
But what’s more horrifying than bad and expensive tacos? Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger explores this topic in his latest review. We also have a roundup of exciting new restaurants, and some heartbreaking closures, in dining.
Finally, as the Chicago International Film Fest continues, Michael Phillip interviews “We Grown Now” director Minhal Baig and Rick Kogan interviews first-time director Claude-Aline Nazaire-Miller.
Enjoy the weekend, and we’ll see you next week.
— Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor
‘Frasier’ review: Rebooted and relocated to Boston, but did they leave the comedy in Seattle?
“If only the ‘Frasier’ revival for Paramount+ conjured anything close to the effervescent wit of the Seattle-set original,” Tribune critic Nina Metz writes in her review. Read her thoughts on the reboot here.
Just opened: ‘Like a kiss’ Muah Cotton Candy in Water Tower Place among openings and closings around Chicago
Tucked away on the seventh floor of Water Tower Place is a tiny shop serving colossal confectionaries. Read about that store and six other restaurant openings in Chicago here.
Meet Minhal Baig, the next great Chicago filmmaker
The “We Grown Now” director grew up in Rogers Park and is a star on the rise, according to Tribune critic Michael Phillips. The movie “struck me not just as a vital and beautiful addition to the list of key Chicago-made movies about Chicago, but as a film staking out its own style of poetic realism,” he writes. Read more about Baig here.
Review: How much are you willing to pay for a taco? Spendy taco showdown underway in the West Loop
Though tacos don’t have to be cheap to be delicious, a bevy of West Loop taquerias are serving up overpriced tacos that underdeliver, Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger writes. Read his trio of mini-reviews here.
Nick Cave invited her to make her first movie about his work, with magical results. It’s part of the CIFF.
One of the shortest movies at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival is about the artist Nick Cave and will be screening again Oct. 22 at the Chicago History Museum. Read more about the movie here.
43 boo-zy bites and brunches to kick off Halloween in Chicago
From pumpkin carving with cocktails to dog-friendly costume contests, embrace spooky season and check out our guide to celebrating Halloween at Chicago-area restaurants here.
Review: ‘Night Watch’ at Raven Theatre is a lively mystery-thriller that’ll keep you guessing
If you’re a fan of “Only Murders in the Building,” on Hulu, there’s a chance you’ll also enjoy “Night Watch,” a mystery-thriller now at Raven Theatre. Read Tribune critic Chris Jones’ review here.
Cast your ballot now for Chicagoland’s best cookie in the Tribune’s Holiday Cookie Contest
The ovens have cooled, and aprons have been hung. Now it’s time to vote for Chicago’s favorite cookie to see who will compete for one of our cash prizes! Cast your vote here.
Review: Joffrey Ballet’s ‘Frankenstein’ is terrific and terrifying at Lyric Opera House. Don’t miss it.
The Joffrey Ballet’s “Frankenstein” has everything you want for the spooky season: a gothic setting, sci-fi wizardry, a dash of hedonism, death and destruction and gasp-worthy shock value. Read about the production here.
Philippines tourism targets younger Filipino American travelers
Younger Filipino Americans are looking for more authentic ways to experience the Philippines, and the Philippine Department of Tourism is looking to meet them where they are. Read about the initiatives underway here.
