Yugen gets good press, an alternative to the Cat fight, Italian Village justifies its existence, and Bar Kumiko is a critic's church

Beard semifinalists are out, Michael's new concepts are revealed, what's with that celeb chef vs. Alinea?, and help everybody's friend Ina

A critic's gem taken for granted, Sótano's mixed food and drink messages, Funkenvegetables, and how reviewing needs to change (and how it really will)

Social media turns up the heat on chefs, a Venezuelan hangout in exile, Althea glows with vegan health, and Next Silk and Spice wanders

Shooting for stars doesn't guarantee you three, which omakase is OMG-zy, two new south side BBQs, and whatever happened to chili parlors?

The power of awards at George Trois and Temporis, a Harold's list rival, Finom-enal, and a deep Filipino food dive

Special chicken edition, plus Restaurant Week side by sides, a hot reservation in Ravenswood, and covering Chicago from the wrong time zone

Fake dinner news, is there a French resurgence for Brindille to lead, Furious Spoon is twisting, and tacos by the mapful

The longest speech at the Banchets, Virtue signaled, have you had Gujarati eggs? and Smoque catches fire

The year in year-end roundups, reviews of Bar Ramone and About Last Knife, Embeyezzler arrested, diner co-pays, and the last Key Ingredient