Illinois

James Beard Award finalists littered with Illinois bars, restaurants and chefs

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1 year ago

January 24, 2025

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James Beard Award finalists littered with Illinois bars, restaurants and chefs

Chefs, restaurants and restaurateurs from Illinois have been an announced for the annual James Beard awards.

The finalists were recently announced.

The competition is considered to be one of the nation’s most prestigious honors in the food industry.

Here’s what to know.

What semifinalists were nominated from Illinois?

Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern, Chicago – Best Restaurant Semifinalist
Lee Wolen of Boka, Chicago – Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton
Galit, Chicago – Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water
Jacob Potashnick of Feld, Chicago – Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
Cariño, Chicago – Best New Restaurant
Leigh Omilinsky of Daisies, Chicago – Outstanding pastry Chef
Elske, Chicago – Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Kumiko, Chicago – Outstanding Bar
Bisous, Chicago – Best New Bar
Truce, Chicago – Best New Bar
Marika Josephson and Aaron Kleidon of Scratch Brewing, Ava – Outstanding Professional in Beverage Services
Thomas Kakalios of Asador Bastian, Chicago – Outstanding Professional in Beverage Services
Christopher Marty of Best Intentions, Chicago – Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Services

Are there any ties to Springfield?

Yes. Boka Restaurant Group was founded by Rob Katz and Springfield native Kevin Boehm in 2002. Boehm has established himself as one of the world’s foremost hospitality visionaries, opening 40 restaurants over the past three decades.

About the James Beard Awards

The James Beard Awards recognizes exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

What do winners receive?

Along with the prestige of winning, all James Beard Award winners receive a certificate, and a medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia.

When will winners be announced?

The list will be narrowed down in the coming weeks, with the final nominees made public in April. The winners will be announced in June in Chicago.

Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted

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Illinois

2 Chicago suburbs named in new list of ‘Best Places to Live in U.S.’ in 2026

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3 hours ago

April 15, 2026

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2 Chicago suburbs named in new list of ‘Best Places to Live in U.S.’ in 2026

Two Chicago suburbs were named on a new list of the best places to live in the U.S. in 2026.

In the annual “best places to live” report from ranking website Livability, a northern suburb and a western suburb were both named among the top 20 places to live in the U.S.

“Our 2026 list highlights the small- to mid-sized cities where your paycheck goes further, your commute is shorter and your quality of life comes first,” the publication wrote.

The ranking looked at more than 100 factors across more than 2,000 cities when compiling its list, including things like housing and affordability, amenities and environment, safety, health, education and transportation. Extra weight was given to the category of housing and cost of living as the publication said “we recognize that Americans face a higher cost of living than ever before.”

Cities included in the list had median home values under $500,000 and populations between 75,000 and 500,000 people.

“If it isn’t attainable, it isn’t on our list,” Livability wrote.

While no Illinois city took the top spot on the list, Naperville ranked in the top five, coming in at No. 4. Evanston followed at No. 13.

It marks the second list to name Naperville among the “best places to live in the U.S.,” with a recent ranking from Niche also dubbing the suburb among the top.

Other Midwest cities also made the cut, including Carmel, Indiana, at No. 2; Troy, Michigan, at No. 7; and Bloomington, Minnesota, at No. 18.

The top spot on the list was Huntsville, Alabama.

See the full ranking here.

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Illinois

Page not found – The Daily Northwestern

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15 hours ago

April 15, 2026

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As Illinois legislators consider a bill that would allow renters to use small solar panels under certain conditions, Evanston representatives and activists say the technology offers clear benefits. Senate Bill 3104, sometimes referred to as the Plug-In Illinois Act, would allow renters to use plug-in solar energy systems if the maximum power output is 391…

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Illinois

Illinois Holocaust Museum honors Holocaust victims for Yom HaShoah

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1 day ago

April 14, 2026

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Illinois Holocaust Museum honors Holocaust victims for Yom HaShoah

Tuesday is Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, a day to honor the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis in World War II.

It’s also a reminder of how bigotry, hatred, and indifference can affect us all.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is working to teach young people the history lessons learned from the horrific event.

Bernard Cherkasov, the CEO of the museum, wants people to remember to speak up when they see injustice.

“Individual actions made a difference,” he said. “They make a difference in today’s lives as well. People can interfere when they see somebody being bullied in the playground. People can interfere when they see somebody being marginalized or dehumanized in their communities.”

The museum has several ways for people to learn more about the history of the Holocaust, including virtual reality exhibits where people can interact with a survivor.

The permanent museum in Skokie is closed for renovations. Its current temporary location is at State and Kinzie streets in the River North neighborhood in Chicago, and goes by the name Experience360.

In:

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