Joe McPhee has played his fair share of odd venues. Before becoming internationally renowned as a saxophonist and trumpeter — his music recently appeared in the hit TV show “Severance” — he would play dance-bar gigs and the like in his home base of Poughkeepsie, New York.

But even among dives, the Empty Bottle, where he made his Chicago debut in February 1996, stood out. He killed time at the bar with Radley, the resident cat, before being shown to the green room in the basement — which was, he noted, actually green.

“Somebody told me it wasn’t green because it was painted that way. It was green because there was mold,” McPhee says.

It was a less-than-promising introduction to the hole-in-the-wall Ukrainian Village venue where the main event was rock, not free jazz. But when it came time to take the stage, McPhee emerged to 200 people crammed in the place. They dutifully hushed during the exposed opening of his set — a mere whisper through a pocket trumpet.

“I was shocked that these people knew me,” McPhee recalls.

Some may have, but many surely did not. Such was the curatorial trust the Empty Bottle’s Jazz & Improvised Music Series had built up in just a few short weeks, after debuting earlier that year. The weekly series would run through 2005, when its organizers, saxophonist Ken Vandermark and writer/curator John Corbett, shifted to their current priorities — Vandermark as an internationally touring saxophonist, Corbett as one-half of the team behind the Near West Side gallery and record label Corbett vs. Dempsey. (In fact, Corbett first met business partner Jim Dempsey at the Bottle.)

“The audience became really informed through exposure, week after week, to different things,” Vandermark told the Tribune in a recent interview.

Last month, a time capsule from that period hit shelves physical and digital: “The Bottle Tapes,” a six-CD box set released on the Corbett vs. Dempsey label. To curate the set, Corbett parsed through 250 hours of recordings, most of them by Malachi Ritscher, an avid listener and anti-war activist who recorded thousands of Chicago concerts from the 1980s through the mid-aughts. Thanks to Ritscher, many earth-shaking live shows have been preserved for posterity — a minor miracle in the ephemeral world of free improvisation.

“If there was no Malachi, there would be no box set,” says Vandermark. “Having a collection like this is super significant because it captures a period that transformed not just Chicago music but international music.”

At the time Corbett and Vandermark started the Jazz & Improvised Music Series, the Bottle was still a young venue. Bruce Finkelman, the Bottle’s founder and the current managing partner of the hospitality group 16″ on Center, opened the club in 1992. By 1996, Finkelman had already booked Vandermark on Tuesdays with his ensemble The Vandermark 5, and he was eyeing the Bottle’s Wednesday void next.

“He was looking for something that would fit the profile of the Bottle, and the Bottle was presenting pretty adventurous rock music at that point,” Corbett says.

In other words, Finkelman didn’t recruit Corbett and Vandermark with an expectation of easy-listening jazz. The series and its annual festival of the same name hosted envelope-pushing acts, such as the expansive, spiritual drummer Milford Graves; the rangy sopranist Steve Lacy; Chicago reed daredevil Mars Williams; and a witty duet between trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and percussionist Hamid Drake. Through fiscal support from the Goethe-Institut and similar organizations, the Bottle Series also became a reliable presenter of international musicians such as saxophonists Peter Brötzmann and Mats Gustafsson.

At the series’ apex, the Empty Bottle became as synonymous with improvised music as it was with rock. Corbett and Vandermark commissioned Chicago printmaker Dan Grzeca, whose distinctive artwork has graced many a local gig poster over the years, to create original posters for the series, again drawing it closer to the rock orbit than conventional jazz. Even the avant-garde music publication The Wire, taking a cue from the series, started hosting a festival at the Bottle.

“The Empty Bottle was an indie rock club to the rest of the world. Then, it changed,” Vandermark says.

A poster for 2003 concerts by Peter Brötzmann, created by Dan Grzeca. (Provided by John Corbett)

After a slow start, the Jazz & Improvised Music Series found a devoted, if inconsistent audience, sometimes welcoming hundreds of spectators one week and a dozen the next. The risk was cushioned by some advantages: Ukrainian Village was then a mostly venue-barren neighborhood, and the price was right. A Wednesday night at the bar could set a person back just $10 — enough for both the door charge and a couple of drinks.

None of those proceeds went to Vandermark and Corbett, both of whom led the series as volunteers. Vandermark describes their attitude at the time as “evangelistic.” Corbett prefers “out of our minds.”

“I was there Tuesdays until 3 in the morning and then Wednesdays until 3 in the morning. My saxophone would smell like an ashtray for two days after playing there. And I had a day job,” Vandermark says.

Curating “The Bottle Tapes” gave him and Corbett an opportunity to revisit the series’ fonder memories. Ritscher carefully labeled and organized his self-made recordings. Corbett beelined toward certain recordings — “I wanted to see if they were as wonderful as my faulty memory captured,” he says — while others took him by surprise.

As “The Bottle Tapes” took shape, it emerged as a tribute to pillars of the scene who have since fallen. Brötzmann died in 2023 — the same year as Mars Williams, who also appears on the record. Pianists Willie Pickens and Irene Schweizer, tenorist Von Freeman, late Velvet Lounge owner and saxophonist Fred Anderson, cellist/bassist Harrison Bankhead, and drummer Wilbur “Chief” Campbell are among the other departed artists featured in “The Bottle Tapes.”

Ritscher himself died shortly after the series ended. During a morning rush hour in November 2006, he self-immolated on the side of the Kennedy Expressway in protest of the Iraq War.

Corbett and Vandermark are still humbled by how generously fans like Ritscher gave back to this stridently anti-commercial genre.

“We’re not talking about music that has millions and millions and millions of auditions. It works at a much more human scale, one to one,” Corbett muses. “That’s part of what’s so beautiful about it, but also what makes it so tenuous. It’s like a life. And when that life leaves, unless there are people to really memorialize what was significant about that person’s life, it’s going to fade.”

On Nov. 1, some 250 people did just that, streaming into the Empty Bottle for a “Bottle Tapes” release show. McPhee played again — his first time back at the Bottle since the series ended — as did Vandermark, in a duo of out-of-body brilliance with sound artist Damon Locks.

In the spirit of the old Empty Bottle Festivals, there was also a surprise set: a first musical meeting between bassist Clark Sommers, reedist Ed Wilkerson Jr. and drummer Paal Nilssen-Love, the last of whom had flown in from Norway for the event. Dan Grzeca even made the posters again, eagerly snapped up by attendees at the merch table. The main difference: Instead of starting at 10 p.m., the release show mercifully booked the Bottle from 5 to 9 p.m. instead.

Ironically, all that was missing was the box set itself. The CD shipment, Corbett told the audience, was held up at O’Hare. (“In the long tradition of not having records at a record release show,” he deadpanned.)

While presenting the acts, Corbett found himself dizzy with déjà vu. Sure, the bartenders were different, and so was the in-house cat—these days, a mild-mannered tabby named Peg. Otherwise, he marvels, the Bottle “feels and smells the same.”

“I had an acid-flashback kind of situation there on stage, and I had very strange dreams the next couple nights, too,” he says, chuckling.

But this was no mere nostalgia trip. Headliners like Locks and cellist/electronic artist Dorothy Carlos represented just a few of the directions in which Chicago’s improvised music scene has grown since the series ended, 20 years ago. Meanwhile, nearly as many curious Gen Zers — from within and outside the creative music scene — dotted the crowd as Bottle series alums.

“That’s what I love about this music,” Vandermark says. “It’s truly about now.”

Hannah Edgar is a freelance writer.

“The Bottle Tapes,” $50 physical edition, $40 digital, at corbettvsdempsey.com and corbettvsdempsey.bandcamp.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/empty-bottle-tapes-corbett-vs-dempsey/ 

The mainstage Chicago event for New Year’s Eve has, for the past several years, been the downtown fireworks — this year to be shared with the nation via the cameras for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” But there’s lots more going on for the big night.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”

For the first time, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” hosted by Ryan Seacrest, will broadcast live from Chicago at midnight for the Central Time zone countdown. Chance the Rapper will host and perform, and at the stroke of midnight, fireworks will launch from bridges along the Riverwalk. Shemekia Copeland, J. Ivy, DJ Mike P and DJ Mike Dunn will also appear, and, from 7-9 p.m., Art on the Mart will offer a special audio-visual projection. The main stage will be located at Wacker Drive and Franklin Street.

The night’s broadcast will air live on ABC, headquartered as usual in Times Square in New York City, with plenty of cutaways to Chicago promised for the evening. The telecast will also visit Las Vegas and Puerto Rico.

7 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31 on the Chicago Riverwalk, Wacker Drive between Wells and Lake streets; details on the free event at chicago.gov. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” will begin airing at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 on ABC, streaming the following day on Hulu, and also broadcasting live on KISS FM Chicago radio.

Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

The gathering along the Chicago Riverwalk and the lakefront are free and open to the public. Fireworks will launch at midnight from bridges between Orleans and Columbus Streets along the Riverwalk, as well as from Navy Pier, with the best vantage point from Upper Wacker Drive.

How to enter: Opening at 5 p.m., event entrances are located on Wacker Drive at the corner of Wells and Lake Streets. All participants will be subject to bag checks and are permitted bags sized 12”x6”x12” or smaller. Gates will close once the event reaches capacity.

Take public transportation: CTA trains and buses will be free from 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, until 4 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1. Or discounted pre-purchase parking is available at Millennium Garages.

Bridge and road closures: Wacker Drive from Lake to Wells and Orleans Street bridge will be closed beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Franklin from Lake Street to Wacker will close on Monday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m. Additional street closures will go into effect on the following bridges on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 11:30 p.m.: Dearborn Street Bridge; Clark Street Bridge; LaSalle Street Bridge; Wabash Street Bridge; Columbus Drive Bridge.

Final Toast at The Promontory

For the last time, raise a glass to The Promontory, the beloved Hyde Park venue that opened a little more than a decade ago. Say farewell with several DJs and special guests as well as an open bar and party favors. At midnight, expect a balloon drop and a champagne toast.

8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31 at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West; tickets (ages 21+) from $61.74 at promontorychicago.com

New Year’s Eve on Navy Pier

Want to see the Navy Pier midnight fireworks up close? Sure, you can stand outside. But you could also attend one of the Pier’s parties. The Aon Grand Ballroom claims the largest dance floor in the city—big enough to host 3,000 revelers dressed to impress. Expect live music, DJs and a balloon drop before watching fireworks through the ballroom’s windows. Can’t get into the Ballroom? Try Bar Sol. Beyond its lakefront views, Bar Sol’s New Year on the Pier will feature live DJs and various packages for food and drinks.

Grand Chicago New Year’s Eve will be 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31 in the Aon Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier, 840 E. Grand Ave.; details at navypier.org. New Year on the Pier will be 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. at Bar Sol, 700 E. Grand Ave.; tickets from $99 at navypierevents.greencurtainevents.com

STS9: Year Infinity

Livetronica fans: Sound Tribe Sector 9 plays a three-night stand at Ramova Theatre. Dance 2025 away and into the cosmos with STS9’s ethereal grooves. The band plays three sets on New Year’s Eve. Earlier shows will feature parkbreezy and Thought Process.

Dec. 29-31 at Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.; tickets from $63 at tixr.com

Gimme Gimme Disco

You can dance, you can jive. / Having the time of your life. Hey, Dancing Queens, head to The Salt Shed to boogie into the New Year as DJs spin ABBA, Bee Gees, Donna Summer and more disco hits. Dress like it’s 1977.

9 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets (ages 17+) from $58.25 at saltshedchicago.com

Inside the Salt Shed before a concert on Oct. 12, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Fountains of Wayne NYE

Following on their 4th of July Summerfest concert in Milwaukee — one of the first since founding member Adam Schlesinger died of complications from COVID-19 in 2020 — Fountains of Wayne play the Vic Theatre for a New Year’s Eve show. Stacy’s Mom apparently still has got it going on. Fig Dish and Child Seat open.

9 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.; tickets (ages 18+) $59.34 at jamusa.com

Dehd’s Bye Bye ’25 NYE Run

Chicago’s own Dehd play out 2025 at Thalia Hall. The indie-rock trio — Emily Kempf, Jason Balla and Eric McGrady — will play songs from their fifth album, “Poetry,” and more. Sharp Pins opens.

10 p.m. Dec. 31 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets (ages 17+) from $46.39 at ticketweb.com

Emily Kempf of Dehd performs on the Radical Stage at Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Heart of Chicago Soul Club NYE Dance Party

This dance party is set to an all-vinyl soundtrack. Groove to rare soul, psych, disco and more. And who wouldn’t want to be cozy inside the Hideout when the champagne pops?

8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.; tickets (ages 21+) from $20 at hideoutchicago.com

NYE with Helado Negro

Given how surreal 2025 was, maybe your New Year’s Eve soundtrack calls for some dreamy avant-pop? Roberto Carlos Lange, aka Helado Negro, presides over the music at Punch House. Featured on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series, Helado Negro just released “The Last Sound on Earth.”

9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Punch House, 1227 W. 18th St.; tickets (ages 21+) free to $434.23 at ticketweb.com

The Great Gatsby Prohibition New Year’s Eve Party

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past …  er, um … or maybe into 2026 instead. If you want to party like it’s 1922, head to Morgan Manufacturing for DJs, drinks, dessert, party favors and more. Various packages available.

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31 at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St.; tickets from $89 at gatsbynewyearsparty.com

Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé in the national tour of “The Phantom of the Opera” at Cadillac Palace Theatre. (Matthew Murphy)

“Phantom of the Opera”

The new national tour of Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless musical is now at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in the Loop for a holiday run that Tribune critic Chris Jones calls “a true rarity these days among touring productions” in his four-star review. Jordan Lee Gilbert does a great Christine.

1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.; tickets from $85 at broadwayinchicago.com

Phantom on the Roof

Celebrate 27 stories into the Chicago sky at Roof on theWit. This year’s party theme is “Phantom on the Roof” — head there after the Cadillac Palace. Expect a masquerade complete with DJs and dancing, cocktails and, of course, champagne.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31 at Roof on theWit, 201 N. State St., 27th Floor; tickets from $60 at roofonthewit.com

Hawkins Snow Ball NYE Celebration

“Stranger Things” fans know the series finale drops on New Year’s. Celebrate with fellow superfans at Replay Lincoln Park’s Hawkins Snow Ball ’84. Dance to ’80s hits, drink themed cocktails, eat pizza and toast 2026 with champagne, a balloon drop and favors. No demigorgons, please.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31 at Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave.; tickets $50 at replaylincolnpark.com

IMHO’s New Year’s Eve Party

Pop the bubbly with Darby Lynn Cartwright and Alexis P. Bevels, stars of the “IMHO” (“In My Homosexual Opinion”) podcast and YouTube series. The drag show promises singing, “dancing sort of I mean not really, comedy, trauma, and videos that YouTube called ‘not appropriate!’”

9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets (2-item minimum) from $30 at thedentheatre.com

Bambi Banks-Couleé performing at Roscoe’s Tavern with the “Black Girl Magic” cast. (Natalie Wade / Chicago Tribune)

Celestial Soirée: New Year’s Eve

Ariel Zetina, DJ Heather, DJ Brenda, and Harry Cross top the lineup at Metro. Presented by smartbar and Queen, Bambi Banks and local drag queens host.

9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St.; tickets (ages 21+) from $40 at metrochicago.com

Stars & Garters New Year’s Eve Spectacular Spectacular!

Relatively new to the scene and inspired by a 1908 burlesque theater downtown, Stars & Garters lays it all out for its New Year’s Eve show. Expect a burlesque striptease, tarot-card readings, magic, comedy, a jazz trio, DJs — plus a live sloth.

8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Stars & Garters, 3914 N. Clark St.; tickets $80 at starsandgartersclub.com

New Year’s Rockabilly Eve

The cast of “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” will perform classic rock ‘n’ roll, including “Great Balls of Fire,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve.” Book the earlier performance if you’d prefer to get home in time to watch the countdown from the comfort of your couch. Or, consider a package that includes dinner and a hotel room.

5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire; tickets from $75 at marriotttheatre.com

Colton Sims with JP Coletta, Cody Siragusa and Teah Kiang Mirabelli in “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. (Justin Barbin)

New Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert

You’ve got three chances to ring in the new year with classical pops. Music director and conductor Kirk Muspratt will lead the New Philharmonic in a program featuring waltzes by Johann Strauss and champagne. Soprano Alisa Jordheim will perform.

1:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn; tickets from $77.50 at atthemac.org

Mr. Dave’s Baby Rave

Parents too sleep-deprived to party, take note: Rave with your kids at Lincoln Hall 12 hours before the New Year drops. Mr. Dave and DJ Matt Roan offer a 75-minute dance party complete with glow sticks, “trippy” visuals, and a countdown to noon. Recommended for kids up to age 6. Don’t forget ear protection.

Noon, Dec. 31 at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.; tickets from $24.30 (1 year and under free) at lh-st.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/new-years-eve-guide-2025/ 

Governments In The West Turn Their Sights On VPNs As They Escalate Assault On Online Privacy/Anonymity

Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/24/2025 – 06:30

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/governments-west-turn-their-sights-vpns-they-escalate-assault-online-privacyanonymity 

A foundation that was created to help hospice patients and their loved ones handle medical costs is also providing comfort when families need it most.

Often, that comes in the form of resources to make the most of their remaining time.

“Anything a patient wants to do, go to a restaurant, go to a holiday party,” said Gabrielle Bello, director of the Oasis Foundation, which was formed to assist patients at Flossmoor-based Oasis Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. and its standalone inpatient facility The House of Goshen.

For one adult patient, that help was as simple as providing a doll for companionship.

“Now she has it with her wherever she goes,” Bello said.

Formed in 2021, the Oasis Foundation raises money for education, well being, community events, funerals and transportation, officials said. It also funds a program called Hearts Desires, which endeavors to provide for patients’ last wishes requests.

As part of its commitment to education, the foundation offers $2,500 Pathways to Purpose scholarships to students from Cook, Will and DuPage counties who are pursuing health care or social work careers and have an interest in geriatrics or personal experience with hospice. Information is at www.oasisthefoundation.org/pathwaytopurposescholarship.

“We’re trying to invest in the future caregiver,” Bello said. “I think especially what we see is a lot of people don’t have that experience when they come out of nursing school … we’re putting that on their radar.”

Bello’s parents, Sade and Hakeem Bello, founded Oasis and are CEO and CFO, respectively. She began volunteering for Oasis doing wellness checks and discovered the need for services funded by the foundation.

“I realized there was a lot of need for wrap-around services and we couldn’t provide,” Gabrielle Bello said. She recalls thinking, “I wish we could do something like that.”

Several relatives of hospice patients said the expert experience and compassion of staff were crucial and that they were glad to hear about a scholarship that would help fund the education of future staff with the same talents.

“There’s a need out there,” said Afrika Rouselle, of Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood, whose mother received hospice services from Oasis. “It’s critical. I think it’s just as critical as having the proper staffing and proper medication services when we are birthing.”

Rouselle has also benefited from bereavement counseling from Oasis, as well as transportation from the foundation funds. Her mom has had several heart attacks, triple bypass surgery and suffers from dementia.

“It’s been very helpful to have the bereavement counseling because my mom is fading,” said Rouselle. “She has four grandchildren and I have to explain and be able to maintain my emotions.

“I’m an only child, so my mom is my best friend,” she said.

Rouselle had been seeing her mother weekly, though now visits twice weekly enabled by the transportation funded by the foundation.

Bethy Beno, whose mother received hospice services from Oasis at home last year, has volunteered there for three years. When her mother died, she asked that in lieu of flowers, people donate to the foundation.

She said she was glad the money would be going toward the future careers of students who might consider hospice.

“It’s an exceptionally important field because the people who have been with Oasis for a long time, really feel it is their calling to deal with very sick people. And there are a lot of people they employ and hire, and two to three weeks later they’re gone.

“The more experience they have when they come to us for employment, they know what to expect.”

Beno said Oasis showed her how helpful good hospice care could be for patients and their families.

“The building is absolutely beautiful,” she said. “Their caring philosophy is just heard loud and clear every time they talk to employees.”

Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/flossmoor-oasis-hospice-foundation/ 

For many years, I’ve been what I call a Linus Man. Linus, of course, refers to Linus Van Pelt, Charlie Brown’s best pal in Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip. 

Linus was my guy from the start. I realized that he understood life in ways that we should all aspire to. Linus never fully gets there, and neither do we. But each morning, he stands at that brick wall with his friend Charlie and shares what he learned and what he was trying to, often by asking the right questions. 

Questions are wondrous because every question is also a statement. They say, in effect, that such and such may be possible. Or else you wouldn’t ask. 

Meaning is paramount to Linus. It’s meaning that sticks to the heart and soul. And if Linus has to seek that meaning alone, then by all things Great Pumpkin, that’s what he does. 

He is able to sit down with disappointment, with pain, and realize the validity — even the comfort — of those feelings. Because without them, we don’t understand as much as we ought to. We miss out on joy, for joy requires us to see, and embrace, emotional shadings and notes. Melancholia can be like rain, and rain can be beautiful. And rain is definitely necessary for anything to grow. So it goes with us, as Linus knew better than most.

The bravest thing I’ve ever seen on television is when Linus steps to the middle of the stage in 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to share his most intimate thoughts as to what the season of seasons is most about.

First, though, he asks an unseen stagehand for a beam of light, which has long struck me as significant. We carry around such darkness, especially in an age in which we subvert our true selves for what “plays” better in terms of appearances, often losing that true self in the process.

Linus proceeds to orate a bit of the story of Christ’s birth, but this isn’t about religion. He’s speaking of contemplation, of looking to others and seeing what they need, and of becoming one’s better self.

I couldn’t believe this was a kid. I knew he wasn’t created by a kid, but that didn’t matter because Linus is wholly Linus. He is universally personal and personally universal. Child, adult. I was becoming both. When I settle in with some of his wisdom these decades later, when I watch as he delivers television’s speech of speeches, I never experience it the same way.

I’ve tried to be a Linus Man, to varying degrees of success, ever since. I think I’ve gotten better at it. I make sure not to hurt people, which is also how we hurt ourselves.

Little is harder in our present age than to be alone in a quiet space with our thoughts. How many of us ever try? It’s hard to imagine Linus struggling with that activity. In a world where everyone can’t wait to tell you how much them love themselves, a Linus person is someone who knows themselves.

He’s a listener. To others and to himself. He understands other people’s needs and what must be done to meet them.

I was a Linus Man when I stopped drinking. A Linus Man spreads peace, but not via placation. He doesn’t seek to please for the sake of doing so. He isn’t obsequious. He doesn’t hit the “like” button in life just to hit it. He knows better than that.

Linus is Socrates with a baseball mitt. A believer in the art of being good, the obligation thereof, and sincere pumpkin patches.

Go with Linus to the middle of that stage, which is really the stage of life. Embody what you ought to embody, regardless of what anyone else is doing. Be a Linus person.

Lights, please. 

Colin Fleming is the author of “Sam Cooke: Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963,” an entry in Bloomsbury’s 33 1/3 series.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/opinion-linus-van-pelt-peanuts-charlie-brown/ 

“I have a movie for us to watch tonight,” my husband remarked the other day. “It’s about a mom, who gets fed up with Christmas, and she leaves her family to become a nun.”

“Sold!” I replied enthusiastically. (Spoiler alert: This is not, actually, the plot of “Oh.What.Fun,” the holiday flick starring Michelle Pfeiffer, that he was referring to. Nor am I actually leaving my family to become a nun. Yet.) 

But that comment came the same week as an Instagram post of “Micro-feminist things I casually say to dads before the holiday” by the account @theperinatalcollective — parenting mental health therapists Kate Borsato and Melissa Medjuck — was being circulated among my mom friend group.

“You must be exhausted. … Christmas season is such a busy season for dads,” is one line. “Are you doing matching PJs? Did you coordinate the photo theme?” is another. And my personal favorite: “asking him if he’s all set with teacher gifts, neighbor gifts, stocking stuffers and daycare cards.”

“Dead on,” my running buddy, who’d also just confessed to feelings of overwhelm, responded. 

It also came the same week as our family made a visit to the Walnut Room for a holiday lunch.

The legendary old Marshall Field’s restaurant, known for its 45-foot holiday tree, Mrs. Hering’s pot pie and Frango Mint pie, once again was filled with middle-aged and elderly women posing with their children and grandchildren for photo evidence of a continuing tradition.

“We had a nice time,” another friend of mine, who also cleared the Walnut Room’s lengthy waiting list that week, remarked about her own experience. “But it’s mainly about my mom and her memories.”

A few years before, my two girls and I had met my husband for a late lunch there, a day he was working downtown. We’d dressed up and spent a little time shopping. He came from a Board of Elections hearing in a suit and tie. And the reaction by the older women to our family left me with emotions that make me a little teary.

“You all look so nice,” one remarked, practically petting us. “You know, this was just how it was years ago.”

Marshall Field’s officially ended its run as a Chicago store in September 2009 when Macy’s converted the flagship State Street location and all of its satellite stores to its name. But Macy’s smartly kept the Walnut Room, the seventh-floor wood-paneled dining room that had been a city icon since 1907.

Workers install a 45-foot-tall Christmas tree in Marshall Field’s Walnut Room on Nov. 20, 1959, in the State Street store. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

It’s the subject of a recent WTTW-Ch. 11 “Chicago Stories” documentary, which details the rise and fall of the store, which began as a dry goods shop before becoming a national retail powerhouse. The documentary shows the store’s iconic green bags, which are featured in movies such as “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Home Alone”; the history behind the 6,000-square-foot Tiffany dome; and the magic of the store’s annual holiday windows displays.

My favorite aunt has saved her long-defunct credit card in a box of keepsakes and recently sent me a screenshot. We recently gifted my frugal, notoriously hard-to-buy-for mother a hunter green T-shirt with the Marshall Field’s logo on it. She claims she actually really loves it.  

I’ve been contemplating attempting a re-creation of the Frango pie for this year’s Christmas Eve dessert. 

“Give the lady what she wants” was Marshall Field’s slogan, with a focus on creating a positive, memorable shopping experience for women in particular. Women were — and remain today, despite all of our societal advances — the average household’s primary shopper, according to numerous studies. That meant, PBS’ “American Experience” notes, discarding the typical “buyer beware” approach, and rejecting common rules returning and exchanging items, and instead offering lounges, a nursery and library, and the ability to hold meetings at the store and write letters on complimentary Marshall Field’s stationery.

This season, I have realized that what so many of us want is that, back for an afternoon. To sit with our loved ones, not worry about the endless to-do lists. Particularly as so many of us feel simply crushed by Christmas. To have the endless requests and feelings of failure and impossible perfection be suspended because for a little while, wonder and perfection can materialize in a 45-foot tree and slice of mint pie. 

Kerry Lester Kasper is a Chicago-based writer.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/opinion-holiday-moms-stress-marshall-fields-walnut-room/ 

In January 1986, as the Bears were shuffling off to the Super Bowl, I started at Marshall Field’s on State Street. I had worked for several years at suburban stores. But being hired by the flagship store was like being called up to the major leagues.

The first two years, I managed customer service: complaints, returns, package tracking and the information desks. My next five years were spent as the manager of the cash and credit office: credit card payments, gift certificate sales, all the cash for the store registers and restaurants, payroll distribution, refunds and travel expenses for the executives.

Before online shopping, people flocked to the Loop at the holidays, and Marshall Field’s was the jewel of State Street. To pull off the holidays, the store started long before the first snowfall. We began staffing up in August. In the cash office, I usually had a staff of 28; by late fall, 65. Each year before the rush, I would give my crew a pep talk:

“You are all part of a Chicago and retail tradition. Pageantry, theater, ritual, the Walnut Room tree, decorated windows and Uncle Mistletoe. Crowds like you have never seen. More money going through your hands than you could have imagined. Working here will be both exciting and exhausting, magical, mystical and magnificent. You will never work so hard, be energized and depleted at the same time. Enjoy it all. You will never be part of something like this again.”

While my staff worked hard, being part of management was nothing short of brutal. From the day the tree went up, we worked six days a week until inventory in January. If I had a good night’s sleep and clean clothes, that was a success.

In customer service, we were drilled on the phrase: “Give the lady what she wants.” One day, an older woman called and wanted to know what time the Christmas parade was being broadcast. We told her we didn’t sponsor the parade. She said, “Young lady, I bought the TV there; you should be able to tell me.” We looked it up.

Cozy Cloud Cottage was right outside of customer service. One Saturday, an elf came in to tell me that one of the Santas was drunk. While my assistant and I were plying him with coffee, human resources was on the phone trying to get a sub. He lost the job.

The Frango mints started to arrive in September. We stored cases of them in the cash office to include in gift certificate sales. They sat in my office for four months, and to this day, I cannot stand that mint smell.

The furs department would encourage customers to pick up their furs in storage early in the season. They needed the space to store Frango mints in the cold fur vaults. That’s where we also stored the Champagne we drank at closing on Christmas Eve.

Storage space was in high demand. Holiday decorations were brought down to the floors all September and October and stored in any available spaces — stockrooms, offices, unused dressing rooms and closets — until they could be put up on the floors. Behind the scenes, you couldn’t turn a corner without bumping into a tree or a life-size nutcracker.

Then there was Mistletoe Bear, a signature toy bear with a new one produced every year. They became a collector’s item. People went for them like they were Cabbage Patch dolls, or toilet paper during the pandemic. One evening, I was the acting operations manager and was paged up to toys. There was a long line of angry people waiting to get their bears. The toy manager let me know that there were only a few boxes of bears left. We called up as many security guards as possible to help.

Once she got to the last case, a little old man stepped up. He got the last bear. As the toy manager made the announcement that there were no more bears, the crowd went wild. A security guard and I shoved the poor man into a freight elevator: “It’s for your own safety, sir.” I think he’s still riding that elevator.

When the store was super crowded, management was sent to the floor for crowd control. We were stationed at the escalators. People would get to the top of an escalator and stop in awe of the decorations. Our job was to keep them moving to avoid pile-ups. “Please keep moving along so the people behind you can also enjoy the decorations,” we would say.

Although we had cash office seasonal employees take polygraphs, we still managed to hire two thieves every year. A mentor of mine told me, “They may think they are an honest person, but they have never been presented with so much temptation.” You see, it was the second-largest department store cash office in the country, volume equal to a large suburban bank. The last few days leading up to Christmas, there would be a half million dollars of cash in the office. Marshall Field’s did a third of its business in the last eight weeks of the year. And $2 million in gift certificate sales in December.

There is an atrium in the State Street store. As many of the staff members as possible moved close to the atrium at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. When the closing bell rang, everyone would yell up the atrium. The sound was deafening. The pre-holiday rush was over.

After the most intense management experience one could have, I left in April 1993. Having gone back to college while working, I changed careers. I never worked in retail again. But 30 years later, the memories are vivid like yesterday. I relish the times, the seven holiday seasons. Back then, I had no idea there would be an expiration date on the Marshall Field’s experience.

Donna Del Giudice is a lifelong Chicagoan and as a baby boomer remembers fondly visiting Marshall Field’s during the holidays.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/opinion-marshall-fields-history-macys-chicago-christmas/ 

We didn’t just beat the Packers on Saturday night. We stole something from them: control of the rivalry. For the first time in my 19-year life, the idea of a Bears Super Bowl doesn’t feel like nostalgia or delusion — it feels possible.

I’ve been a Chicagoan my entire life, which means I’ve known one truth: The Packers own us. Year after year, season after season, the rivalry felt less like a competition and more like a sentence: We watch, we hope quietly and we brace for disappointment.

Saturday night, I was at a watch party packed with Bears and Packers fans. The consensus was cautious optimism: the kind we have learned to carry as Bears fans. We knew we could win. We also knew how easily it could fall apart.

At halftime, it felt familiar: losing 6-0 in howling 20 mph winds. We made field goals instead of touchdowns. Even with Jordan Love out, belief felt dangerous.

By the two-minute warning, Packers fans were comfortable again. Up 16-9 with possession, they wore the confidence of decade-long dominance. Bears fans felt that old feeling creep back in — the one that says, this is where it ends. Then something broke the script.

The Bears lined up for an onside kick, a play successful only 8% of this season. Romeo Doubs bobbled it. The Bears recovered the ball, and the house exploded. For the first time all night, hope wasn’t theoretical — it was real.

Caleb Williams took over, moving the ball with purpose. On 4th and 4 with 28 seconds left near the goal line, it felt like everything — this game, this season, this rivalry — came down to a single snap. Jahdae Walker shook the defense and came down with the ball, barely inside the end zone. We were going to overtime.

In overtime, the Packers cracked. A botched snap at the Bears’ 40 gave Chicago the chance to finish the story. Williams launched a 46-yard throw to DJ Moore, a perfect two-handed dive in the end zone. Game over.

Tom Brady called it a “10/10, A+ throw.” But for Bears fans, it was more than that — it was release. The rivalry shifted. We didn’t just win a game; we remembered how to believe.

For the first time in decades, there are two words Chicagoans can discuss without laughing: Super Bowl.

— Jacob Goroff, Chicago

What an embarrassment

As a newspaper reporter on the Bears many years ago and now a fan, I welcomed the hiring of a much-needed team president. But Kevin Warren, once promising in that leadership role, has become embarrassing. He should have realized he would not get the taxpayer money he wanted to help the reported $8.8 billion franchise build a domed stadium. He even took too long conceding there was the only one reasonable stadium site, Bear ownership having already purchased the property in Arlington Heights.

After proposing $2 billion from the Bears toward the roughly $5 billion needed for a new stadium and surrounding infrastructure, Warren should be seeking the additional money with appeals to private investors, the ultra-rich and the obligated NFL. He already has wasted a lot of time, money and publicity on an unworkable lakefront project and now has ridiculously brought Indiana into the act. That’s his response to the state legislature’s denial of a taxpayer bailout.

It’s not likely taxpayers in Indiana or any other place want to financially benefit a multibillion-dollar franchise, even one headed for the playoffs. The Bears figure to be stuck in Soldier Field for quite a while, maybe until their lease expires in eight years.

— Ed Stone, Northbrook

No more rip-offs by Bears

I’ve been an enthusiastic Bears fan for 45 years. I keep up with my team. I attend games occasionally. I watch most games on television. When the Bears are great and win, I’m excited with every play. When the Bears lose, I’m disappointed for an hour or two, and life goes on.

In other words, I’m as loyal and emotionally tied to the Bears as most fans in Chicagoland but certainly not as zealous as the die-hards who live and breathe Bears. My point: If the Bears move to Arlington Heights, fine. If the Bears stay in Chicago, fine. If the Bears move to Indiana, fine.

But please don’t let them rip everybody off like the last time.

— Bob Ray, River Forest

Ticket prices keep rising

Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren was hired for one reason and one reason only: to get the Bears a new stadium deal, period.

He’s looking foolish with all this posturing about wanting to stay at Soldier Field or moving the team to the suburbs (Arlington Heights) or elsewhere in the vicinity of Chicago and now to Indiana. Who is he kidding? And what an insult it is to Bear fans and the taxpayers of Illinois.

The Bears have billions of dollars; they would own the stadium, and all the revenue from it would go into the team’s coffers. For Warren to keep playing this ridiculous game is only ruining his good name and reputation and the Bears’.

I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1986 and have endured endless years, decades of pathetic teams, coaches and executives. My ticket prices have gone up each and every year, even when the Bears were an embarrassment to football. I live in the western suburbs, and just going to a Bears game today is an all-day event. There is only one way in and one way out of Soldier Field.

If they ever move to Indiana, going to a game via Interstate 294, God help us all. No way will keep my tickets; I’m out.

And really, don’t continue to insult Bears fans’ intelligence. We all know, tax breaks or not, you’ll just make up the difference with ticket cost increases.

Just get over yourself and do the Arlington Heights deal and put all this ridiculous time and effort into winning a championship for us Bears fans.

— Ray Calamia, Winfield

Real reward for Bears

The Bears have stunk for years. The McCaskeys want the taxpayers to pay up big time, every time; it’s just what they do.

Just watch what happens if the Bears happen to win the Super Bowl this season. Illinois and Chicago will be throwing money, that they do not have, at the Bears for a new stadium to keep them on the lakefront or at least in Chicago. So in a warped way, the Bear’s and the MaCaskeys are playing with and for other people’s money.

The Super Bowl is the secondary prize, while the fleecing of the taxpayers to get their stadium is the real reward.

— Thomas Burgan, Geneva

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/letters-122425-bears/ 

No matter how 2025 treated you, New Year’s Eve provides an opportunity to put the good times and the bad in the rearview mirror and start 2026 off right. Restaurants throughout Chicago are celebrating by hosting dinners filled with luxurious items like seafood, steak and caviar. You can enjoy wine pairings and finish with a toast of bubbly or have an earlier meal and then head to a blowout bash at a bar with a drink package and a DJ to keep you dancing into the early hours of the morning. There are even some places that are offering both options under one roof, so you can keep the festivities going all night without putting your coat back on. 

Just be sure to book a spot at one of these celebrations soon as many events will sell out or increase in price as it gets closer to Dec. 31.

The Loop and Near North Side

Acanto

The Loop Italian restaurant offers a four-course menu ($130 plus $45 for wine pairings) including seared foie gras, lobster tortelloni, truffle risotto and limoncello sponge cake. 18 S. Michigan Ave., 312-578-0763, acantochicago.com/nye

Adalina

The Adalina After Dark party ($200) includes a four-course dinner featuring truffle Caesar salad, three cheese ravioli and pistachio cheesecake, plus a bottle of Champagne per couple, a DJ and passed bites to keep you dancing after the countdown. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 912 N. State St., 312-820-9000, opentable.com/r/adalina-italian-chicago

The Albert

Celebrate from 3 to 7 p.m. with pizza, pasta, tiramisu, prosecco tastings, music from the Steve Knight Band, giveaways and a countdown at 5 p.m., which is midnight in Italy. Come later for a four-course Italian-style dinner ($90) including hamachi crudo, shrimp risotto and pesto-stuffed roasted rack of lamb. 228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com/specialevents

Avli on the Park

Come at 7 p.m. for a Greek-inspired buffet with a welcome glass of sparkling wine ($75) or just join for the party at 8:30 p.m. for appetizers, a premium drink package, sparkling wine, and a DJ ($85-$125). 180 N. Field Blvd., 312-600-9997, avli.us/nye-2026

Bar Sotto

An Italian disco-themed bash includes appetizers, prosecco, beer and cocktails ($120). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 71 W. Monroe St., 312-332-7475, barsotto-chicago.com

Bistronomic

Chef Martial Noguier and Les Nomades chef Roland Liccioni team up for a four-course meal ($140 plus $70 for wine pairings) including salmon tartare, wild duck pie and Grand Marnier souffle. 840 N. Wabash Ave., 312-944-8400, bistronomic.net

Broken Shaker

The bar within the Freehand Chicago hosts a showgirl-inspired drag and burlesque show featuring cocktails, giveaways, drinking games, a complimentary glass of bubbles and music from Glamour Cadaver. 19 E. Ohio St., 312-940-3699, eventbrite.com

Eataly

Start celebrating early by visiting 15 tasting stations ($60) throughout the marketplace serving caponata, tortelli alla burrata, cotechino and other Italian dishes. A $75 ticket also includes two glasses of wine and a craft cocktail. 3-6 p.m. 43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com

Electric Shuffle

Play unlimited shuffleboard during a bash ($150) that includes an open bar, pizza, appetizers, dessert and a silent disco after midnight. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 488 N. La Salle Drive, 312-736-7617, electricshuffle.com

FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar

A three-course supper club menu ($80) offered Dec. 29 through Jan. 1 includes lobster bisque, braised lamb shank and a pear almond tart plus a Champagne toast on New Year’s Eve. 5-10 p.m. 221 N. Columbus Drive, 312-477-0234, firelakechicago.com

Grill on 21

The restaurant within The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection offers a four-course dinner ($150) featuring hamachi ceviche, lobster bisque, steak frites and olive oil cake from 5 to 11 p.m. The Flat Cats Band plays in the bar from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and there will be party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. A bash in the hotel ballroom ($109) features a top-shelf bar package, pasta, appetizers, dessert, DJs and party favors from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000, ext. 3, grillon21.com/new-years-eve

I|O Godfrey

Take in the views from the fourth floor of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago at a bash (tickets start at $50) including passed appetizers until 10 p.m. and a midnight Champagne toast. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 127 W. Huron St., 312- 374-1830, iogodfrey.com/events

Lirica

The restaurant within Sable at Navy Pier serves a four-course dinner ($95) from 4 to 10 p.m. including seafood bisque, lobster linguini and truffle flourless chocolate cake. A bash ($150) in the hotel’s ballroom from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. includes an open bar, appetizers, DJ, a bubbly toast and a view of the fireworks at midnight. 900 E. Grand Ave.,  liricarestaurant.com/specials-and-events 

Mercadito

Celebrate with a four-course menu ($85) featuring guacamole, Argentinian steak frites and churro bites plus a midnight toast. 8 p.m. to midnight. 108 W. Kinzie St., 312-329-9555, mercaditorivernorth.com

Miru

Watch the midnight fireworks over the Chicago River during a celebration ($250), including Japanese-inspired canapes, interactive food stations, wine, beer, cocktails, a DJ and a photo booth. 9 p.m. 401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-7811, mirurestaurant.com

Osteria Via Stato

Prosecco at Osteria Via Stato. (Anjali M. Pinto/Lettuce Entertain You)

A four-course dinner ($90) includes house-marinated olives, hand-rolled ricotta gnocchi with duck ragu, dry-aged filet with wild mushroom sauce and bittersweet truffle cake. 4:30-9:30 p.m. 620 N. State St., 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com

Petit Pomeroy

The River North restaurant serves a four-course dinner ($115) including gnocchi Parisienne with foie gras emulsion, king crab croquettes and apple tarte tatin. Wine pairings are available for $45. 4:30-10:30 p.m. 748 N. State St., 312-878-9966, petitpomeroy.com

Pizzeria Portofino

Watch the fireworks over the Chicago River at a bash ($155) including signature cocktails, appetizers, pizza and a midnight Champagne toast. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 317 N. Clark St., 312-900-9018, pizzeriaportofino.com/events/new-years-eve

Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar

Get a perfect view of the fireworks at a bash ($180) including select wine and beer, bites, and a DJ. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 1 W. Wacker Drive, 312-795-3444, raisedbarchicago.com/our-events 

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

The hotel hosts a masquerade party ($295) with appetizers, a dessert bar, bottomless Champagne and a view of the Navy Pier fireworks. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 160 E. Pearson St., 312-573-5160, toralichicago.com

Sepia

Have a five-course dinner ($155) from 5 to 6:15 p.m. before heading to a party, or linger with a seven-course meal ($195) served from 7-8:30 p.m. and 9-10:30 p.m. Both menus include caviar and black truffle, plus wine pairings are available. 123 N. Jefferson St., 312-441-1920, sepiachicago.com/newyearseve

Siena Tavern

A four-course tasting menu ($105) includes Dungeness crab, rigatoni alla vodka, New York strip and lemon tart plus a midnight toast. Add on crispy garlic potatoes ($15) or wine and cocktail pairings ($49). 51 W. Kinzie St., 312-595-1322, sienatavern.com/event/new-years-eve 

Sifr

Chef Sahil Sethi serves a five-course tasting menu ($75) including roasted red pepper soup, scallop with harissa beurre blanc, pistachio lamb chops and a pistachio tart. 5-9:30 p.m. 660 N. Orleans St., 464-204-8711, opentable.com/r/sifr-chicago

The Smith

A festive three-course meal ($85) includes spicy salmon tartare, short rib meatballs and sticky toffee pudding. Seatings after 9:45 p.m. include a Champagne toast and party favors at midnight. Start celebrating early with a $60 open bar package. 7 p.m. to midnight. 400 N. Clark St., 312-312-5100, thesmithrestaurant.com/holidays

State and Lake Chicago Tavern

A four-course dinner ($75) including lobster bisque, sole and lobster soufflé and raspberry chocolate soufflé. 4-9:30 p.m. 201 N. State St., 312-239-9400, stateandlakechicago.com/upcoming-events

Storyville & Lulu’s Speakeasy

A masquerade ball ($60) includes three drink tickets, passed appetizers, a Champagne toast and party favors. DJs spin house, disco and dance hits all night and you can head downstairs for karaoke. 9 p.m. 712 N. Clark St., 312-741-9786, storyvillechicago.com

Tanta

A seven-course dinner ($95) includes grilled octopus, lamb chop with quinoa risotto, miso short rib and a Champagne toast. 5-9:30 p.m. 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com

TAO Chicago

The River North restaurant and nightclub’s black tie optional bash ($205) features passed appetizers and light bites, four hours of premium cocktails, and a midnight Champagne toast. 632 N. Dearborn St., 224-888-0388, taogroup.com

Three Dots and a Dash

Escape the winter chill with a $125 package including island-inspired bites and five tropical cocktails. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4220, threedotschicago.com/events

Toro

Start the evening with a four-course dinner ($125) including a welcome glass of Champagne, hamachi crudo, and Wagyu beef tenderloin with Oaxacan black mole from 6 to 8 p.m. The restaurant within the Fairmont Chicago hosts a bash from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. featuring swordfish tostadas, pulled pork sliders, a whole pig carving station, Champagne, craft beer, signature cocktails, DJs, drummers and dancers ($145 or $90 as a dinner add-on). 200 N. Columbus Drive, 312-565-6644, torochicago.com/nye

Tzuco

A three-course menu ($120) from chef Carlos Gaytan includes steak tartare, filet mignon and a Champagne toast. 4-10 p.m. 720 N. State St., 312-374-8995, tzuco.com

North Side & Northwest Side

aliveOne

The Lincoln Park bar’s annual New Year’s Eve party ($110) includes a buffet, house cocktails, beer, wine, seltzers and a midnight Champagne toast. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2683 N. Halsted St., 773-348-9800, eventbrite.com

Avenue Tap & Kitchen

Celebrate at a bash ($70) with premium cocktails, a dinner buffet, party favors, a DJ and a midnight Champagne toast. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 3407 N. Paulina Ave., 773-871-1200, avenuetapchicago.com

Bar Roma

Specials offered in addition to the regular menu include seafood ravioli ($32), braised beef short rib with garlic mashed potatoes ($40), smoked prosciutto-wrapped shrimp ($18) and warm pear cake with eggnog ice cream ($12). 4-9 p.m. 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572, barromachicago.com

The Butcher’s Tap

Enjoy a cash bar or opt for a $45-$50 package including call cocktails, house wine, Champagne and select seltzers, draft beers and appetizers, plus a DJ and party favors. 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. 3553 N. Southport Ave., 773-325-0123, thebutcherstap.com

Fiya

Chef Ben Blum offers a five-course dinner for two ($130) including house-made hummus, tuna crudo, potato kugel with trout roe, lamb loin with apricot chutney and sesame pavlova with apple butter. Add wine pairings for $45 per person. 5-9:30 p.m. 5419 N. Clark St., 773-543-7074, resy.com/cities/chicago-il/venues/fiya

Geja’s Cafe

Geja’s Cafe fondue dinner. (Geja’s Cafe)

A romantic three-course dinner ($125) includes Swiss gruyere cheese fondue, beef tenderloin, lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, Belgian chocolate flamed tableside and a glass of Champagne. 4, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. 340 W. Armitage Ave., 773-281-9101, gejascafe.com

Mordecai

Toast to the new year with a trio of vintage cocktails and bubbles at midnight accompanied by snacks ($125). 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. 3632 N. Clark St., 773-269-5410, mordecaichicago.com

Replay Lincoln Park

A “Stranger Things”-themed Hawkins Snow Ball NYE Celebration ($50) features Surfer Boy pizza, two themed cocktails, a Champagne toast, music from ‘80s video DJ Adam Black, party favors and a balloon drop. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-665-5660, exploretock.com/replay

Tama

Chefs Avgeria Stapaki and Adalberto Olaez serve a five-course Mediterranean-inspired dinner ($140 plus $75 for wine pairings) including a welcome glass of Champagne, mushroom tortelloni soup, lobster tartare, smoked rib eye and pear pavlova. 6 and 9 p.m. 1952 N. Damen Ave., 312-955-0212, opentable.com/r/tama-chicago

West Side & Near West Side

Alla Vita

A family-style four-course dinner ($150) includes black truffles, lobster and Australian wagyu. 4:30-10:30 p.m. 564 W. Randolph St., 312-667-0104, allavitachicago.com

Bar La Rue

The Fulton Market spot hosts a French Alps-themed bash ($101) featuring light bites, a welcome cocktail, an open bar and a DJ. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 820 W. Fulton Market, 312-533-4607, barlarue.com

BLVD Steakhouse

A three-course dinner features steak tartare, Wagyu filet and snickerdoodle cheesecake, with luxury upgrades including a butter-poached lobster tail ($30) and a seafood tower ($225). Dine after 8:15 p.m. and you’ll receive a midnight Champagne toast. $95 from 5-8:15 p.m. or $135 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. 817 W. Lake St., 312-526-3116, blvdchicago.com

Carnivale

The restaurant offers a dinner buffet from 6 to 10 p.m. and an open bar until 1 a.m. along with a DJ, Samba and go-go dancers, aerialist performances and a midnight balloon drop. Tickets are $149 or $89 if you skip dinner and join the party at 9 p.m. 702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005, carnivalechicago.com

The Dawson

The West Town restaurant offers a four-course dinner ($95, plus $48 for wine pairings) including chilled stone crab, lobster bisque, red wine braised short ribs and a Champagne berry float, plus bubbles to toast. 730 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-8955, the-dawson.com/nye

Duck Duck Goat

Pick up a ready-to-eat dinner for two from 4:30-7 p.m., including potstickers, pickled cucumber salad, veggie fried rice and braised pork belly for $95. You can also go out from 4:30 to 10:45 p.m. for a $125 per person family-style meal that includes a bubbly toast. 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com

Fioretta

The Italian American steakhouse offers a four-course dinner from 4 to 11 p.m. featuring shrimp scampi, lobster bisque, filet mignon and tiramisu for $135. Add-ons include drink pairings ($49), caviar ($95), Maine lobster tail ($35) and mascarpone whipped potatoes ($15). A party in the penthouse rooftop space from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. includes an open bar, appetizers, a DJ and a midnight prosecco toast for $176. 318 N. Sangamon St., 312-897-5011, fiorettasteak.com

Frontier

Chef Brian Jupiter teams up with Trinidadian chef Osei Blackett for a party ($149) featuring bites such as tamarind-glazed lamb chops, jerk mushroom fritters and mini oxtail empanadas plus Trinidad-inspired cocktails, select draft beers, sparkling wine, a DJ and a sparkling toast at midnight. 8 p.m. 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-4322, thefrontierchicago.com

Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar

Pick up a $500 meal for four including caviar, deviled eggs and wood-grilled beef tenderloin with slider rolls and truffle scalloped potatoes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Third Season by The Roof Crop. 1516 W. Carroll St., heritage-chicago.com

il Carciofo

Chef Joe Flamm’s Roman-inspired restaurant offers a four-course meal ($95) including artichoke with burrata, mushroom risotto, roast pork with salsa verde and flourless chocolate cake with chocolate gelato. 5-10 p.m. 1045 W. Fulton St., 872-274-5862, ilcarciofochicago.com

Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

Snack on passed appetizers while taking advantage of a call drink package from 8 p.m. to midnight ($79-$119) and watching a burlesque show. Finish the party with a Champagne toast. 1415 N. Wood St., 773-360-8320, inamaetavern.com

Izakaya at Momotaro

Celebrate at an event ($125) with Japanese street food, a sushi bar, a midnight sake toast and three tickets that can be used for call drinks or a sparkling yuzu cocktail. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 820 W. Lake St., 312-733-4818, momotarochicago.com/izakaya

KAMA

Chef Esteban Nuñez offers a three-course dinner ($100) including gobi pakora, butter chicken and tamarind chai tiramisu. 812 W. Randolph St., 312-898-2668, kamabistro.com/holiday-specials

La Serre

The Fulton Market French restaurant offers a four-course menu ($125) including tuna crudo, crispy leek and eggplant fritters, gnocchi with shaved black truffle, and warm apple bread pudding. Add-ons include a seafood tower ($45) and grilled green beans ($15). 307 N. Green St., 312-500-1128, dinelaserre.com

Lyra

A four-course Greek menu ($125) includes charred octopus, halloumi souvlaki, Maine lobster linguine, dark chocolate cake and a midnight Champagne toast. Add wine pairings for $55 or nonalcoholic pairings for $35. 905 W. Fulton Market, 312-660-7722, lyrarestaurant.com

Nisos Prime

A $125 four-course dinner offered from 5 to 10 p.m. includes shrimp cocktail, rigatoni alla vodka, steak frites and chocolate cake. You can also celebrate in the lounge starting at 8 p.m. with passed appetizers, a drink package, a DJ and bubbles at midnight ($145). 802 W. Randolph St., 312-800-8582, nisosprime.com/happenings

Nobu

New Year’s Eve omakase at Nobu. (Jon Orgaz/GAZ Consulting + Design)

The restaurant offers a six-course omakase menu ($150) from 5-7:45 p.m. including sashimi, sushi and Japanese A5 wagyu steak. A seven-course menu ($195) served from 8-11:30 p.m. adds on caviar, a Champagne toast, chocolate truffles to take home, and access to the bar area where you’ll find a DJ, photo booth and midnight balloon drop. 854 W. Randolph St., 312-779-8800, noburestaurants.com

Proxi

New Year’s Eve is the last chance to dine at Proxi before the restaurant closes. A four-course meal ($125 plus $65 for wine pairings) from chef Andrew Zimmerman and chef de cuisine Jennifer Kim showcases coastal Asian fare. 5-10:30 p.m. 565 W. Randolph St., 312-466-1950, proxichicago.com/happenings

Revolver

Black and white attire is strongly encouraged for a bash at the speakeasy-style bar featuring an open bar, passed snacks and a midnight Champagne toast for $90. You can also skip the open bar and just attend for $43. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., 1270 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-232-6678, revolverchicago.com

The Robey

Move between the Wicker Park hotel’s three venues enjoying bites, margaritas, call drinks, beer and wine ($179). 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 2018 W. North Ave., 872-315-3050, eventbrite.com

Rose Mary

A four-course dinner ($125) from chef Joe Flamm includes tuna crudo, ricotta rotolo and a dry aged strip steak with truffle hollandaise. Wine flights and a special list of sparkling wines are available for purchase. 932 W. Fulton Market, 872-260-3921, rosemarychicago.com

South Side & Near South Side

The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

The South Loop spot offers an indulgent three-course meal ($125) including lobster bisque, filet mignon and molten chocolate cake. 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com

The Duck Inn

The Bridgeport restaurant offers a tasting menu ($167) including snapper crudo, smoked duck breast with foie gras torchon, Wagyu filet mignon and butterscotch pot de creme. Wine and cocktail pairings ($75) and a caviar course ($198) are available as add-ons. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com

Suburban and multiple locations

Aboyer

Book a spot from 5 to 10 p.m. for a three-course dinner ($89) including Wagyu meatballs over creamy polenta, roast chateaubriand with crispy garlic potato croquettes and creme brulee with lemon madeleines. A retro opulent five-course dinner ($395) served at 6 and 8:30 p.m. includes a flight of four wines, Champagne and caviar service, lobster thermidor with hand-rolled saffron angel hair pasta, and poached pear in black truffle sabayon. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-441-3100, opentable.com/r/aboyer-winnetka

Barcocina

Both the West Town and Lakeview restaurants offer a five-course dinner ($80) including wine or margarita pairings and a Champagne toast from 5-9 p.m. From 9 p.m. to 2 p.m., they host parties ($65-$80) including appetizers and unlimited beer, house margaritas, wine and one mixer cocktails. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 1814 W. Chicago Ave., 773-270-4027 and 2901 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-687-9949, barcocinachicago.com

Easy Street Pizza & Beer Garden

The bar offers a package ($50) including premium cocktails, a dinner buffet, party favors and a midnight Champagne toast. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 3750 N. Central Ave., 773-993-0464 and 711 Devon Ave., Park Ridge, 847-823-4422, easystreetpizzachicago.com/nye

Hey Nonny

New Year’s Eve surf and turf special at Hey Nonny. (Hey Nonny)

Executive chef Tim Vidrio serves a three-course dinner ($100) including fried tiger prawns, Wagyu flatiron with poached lobster and baked Alaska. 5-8:45 p.m. 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, heynonny.com

LAGO by Fabio Viviani

A four-course dinner ($150) features hamachi crudo, truffle parmesan cream gnocchi, Chilean sea bass with shishito pepper polenta, and chocolate torte with winter berry compote, plus live music, a welcome class of prosecco, and a midnight Champagne toast. 350 N. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, 224-286-3567, lagolakezurich.com

Petite Vie

Chef Paul Virant’s French brasserie offers a five-course dinner ($225) including scallops with winter squash, sausage with escargot and duck a l’orange. Add wine pairings for $100. 4-9 p.m. 909 Burlington Ave., 708-260-7017, opentable.com/r/petite-vie-chicago

Thorn Restaurant & Lounge

The restaurant within the Rose Hotel serves a three-course meal ($53) including tomato soup, steak frites, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake and a glass of Champagne. 5200 Pearl St., Rosemont, 847-260-4774, thornrestaurant.com

Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/new-years-eve-2025-specials/ 

When Cook County second-installment property tax bills finally were mailed in mid-November after months of delay, we thought that would be the end of the debacle that has been the county’s technology systems overhaul, contracted out to Texas-based Tyler Technologies.

Oh, silly, naive us.

The Dec. 15 deadline for property owners to pay those bills now has come and gone as well, and taxing bodies throughout the county still haven’t received their property tax hauls. Once again, Tyler appears to be at the root of the problem, as the Tribune reported on Monday.

The situation is growing ever more expensive for those governmental units — and, of course, the taxpayers who support them. The delay is forcing school districts throughout the county to borrow to cover ordinary expenses, such as payroll. The Tribune story showed how suburban districts are amassing millions in debt, costing them in some cases hundreds of thousands in interest and even more in lost investment income.

Palatine School District 15, for example, projects the delay will cost it more than $1 million when all is said and done. That’s money that simply is being flushed down the toilet — resources that otherwise could go to augmenting the educations of the students served by those schools.

The situation is far worse at Chicago Public Schools. Given that CPS is the nation’s fourth-largest public school district, its costs stemming from the county’s failure are downright explosive. From mid-August through the end of this month, it will have cost CPS more than $33 million (in interest on loans and interest it owes the pension plan for its workers while it delays paying into the fund) because of the lack of property tax revenue. If this awful situation persists into the new year, it will cost CPS an additional $220,000 every day.

This for a school system that is flirting with insolvency with each passing budget year.

“I’m embarrassed and appalled we’re not done yet,” Cook County Chief Technology Officer Tom Lynch told Cook County commissioners last week.

But then he went on to echo the refrain we’ve heard repeatedly from everyone involved in this mess for months on end: “I take accountability for that, as I hope my counterparts do in the property offices. We all have to do this together.”

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle leaves the boardroom after presiding over a Cook County Board meeting on April 10, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has taken all too little ownership of this fiasco, given that she was the driving force behind contracting with Tyler in the first place — beginning a decade ago — and opted to continue with Tyler in 2020 after initial results were bad. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, whose office is responsible for compiling the tax bills and distributing the proceeds, mainly has blamed Tyler and Preckwinkle for her office’s struggles doing that job. Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi largely has blamed Tyler for Chicago property assessments that were delivered late in 2025. Preckwinkle’s office has said that Pappas is responsible for the tax distributions to the local governments.

We’re at a point in this saga — we’re actually well past that point — where the lack of accountability and attempts to shift the blame are unacceptable. When everyone is theoretically accountable, no one is.

We’ve seen much drama in Chicago in the past few years around Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city’s inspector general, Deborah Witzburg, who’s leaving that office next year. That’s due in no small part to Witzburg’s aggressive investigation of some of the practices of city government.

Cook County has its own inspector general, too. The current holder of that post is Tirrell J. Paxton; he’s held the job for a little over a year, succeeding longtime county IG Pat Blanchard, who retired a few years ago.

Now is the time for Cook County’s IG to take on its own high-profile mission, as Chicago’s IG office has done in recent years. We need the equivalent of a forensic accounting of all the various points in the process at which Tyler went wrong and which county officials were responsible for overseeing the vendor at those points. In short, we need the full story — in all its gory details.

We spoke to Paxton and asked whether his office is conducting such a probe. He told us he’s restricted from confirming or denying.

Fair enough. We understand how such things work.

But if Paxton’s office isn’t on the case, they need to get on it now.

Essentially, Cook County taxpayers have been badly abused by the clear mismanagement exhibited in this project to date. Beyond the tens of million in financing and similar costs being paid simply to keep schools open over the past several months, the county has authorized more than $167 million over the last decade for the balky technology overhaul, including more than $85 million to Tyler itself and tens of millions more to consultants to help oversee Tyler and maintain the county’s old computer system in the meantime.

Cook County residents deserve to know how we got here. If the conclusions from auditors who have the power and expertise to get to the truth harm the reputations and future political prospects of current officeholders, so be it.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/editorial-tyler-technologies-cook-county-toni-preckwinkle-maria-pappas-fritz-kaegi/