Get to Know Chicago From Home

At Hey Chicago, you know we always encourage you to be out and about in the city. But with a winter storm brewing and subzero temps in the forecast, we’re sharing some ways you can explore … from home.

Something(s) to cook: Bring the tastes of Chicago home, and chef it up with Southern mac and cheese from Virtue’s Erick Williams, emergency black bean tacos from Frontera’s Rick Bayless, or steamed eggs from Parachute’s Beverly Kim.

Something(s) to bake: I’ll swear by Chicago blogger Ambitious Kitchen’s brown butter chocolate chip cookies for life, but olive oil–drizzled brownies from former Café Marie-Jeanne chef Bunny and sticky buns from Luella’s Southern Kitchen owner Darnell Reed are calling my name.

Something(s) to drink: Whip yourself up a classic Chi cocktail, like an Old Fashioned or a Mickey Finn.

Something(s) to watch: Want to brush up on Chi history? See “Punch 9” or “Mama Gloria.” Want to laugh? Stream “South Side.” Want to watch old movies? You have so many choices.

Something(s) to do: Bring the Art Institute to you with art activities, coloring pages, creative writing prompts, and more. Catch up on “Hit ‘Em on the Blackside,” an online sketch comedy series by Congo Square Theatre.

Something to read: Didn’t pick up your hardcover holds at your library branch? Check out Chicago Public Library ebooks and audiobooks.

Something to listen to: Tune into the City Cast Chicago podcast, 400-plus episodes about local news, history, and culture.