Tom Barnas
WGN TV News
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Past articles by Tom:
Sicilian crafted bakery with Palermo roots opens in Chicago
CHICAGO — New Paradise opened in the former location of the iconic Gladstone Park Bakery. Everything is prepared on-site daily, including the hand-churned gelato. The gelato bar offers a full variety of favorite flavors, including pistachio, nocciola (hazelnut), cioccolato, Limone and other seasonal selections. Carlo Ottaviani and Vito Rubino brought a taste of Palermo to […] → Read More
Lebanese-inspired deli and market continues a family tradition
CHICAGO — Are you looking for something beyond a basic sandwich? All Too Well touts a charming retro market space created by Mitchell Abou Jamra. Situated next door to Evette’s in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, the market takes after its sister location with an aesthetic reminiscent of a special place from Jamra’s childhood, a classic […] → Read More
Explore city neighborhoods with the Chicago Handshake Passport Challenge
CHICAGO — With 77 different neighborhoods, Chicago has plenty of options in your pursuit to see, taste and experience all that this city has to offer — and the Chicago Handshake Passport Challenge can be a fun way to explore Chicago neighborhoods. The passport is the companion to Transit Tees’ Chicago Handshake Drinking Card Game. […] → Read More
Enjoy al fresco dining in a building on the National Register of Historic Places
CHICAGO — With the days falling off the calendar in the summer months, many Chicagoans are scrambling to squeeze that last drop of the summer solstice by experiencing something truly unique that rings the bell of a Chicago moment. Café Brauer checks all the boxes. You have a few months left to dine and drink […] → Read More
One-stop shop for pups and their owners at The Dog Stop in Deerfield
DEERFIELD, Ill. — If you’re a dog owner, having a one-stop shop is key to saving time when running errands for your furry pal. The Dog Stop in Deerfield is that doggy mecca. The store is owned and operated by local, dog-loving husband-and-wife duo, Jami and Alisa Guthrie. Both are passionate entrepreneurs that were looking […] → Read More
Blending Mexican culture with Americana tradition, churro shop opens in Little Village
CHICAGO — Little Village native Aldo Rios has always wanted to put his mark on the world, and during the pandemic, he did exactly that. What started out as a way to survive the shutdown, became a true labor of love. Rios started a pop-up churro business, but wanted to take it a step further […] → Read More
Rising from the ashes of the past, Burnt City Brewing celebrates 10th anniversary at District Brew Yards
CHICAGO — “No one comes between you and your beer” is the motto at District Brew Yards in West Town. This past June, Burnt City Brewing, one of Chicago’s first brewpubs, celebrated its 10th anniversary at District Brew Yards. According to the owners, it’s the first of its kind in the nation to house a […] → Read More
Kanye, Snoop Dogg, Kim Kardashian fans of this 14-year-old Chicago DJ
Chicagoan and viral sensation DJ Livia is one of the youngest music professionals and sought-after emcee’s in today’s entertainment industry. The Chicago native has been requested by A-listers such as Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Snoop Dog. She has also performed on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Chicago Scene caught up with the rising star on […] → Read More
1893 World’s Fair dining experience awaits you at Next
CHICAGO — The Fulton Market is a symbol of the ever-changing Chicago landscape. What was once a bustling warehouse district has transformed over the years to a creative and global mecca for modern American cuisine. Next Chicago embodies that spirit with its 21 4-star reviews from the Chicago Tribune and a James Beard Award as […] → Read More
Experience the Upside Down at the Strangers Things Store in Oak Brook
OAK BROOK, Ill. — 80’s nostalgia, Demogorgons Hawkins High, and the Palace Arcade are on full display at Oakbrook Center. Coinciding with the triumphant return of Stranger Things on Netflix (Season 4 debuts later this month), fans can fully immerse themselves in the supernatural mystery of Hawkins, Indiana with the official Stranger Things pop-up shop. […] → Read More
Riot Fest 2022 lineup announced
CHICAGO — Riot Fest announced its 2022 lineup on Wednesday. The headliners will be My Chemical Romance on Friday, the Original Misfits on Saturday and Nine Inch Nails on Sunday. This year’s event will be held Sept. 16, 17 and 18 on the West Side’s Douglass Park. Other performers include Ice Cube, Jimmy Eat World, […] → Read More
A restaurant just for mac and cheese? Schaumburg spot making dreams come true
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — We all have our special way of adding to our favorite mac and cheese. What if there was a restaurant that did all of that for you? I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual spot devoted to all things mac and cheese. The first-of-its-kind location in Illinois is located at the […] → Read More
Horror-themed shop set to open in Avondale
CHICAGO — The Avondale neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side is quickly becoming the epicenter for horror movie fanatics. Fans flock to Bucket of Blood Records, The Brewed Coffee Shop, Bick-ABrac Records, The Alley, Kuma’s Corner and DMen Tap. And now the newest edition, Horror House, is set to open on June 3. Brothers Vinny Malave […] → Read More
Beard trends on full display at America’s Beauty Show
This year, the beard is on full display at America’s Beauty Show in Rosemont. America’s Beauty Show 2022 runs through Monday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The event is for salon pros only and gives them access to the latest style and trends in the beauty world for 2022 and beyond. […] → Read More
This Chicago spot was voted one of ‘Best Bars in America’
CHICAGO — It’s about that time of year when many Chicagoans suffer from cabin fever. Spring is still trying to figure itself out and Old Man Winter is hanging on till the bitter end. How do you remedy this? Escape to the Bamboo Room. Voted as one of the “Best Bars in America” by Esquire […] → Read More
Local hot dog stand serving Chicagoans, including Obama, for over 40 years
CHICAGO — As the start of another baseball season is upon us, Chicagoans are reminded of what goes hand in hand with baseball: hot dogs! If you ask anyone from Chicago what their favorite hot dog stand is, you’re bound to get a small history lesson on why it’s their favorite and why you should […] → Read More
It’s Paczki Day! Here’s 3 spots to get your fix this Fat Tuesday
It might be called Fat Tuesday and the beginning of Mardi Gras around the country, but here in Chicago, it’s also known as paczki day! But where can you get them? There are plenty of bakeries serving them up. These are just three of the many options and these are serving up slightly different takes […] → Read More
Here for the food: Goddess and Grocer has the menu for your Big Game watch party
The Big Game is this weekend. Have you decided on snacks? Leave all the cooking and food prep to the folks at The Goddess and Grocer. With locations all over the city, you can call ahead and pick up on game day. The Goddess and Grocer setup was inspired by the melting pot delis and […] → Read More
Jitterbug Sweets creates confection, pairs it with iconic Rob Roy — and you can make them both
CHICAGO — Want to impress your Valentine this year? Whip us some chocolate treats and pair it with a boozy American classic cocktail, the Rob Roy. Chicago Scene spoke with award-winning chef and owner of Jitterbug Sweets Marianna Reynolds on all things chocolate. Reynolds has created a special Pecan Prance Bar that pairs with a […] → Read More
Snow blower not starting? How to troubleshoot plus other snow removal tips
With the season’s biggest snowfall predicted for this week, it might be a good time to get out and make sure you have enough salt, the right snow shovels and make sure you’re snow blower is ready to go. Chicago Scene is back at H & B True Value on Chicago’s North Side talking to […] → Read More