Features

The Real Silent Majority
by Gretchen Reynolds
A special report on the state of the black middle class: They changed the face of Chicago in the 1960s. They may be about to do so again.

Clueless
by Rebecca Carr
Two of the city’s best-known – and most colorful – private detectives are at war. And they don’t care who gets caught in the crossfire.

A Question of Blame
by Jonathan Eig
Steven Pfiel murdered Hillary Norskog and will spend the rest of his life in prison. Now the victim’s mother is suing the killer’s parents, alleging that they failed to control their troubled son.

Great Dining ‘95
by Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne Spiselman
Looking for the latest hot spot, a romantic hideaway, unique lobster dishes, or the best desserts in town? Our critics help you fulfill your every food fantasy.

Sorry, Charlie
by Ted Allen
Eight amateur cooks decide to tackle recipes from master chef Charlie Trotter’s cookbook. A report from the kitchen

Belle Du Soir
photography by Peter Han

Work on your night moves in timeless, elegant style – draped in shimmering satin eveningwear.

Departments

Letters

Frontlines
A farewell to Henry; suiting up the NBA; famous writers recall home; the SOFA exhibition; and the original Annie

The Goods
by Jennifer Epstein
Chicago originals from artists who take off in town

Metro
by Greg Hinz
Mixed news at the Sun-Times: rising profits and flagging morale; the Miracle Boys of Pershing Road; and how politics pays – and pays – for Emil Jones, Jr.

Modern Times
by Marcia Froelke Coburn
With video producer Kurt Heintz at the controls, poetry is in motion worldwide: He’s out to shake up your vision.

Education
by Joel Kaplan
At colleges and universities, the bidding wars for the best and brightest students are brazen.

Stage & Screen
by Penelope Mesic
Actress Regina Taylor returns to the Goodman Studio with a new one-woman show.

Prime Time

Hot dates around town this month

Going Places
by Anne Spiselman

Wilmette, Winnetka, and Glencoe have a world of treasures hidden amid all the chains and franchises.

Sullivan’s Travels
by Terry Sullivan
Chicago cop Brian Farrell’s got a mean left hook – and Olympic dreams.