Photo Galleries: Chicago

Eastern Allure: Food and Culture in Korea

In the spirit of American Thanksgiving, which celebrates with abundant tables and extended families, our 10Best editors are venturing away from Western traditions briefly and showcasing food and dining in South Korea. The delicious Asian fare, whether eaten on the street, in a restaurant, or at home, revels in zesty spices, fresh produce and seafood, and an age-old culture that honors communal dining and established protocols among people of different ages and classes.

We'll introduce you to the authentic fast foods of street vendors and then take you inside to restaurants and gatherings of friends and colleagues. Discover the dishes and practices that make South Korea a destination for all seasons.

view gallery >

Thanksgiving Traditions: North vs. South

While we can’t support all Southern culinary traditions wholeheartedly (does everything have to be fried?), we will assert without a twinge of regret that a Southern Thanksgiving beats a Northern one, hands-down. Not only do Southerners not feel compelled to create a meal that unerringly honors the one our forefathers are said to have enjoyed, but they accept everyone’s contributions without reservation. As a result, the table groans with good (if unrelated) things, akin to a church potluck.

So, join us as we point out the distinctions between a Southern Thanksgiving and a Northern one, from side dishes to desserts to the main course. We may have a few biases, and you're welcome to disagree with our choices. But either way your opinion swings, you're sure to discover great traditions to stand behind, not to mention a slew of can't-beat recipes to try this year.

view gallery >

Take on Chicago as a Domestic Diva

America's heartland often plays the role of the nation's comforter, supplying abundant food, down-to-earth values, and a wholesome demeanor. If you crave stability and a satisfying diet of meat and potatoes, the Midwest has you covered. Chicago reigns supreme over this territory, delivering a sophistication grounded in practicality and determined labor. Working with your hands, providing for your family, and enjoying the solid comforts of life are paramount, and the fertile earth so reliable here feeds the people and makes their efforts flourish.

view gallery >

Fall's Best Produce & Recipes (and the restaurants that serve them)

Autumn is upon us, complete with roadside stands selling bright orange pumpkins and grocery stores offering apple cider by the gallon. The air is crisper, leaves paint themselves in vibrant colors, and the wind dances across the land with the tell-tale sound of rustling leaves. Keeping with the theme, we take pleasure in seasonal menus featured at some of our favorite restaurants, which make the most of freshly picked fall fruits and vegetables. At 10Best, we’ve devoted ourselves to this one: Not only have we found the best recipes for just-ripe fall vegetables, but we've also scouted out the best restaurants offering fantastic of-the-season menus.

view gallery >

Travel Tips: Getting a Passport

As with any government endeavor, getting a passport can be a daunting prospect. There are forms to fill out, documentation to obtain, circumstances to pin down, and rules to honor and obey. It’s a lot to face. Add in the detail-following, the extended process, and the necessity of national security, and it can almost result in inactivity. Nevertheless, a passport is mandatory if you expect to travel internationally, so the best thing to do is break down the various components and get moving.

Although the US Department of State website (http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html) is the definitive resource on all things passport-related, 10Best can help you hit the high points and determine what needs to be done. The biggest considerations amid all the data-gathering are to make sure that you acquire and provide all of the paperwork requested and that you plan in advance – obtaining a passport is not about immediate gratification. Take things a step at a time, and you’ll be exploring the world before long!

view gallery >