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Dining

Eat. Watch. Do. — 2023 top movies and TV, Christkindlmarket guide, plus ‘Boop! The Musical’ review

Chicago Tribune
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It’s Thursday, Chicago.

Did you know that the year’s earliest sunsets begin today? While that may dampen your mood, our coverage of things to do and places to eat may help “light up” this time of year.

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Looking back on 2023, an unprecedented year for the entertainment industry, our critics are beginning their “best of” lists for the year. Both TV critic Nina Metz and film critic Michael Phillips share their lists of the titles they loved this week, which may give you ideas for cozy weekend watching.

From food critic Louisa Kung Liu Chu, we have a guide to all things good to eat at the downtown Christkindlmarket this year with nods to a few staff favorites, like a pizza-stuffed pretzel.

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And to round out our seasonal offerings, we have a list of holiday tea services in the Chicago area, and a review for “The Nutcracker” at the Joffrey Ballet as well — perfect for keeping the winter blues away.

Enjoy the weekend, and we’ll see you back here next week.

— Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor

The top 10 best (and worst!) movies of 2023

Ryan Gosling, left, and Margot Robbie in the movie "Barbie."

Ryan Gosling, left, and Margot Robbie in the movie "Barbie." (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture/Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS)

Tribune critic Michael Phillips unwraps his Top 10 of 2023, with stuff you probably haven’t heard about, and a Barbenheimer you probably have. Plus 10 you can ignore because there’s a lot you shouldn’t.

Guide: Our food critic shares insider tips on all the best food and drink at Christkindlmarket in Chicago

A vendor points to menu items as Kaj Holm looks for drinks while dressed as an elf at the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza Saturday.

A vendor points to menu items as Kaj Holm looks for drinks while dressed as an elf at the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza Saturday. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

When to beat the notorious crowds, and where to get your glühwein are just some of the details compiled here.

Best TV of 2023: In a tumultuous year for Hollywood, standouts include Chicago-set ‘The Bear’ and Netflix’s ‘The Diplomat’

Keri Russell plays a savvy U.S. civil servant in “The Diplomat.”

Keri Russell plays a savvy U.S. civil servant in “The Diplomat.” (Netflix/Netflix/TNS)

Eat. Watch. Do.

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What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now.

Critic Nina Metz’s picks also include the murder mystery “Poker Face” on Peacock and the sports drama “Swagger” on Apple TV+. Read what else made the list, here.

A steaming kettle awaits you in Chicago at 13 hotels and restaurants with holiday teas

Expect a traditional English menu of select teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and a glass of Champagne, all alongside daily performances by a string duo at The Peninsula.

Expect a traditional English menu of select teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and a glass of Champagne, all alongside daily performances by a string duo at The Peninsula. (Neil Burger)

Here are 13 holiday teas in Chicagoland to choose from — including a tipsy Mariah Carey-themed singalong tea — just in time for the 12 days of Christmas.

Review: Jamie Allan’s ‘Amaze’ at Rhapsody Theater is a revelation, and in the most unexpected ways

Magician Jamie Allan’s "Amaze" is at the Rhapsody Theater in Chicago.

Magician Jamie Allan’s "Amaze" is at the Rhapsody Theater in Chicago. (AMAZE)

If you haven’t seen a magic show since you were a kid, magician Jamie Allan takes his audience right back to those memories at this show at Rhapsody Theater. “This is audience-centered, narrative-based magic,” Tribune critic Chris Jones writes in his review, here.

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Pastries for a purpose: 4 Chicagoland bakeries and cafes supporting the disabled community

William Schejbal and Zane Green work in the kitchen at Will's Place, a nonprofit cafe in Skokie opened by Joan Hallagan to employ people with disabilities.

William Schejbal and Zane Green work in the kitchen at Will's Place, a nonprofit cafe in Skokie opened by Joan Hallagan to employ people with disabilities. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Beyond the good they do in raising awareness, these bakeries and cafes provide opportunities for problem-solving and relationship-building. Read about them here.

Review: ‘The Nutcracker’ by the Joffrey Ballet tugs the heartstrings — whether it’s your first time or 51st

The ensemble of the 2023 production of the Joffrey Ballet's "The Nutcracker."

The ensemble of the 2023 production of the Joffrey Ballet's "The Nutcracker." (Katie Miller/HANDOUT)

For many families, the holiday season means a night at the ballet. This year’s performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Joffrey Ballet is no different.

“Americans love ‘Nutcracker’ because it’s an unwavering treatise about dreams coming true. Dreams are kind of our thing. So ballet companies keep doing it. And we keep loving it,” Lauren Warnecke writes in her review, here.

Review: ‘Boop! The Musical’ opens in Chicago with a new Broadway star, far from a cartoon

Jasmine Amy Rogers and cast in "Boop! The Musical" at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago.

Jasmine Amy Rogers and cast in "Boop! The Musical" at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago. (Matthew Murphy / Evan Zimmerman)

“Boop!” is the latest musical to hit the theater district, with “stellar vocalist” Jasmine Amy Rogers starring, Tribune critic Chris Jones writes. Read his entire review here.

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