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Since opening in 2011, Vera has cemented its cred as one of the quintessential wine bars in Chicago, renowned for its exemplary vino and one of the best sherry programs this side of the Mediterranean. But what most folks probably don’t realize is that Vera is a hotbed for cider as well. As the pome-based potable continues to take off in Chicagoland (case in point the success of Virtue Cider and two forthcoming cider-focused bars and restaurants), Vera celebrates the beverage, giving it due diligence alongside its roster of wines and beers.
 

Valentine’s Day is a holiday often pigeonholed as a fondue-laden headache for couples and singles alike, pressured into either making reservations at crowded, overpriced restaurants or eating solo with your most reliable date, Netflix. But there’s lots more to this love-struck holiday than heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and obligatory jewelry purchases. From Armagnac-infused truffles and chocolate macaroon lollipops to pig hearts and red velvet Twinkies, there’s plenty of “hearty” dishes to be enjoyed around Chicago this Valentine’s Day
 

Eating lunch out of a lunchbox is a wonderfully nostalgic blast from the past, improved upon by the fact that haute lunchboxes are now available at Cafe Spiaggia. Sorry, moms of the world, but Spiaggia’s chicken Milanese and pork neck meatball sandwiches beat fluffernutters and bologna sandwiches any day. And as an added bonus, there’s no threat of eating lunch alone in the corner of an isolating cafeteria with the threat of wedgies and torment.