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Introduction
Miniatures by Margie Criner and Itty Bitty Mini Mart, dog by Heart Felt Canines, and lamp by Mod Pod Miniatures. Below, artist Margie Criner. JAMES HOSKING
f there’s one Chicago Reader special issue guaranteed to elicit considerable commentary, it’s the Best of Chicago issue. That’s to be expected when attempting to capture what is especially notable in such a large, vibrant, dynamic city as Chicago, and yet it’s still a surprise to witness the depth of thought and feeling that readers have for Best of Chicago even long before the issue is published. To note, back in September we received a letter from a reader who ardently laid out what’s at stake. “More often than not, ‘Best’ issues are the ‘Worst’ issues,” they declared. Great umbrage was taken with the number of “undeserving” winners in Best of Chicago, particularly in the category of Best Newspaper. Perhaps there were reasons why certain winners won that didn’t have to do with questionable methods, they surmised, “Nevertheless, it looks foul.” (You know it's serious when “nevertheless” is employed.) To wit, “What organization includes themselves as a category?” A possible answer to that question: Voters, well, voted?
12 CHICAGO READER - FEBRUARY 22, 2024
Nay, hazards the reader, “Sadly, a very insecure one.” It’s both a deliciously withering and endearing Chicago criticism, in that it speaks to how deeply the people who love the city feel about it—did we mention that this was sent via snail mail?—and how much they want others to get it right and be worthy of the honor of Best of Chicago. Rest assured, we’re very serious about what makes Chicago great. It’s why we go to such lengths to publish what people find most valuable about it, why we take on this arduous and monthslong task of compiling votes, and why we encourage our editors and writers to also put in their two cents about what they most love in a city notoriously known for having a lot of options and a lot of opinions. For the 2023 Best of Chicago issue, you’ll find deserving winners picked by 44,720 voters casting 372,187 votes, as well as Chicago Reader picks from our editorial team and contributing writers covering everything from “Best TikTok presence setting the record straight about Chicago culture for a national
audience” to “Best new legislation that supports freelance workers” to “Best rapper who also collects luchador masks.” You’ll also find incredible artwork by Itty Bitty Mini Mart. They’ve spent weeks making the miniature objects that grace our pages. Each piece represents some aspect of Chicago and the Chicago Reader, and spotting the connections brought smiles to our faces. We couldn’t be more delighted by the results. As with every Best of Chicago issue, you’ll also find a list of things to do and see in Chicago in the year ahead. That’s the best part of the Best of Chicago. It’s an opportunity to discover m o re a b o u t the city, form your own strongly held and worded opinions, and debate seriously and unseriously about what should be considered next year. We wouldn’t undertake
this annual logistical challenge if we didn’t want to encourage a dialogue among Chicagoans. So please, enjoy this very special labor of love. And let us know what you think. —SHEBA WHITE, MANAGING EDITOR v
Artist's Statement
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uriosity is inherent to the human condition. It should be nurtured, engaged, at any age. It is the cornerstone for problem-solving, for understanding each other and situations, for building a better future. The goal of storytelling with miniatures is to engage that curiosity we sometimes forget still stirs in us, to celebrate what we have in common, to remind us that we are all in this together; if you look further during those everyday moments in life, you may find something that surprises you. —MARGIE CRINER, ITTY BITTY MINI MART v