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Food trucks are a hot trend in cities from LA to Denver. They’ve transformed the way people think about the restaurant business. But when it comes to Midwestern cities, so far food trucks have been stuck in idle.The Midwestern economy series Changing Gears decided to find out why.

A few weeks ago, I listed my Top 5 roasted chickens in Chicago.

Dear Mr. Mayor,I realize you're getting a lot of input from concerned citizens these days, regarding what they think your priorities should be upon taking office.

If you’ve been on Devon Avenue lately, you may have noticed the profusion of snack and sweet shops. South Asians love to snack, and the region has one of the world’s great street food traditions.

Chicago foodies have had a frustrating year trying to convince city government to ease regulations on food trucks. City ordinance restricts these mobile restaurants from doing any actual cooking aboard their vehicles; they can only serve food that is cooked and prepared elsewhere.

On Monday morning, Chicago’s Pritzker Pavillion will be stuffed to the gills with people celebrating the inauguration of Rahm Emanuel. Among the revelers will be some of Chicago's so-called "socialites".

Summer may be another month away, but no one’s told Mother Nature.