Monica Eng
Former Reporter, Curious City
Monica came to WBEZ in 2013 from the Chicago Tribune where she spent 16 years editing and reporting on food, culture and health. Before that she wrote and edited at the Daily Southtown and Chicago Sun-Times. Monica has won multiple writing awards and been nominated for the James Beard Award five times.
Monica is a fourth generation Chicagoan whose children are fourth generation Chicago Public School graduates.
Stories by Monica Eng
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30 years ago, teens could dance and find connection at a club called Medusa’s
Medusa’s was “like a community center for weirdos and freaks and everybody else in between,” say Chicagoans who went there as teens.
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From the Cha-Cha Slide to the Polka Hop, these dances were created in Chicago
Don your dancing shoes as we track down the Chicago band members, musicians, and dancers who helped create five iconic moves.
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Nicky’s And The Big Baby: A South Side Burger Mystery
Dozens of unconnected fast food joints serve up the same popular Chicago cheeseburger under the same name. Where did it all begin?
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The Gold Star Sardine Bar nightclub was once a hub for Chicago glamour
The jazz club was built by a grocery store tycoon’s dreams of music and movie stars.
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What Are Those Giant Structures Out In Lake Michigan?
There are six water cribs remaining in Chicago, but only two are still in use. So what might happen to them in the future?
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Steak And Lemonade: The Origins Of This Chicago Food Combo
The beef sandwich and slushy drink are sold together all across the South and West sides. We track down the guy who put the two together.
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From Mexico To Chicago, The Story Behind “La Michoacana” Ice Cream Shops
There are dozens of ice cream shops in Chicago with “La Michoacana” in their name, but many have different owners, offerings and prices.
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10 Things To Know About Chicago’s New Waste Strategy
From compost to old clothes, Chicago has a new plan for dealing with waste and recycling.
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How Much Poop Is In The Water? Your Questions About Chicago’s Beaches, Answered
Before you grab your towel, read our guide answering your questions about Chicago beaches — from pollution to poop.
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Illinois Has A New Law To Remove Lead Pipes. So Now What Happens?
Chicago has about 400,000 lead service lines connecting to people’s homes. The city has 50 years to replace them all.
