Ari B.
@aribendersky.bsky.social
Chicago-based lifestyle journalist covering food, wine, spirits, travel and people. Editor of Something Glorious on Substack: https://aribendersky.substack.com.
This story has it all: hash, hookahs, heart, spice markets, carpets, new friends, and taking chances.
Two Strangers on a Train in Morocco Changed My Life
The mint tea, spice markets, and friendship I found in Fez's ancient medina 30 years ago helped open my mind to the world.
open.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 3:29 PM
This story has it all: hash, hookahs, heart, spice markets, carpets, new friends, and taking chances.
Wondering where to eat and drink in Chicago right now? Here are 23 restaurants and bars from Michelin to mom-and-pop neighborhood spots (and a couple in Paris). tinyurl.com/ysc7ud72
Eat. Drink. Repeat: My Standout Meals and Drinks of 2025 (So Far)
23 Chicago spots (plus a couple from Paris) worth your time, appetite, and maybe a splurge or two.
open.substack.com
June 24, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Wondering where to eat and drink in Chicago right now? Here are 23 restaurants and bars from Michelin to mom-and-pop neighborhood spots (and a couple in Paris). tinyurl.com/ysc7ud72
Ready to drink pink? Here are 21 rosé wines from Provence to Paso Robles that range from super dry to fresh and fruity! open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
Think Pink: Your Summer Rosé Guide
From Provence to Paso Robles, here are 21 rosés that range from dry to fruity and so much more.
open.substack.com
June 12, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Ready to drink pink? Here are 21 rosé wines from Provence to Paso Robles that range from super dry to fresh and fruity! open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
Head Into MDW With 12 Lively Wines to Launch Your Summer open.substack.com/pub/aribende... #wine #memorialdayweekend #MDW
Head Into MDW With 12 Lively Wines to Launch Your Summer
Let this Memorial Day Weekend gently guide you into summer sipping.
open.substack.com
May 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Head Into MDW With 12 Lively Wines to Launch Your Summer open.substack.com/pub/aribende... #wine #memorialdayweekend #MDW
From one rye whiskey 15 years ago to a portfolio of 40+ spirits, bitters, and more, Journeyman has grown to become a distilling force in the Midwest. Hear from owner Bill Welter on his own journey.
open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
Take a Trip Inside Journeyman’s Sprawling Indiana Distillery
I traveled to Valparaiso to meet with owner Bill Welter and get a look at the 140,000-square-foot space.
open.substack.com
April 25, 2025 at 3:22 PM
From one rye whiskey 15 years ago to a portfolio of 40+ spirits, bitters, and more, Journeyman has grown to become a distilling force in the Midwest. Hear from owner Bill Welter on his own journey.
open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
Tariffs and Your Drink Tab: Why Your Favorite Pours Might Soon Cost More open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
Tariffs and Your Drink Tab: Why Your Favorite Pours Might Soon Cost More
Prices at restaurants and retails shops haven't spiked — yet, but that could change quickly. Or maybe not.
open.substack.com
April 11, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Tariffs and Your Drink Tab: Why Your Favorite Pours Might Soon Cost More open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
Did you know that dozens of businesses give you free stuff on your birthday? This was news to me. You?
What Do You Want For Your Birthday?
Did you know dozens of retailers give you free stuff on your special day?
open.substack.com
February 28, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Did you know that dozens of businesses give you free stuff on your birthday? This was news to me. You?
Hate Chardonnay but love Chablis? I’ve got news for you …
Spoiler Alert: You've Been Drinking Chardonnay All Along
Chablis, Sancerre, Chianti, Rioja. They're not grapes. They're where your favorite wines get produced.
aribendersky.substack.com
February 13, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Hate Chardonnay but love Chablis? I’ve got news for you …
In light of the tariffs going into effect — remember that buying wine made in American can support our local wine industry. Don't be surprised if EU tariffs happen so stock up on your fave Old World wines, too.
The Case to Drink More American Wine open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
The Case to Drink More American Wine open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
The Case to Drink More American Wine
A California winemaker urges people to buy and drink American wine for two months to help save the industry + 15 American wines to seek out.
open.substack.com
February 2, 2025 at 8:12 PM
In light of the tariffs going into effect — remember that buying wine made in American can support our local wine industry. Don't be surprised if EU tariffs happen so stock up on your fave Old World wines, too.
The Case to Drink More American Wine open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
The Case to Drink More American Wine open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
I go deep with Grant Achatz on Alinea’s 20th anniversary and future, his post-cancer wellness, paying homage to Charlie Trotter — even some of his favorite current restaurants in Chicago (and which places he’s never dined; you might be surprised).
open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
Chef Grant Achatz: Honoring Charlie Trotter, Celebrating Alinea at 20 & Finding Balance
The three Michelin-starred chef opens up about healing old wounds, Alinea's 20th anniversary plans, and learning to prioritize life beyond the kitchen
open.substack.com
January 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
I go deep with Grant Achatz on Alinea’s 20th anniversary and future, his post-cancer wellness, paying homage to Charlie Trotter — even some of his favorite current restaurants in Chicago (and which places he’s never dined; you might be surprised).
open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
open.substack.com/pub/aribende...
@lizziefrainier.bsky.social How are you? I saw you assign evergreen travel stories. I write about food/wine/spirits/travel and would love to hear what you're looking for and send some pitches. Thanks!
November 22, 2024 at 5:14 PM
@lizziefrainier.bsky.social How are you? I saw you assign evergreen travel stories. I write about food/wine/spirits/travel and would love to hear what you're looking for and send some pitches. Thanks!
Reposted by Ari B.
Let me say something that is controversial because our brains are broken:
Vaccines are a miracle and amazing
Vaccines are a miracle and amazing
November 15, 2024 at 2:12 AM
Let me say something that is controversial because our brains are broken:
Vaccines are a miracle and amazing
Vaccines are a miracle and amazing
Hi all -- coming over to the Bluesky community and looking for followers and to follow new interesting, smart people. I'm a lifestyle journalist focusing on food/dining, wine/spirits, travel, wellness, and more. I love to hike, do yoga, explore culture, cities/countryside, etc. Come say hello! 👋
November 13, 2024 at 6:05 PM
Hi all -- coming over to the Bluesky community and looking for followers and to follow new interesting, smart people. I'm a lifestyle journalist focusing on food/dining, wine/spirits, travel, wellness, and more. I love to hike, do yoga, explore culture, cities/countryside, etc. Come say hello! 👋