CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – Loop, Evanston, Lakeview, Portage Park, Old Town

LOOP

Finally there’s some good news coming from the base of something stamped with the name “Trump”.

Wendella Boat tours, located at 400 N. Michigan Ave. at the base of Trump Tower, has been honored for one boat crew’s rescue of a man who had leapt from the DuSable Bridge at Michigan Ave. on June 4th. On that day a nearby Wendella boat tour stopped to assist and secure the man until divers from the Chicago Fire Department arrived to handle the situation and escort the unidentified man to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The U.S. Coast Guard honored Captain Josh Rubin and his 6 crew members by presenting them with awards for “excellence in search and rescue” at the 9/7 meeting of Chicago Harbor Safety Committee. They were awarded with the Captain David P.  Dobbins Award, named after the first Superintendent of the U.S. Lifesaving Service’s Great Lakes Ninth District, for the crew’s quick and resourceful intervention.

EVANSTON

In its 41st year, the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market (1800 Maple Ave.) and Friends of Evanston Farmers Market are partnering for their Truck to Table Event on Saturday, 9/24, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Chefs from prominent restaurants such as Tomato Fresh Kitchen, Bistro Bordeaux, Hoosier Mama Pie Company and more will be paired with produce vendors to offer a celebration of small plates for the whole family. Admission is $40 for 6 tickets to be used to select plates of your choice. Children under 9 years old will be given 3 tickets each with a paying adult.  Last year the event was such a success for the 40th Anniversary that they just had to do it again in 2016.

LAKEVIEW

Tuco & Blondie, the Mexican-American replacement to Justin’s bar at 3358 N. Southport Ave., is opening its doors on Monday 9/26. Being the 10th concept from the 4 Star Restaurant Group that also helms Crosby’s Kitchen and Remington’s, this restaurant is ready to entertain families and groups with an extensive menu of appetizers, tacos, entrees and sides for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Hand-crafted cocktails will also be an attraction in the theme of the Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western film, “The Good The Bad and The Ugly,” with drinks named The Man With No Name, Angel Eyes, and more.  The old patio with its fireplace is still open for business through the warmer fall months. According to Chicago Magazine, the creators of Tuco & Blondie are not trying to be an authentic taqueria. They’re goal is to bring even more fun to the neighborhood with nostalgia for the once popular Chi-Chi’s restaurant chain. Meaning fried ice cream is definitely on the dessert menu. Chicago magazine reports that Tuco & Blondie’s version is coated in crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ cereal instead of the usual corn flakes. To learn that the crispy outside of fried ice cream is made with corn flakes was news enough for me!

PORTAGE PARK

Six Corners Association has come up with a creative way of engaging residents to spend more time and dollars in the cross section where Portage Park and Old Irving Park meet. Tickets are now on sale for their one night Drive-in Theatre event next Friday, 9/30, in the parking lot at 3930 N. Milwaukee Ave. from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. The beloved 1985 kid-friendly adventure movie, “Goonies” will be presented on a 25-foot screen with audio broadcast through the radio of your car. Pedestrians will also be welcomed to view in a designated area for lawn chairs and blankets. Follow the link above to purchase tickets. Pedestrians aged 12 and under may attend for $5, adults for $15. Vehicle admission is $30 for as many as you can legally fit inside your car. The lot has space for up to 200 cars and several tickets have already been purchased so  act quickly.

OLD TOWN

Check out the area’s hidden treasures of health and wellness institutions in the upcoming Live Well Health and Wellness Series during the week of 10/3 – 10/8. Many of these establishments are overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and entertainment scene which is Old Town. So here’s your chance to try out the various fitness, dental/medical/eye care services, spas, and clinics abounding in this neighborhood. Follow the link above to view several of the discounts and freebies being offered which include free flu shots, fitness classes, medical screenings, seminars, and services . We’re letting you know in advance so you can plan and register if necessary before time slots are all taken up.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO