CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lakeview, River North, Logan Square, Portage Park

Lincoln Park: If you don’t already have plans tonight, you’re in luck! The 17th Annual Green City Market Chef BBQ is tonight from 5:30 to 8 pm. This is a Chicago summer must, with over 100 of Chicago’s best chefs cooking up creative, tasty concoctions using produce and meats from Green City Market vendors. Admission is $125 for adults and $25 for kids 12 and under. Wristbands are included for those 21 and older. Once you’re in, you can eat and drink as much as you like! Held at 1817 N. Clark St., the festival usually attracts around 2,000 people. Tickets are available ahead of time here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: The potential buyers of St. Paul’s Church in Wicker Park are looking to transform the 1890s building into an apartment complex, containing 28 units. Principals of SNS Realty Group, an architect, and members of the Wicker Park Subcommittee of Development and Preservation met on Tuesday evening to discuss the project. The property needs to be rezoned to allow for the potential 28 units, as right now the zoning would only allow eight units total. Members of the subcommittee voiced concerns about the large number of units, the limited parking for tenants (as the church is located very near to the CTA Blue Line), and the potential for units to be built in the basement. Michael Schwartz and Scott Schiller, principals of the realty group, said they would be willing to increase the size of the units and reduce the number from 28 to 20. They’d like to meet with the Wicker Park Committee again next month with a formal presentation.

Lakeview: The new (and highly anticipated) Target just off the Belmont Red Line station will have its grand opening this Sunday. The first 1,000 customers will receive free canvas bags! The store did hold a soft opening on Wednesday, to introduce the new store to people in the neighborhood. The store will carry men and women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, produce, groceries, alcohol, electronics and office supplies. However, the selection will be much smaller than the offerings at most other Targets. The small format Target is designed to suit commuters and neighborhood dwellers looking for a “one-stop-shop”. Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 7 am to 10 pm, Saturdays from 8 am to 11 pm, and Sundays from 8 am to 10 pm.

River North: The Taste of River North festival is back this weekend! Held at Ward Park (630 N. Kingsbury St.), the festival begins at 5 PM this Friday evening. East Bank Club, a sponsor of the festival, will hold free workouts starting at 10 am on Saturday at the gym (500 N. Kingsbury St.). River North’s Taste will feature drafts from Goose Island and Stella Artois. 12 neighborhood restaurants will be represented, including Big & Little’s, Da Lobsta, and Pranzi. Hours are 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday, noon to 10 pm on Saturday, and 11 am to 8 pm on Sunday. There is a suggested $5 dollar donation for admission, which goes to the River North Residents Association. For more information, check out the official festival website!

Logan Square: Are you looking for a new way to get your sweat on? BiKettle has got the answer for you! BiKettle combines indoor cycling and strength training for an intense, high-powered workout. Located at 4353 W. North Ave., the studio opened about a month ago. An instructor leads the class through a cycling routine, increasing and decreasing the resistance throughout the workout. What makes BiKettle unique is the addition of synchronized dance moves and the use of 5 to 10 pound kettlebells: all while cycling. Find more information about this exciting new fitness studio here!

Portage Park: A new restaurant is coming to the Six Corners Shopping District. El Mariachi de los Compadres plans to open within the next couple of weeks at 4908 W. Irving Park Rd. Co-owner Veronica Gonzalez says the restaurant will serve a hybrid of Mexican and American cuisine. The restaurant has completed its interior renovations and is waiting on its restaurant license now.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO