Neighborhood News – Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue in Chicago’s Loop, Northcenter, Jefferson Park, Streeterville, Roscoe Village, Magnificent Mile

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Welcome to July and may the Fourth be with you! Chicago’s neighborhoods are rising to the occasion with lots of activities and community gatherings celebrating the birth of American independence.

On the Street Where You Live… nowthrough July 10 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W.Randolph, Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Ladytells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a ‘proper lady.’ The show features classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live.” For tickets, click here.

Freedom in Art…The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Avenue, new, groundbreaking exhibit Cezanne, nowthrough September 5, sheds new light not only on how this artist created his works, but why his art remains so vital today. Paul Cezanne’s (French, 1839–1906) works span media and genres, through little-known early allegorical paintings, Impressionist landscapes, portraits, and bather scenes. As the website asks, “Would pictures made this way somehow be truer to life than those made by other means?” For tickets,  click here.

Grillin’ and grinnin’…Nothing says July 4 like grilled fresh meats and vegetables! Prep for your barbecue and enjoy the beautiful summer weather at the Northcenter Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8am -1pm at  Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen. The Northcenter Farmers Market is one of the oldest farmers markets on the North Side of Chicago, and features such vendors as Broken K Ranch, where you can find beef, chicken, and eggs, Liz Madsen Farms, with fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more, and Three Bees, where you can purchase honey and beeswax products. For more information, click here.

DIY FourthPatriotic Crafts for the 4th of July on Saturday, July 2, from 1pm – 4pm at the Jefferson Park Public Library, 5363 W. Lawrence Avenue. The library encourages kids of all ages to drop by for glitter fireworks and more! They encourage all to wear a mask, as well as residents under the age of 5 who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, click here.

Stars and Stripes Forever… Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus’ annual Independence Day Salute of patriotic music at Jay Pritzker Pavilion gets underway Saturday, July 2, at 7:30pm.  Christopher Bell conducts a program that includes a George Gershwin medley, along with favorites by composers Aaron Copland, John Williams, John Philip Sousa, Irving Berlin, and so many more! Nothing is more stirring than our patriotic marches and anthems to reaffirm our collective voice. For tickets, click here.

After the concert, head to Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, find your favorite spot and watch dazzling Fireworks light up the night sky at 9:30 pm. A special twist this year…while supplies last, guests will receive ‘diffraction glasses’ to “add visual interest” to the already spectacular fireworks display, accompanied by holiday-themed music. Free.

Fresh from the Grill… Shop for your Fourth of July barbecue at Roscoe Village Farmers Market at Jahn Elementary School, 3149 N. Wolcott Avenue, on Sunday, July 3, from 8am –12pm. Shop from a cornucopia of fresh produce, fresh breads, pastries, cheeses, coffee, honey, and so much more! Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities, live music and free workouts throughout the market season! For more information, click here.

Purple Reign… Prince: The Immersive Experience is an interactive celebration of the iconic artist’s life and legacy at The Shops at North Bridge, 540 N. Michigan Avenue (corner of Michigan Ave. and Ohio St.) As the website says, guests will journey through 10 multidimensional spaces and explore a purple universe where you will step inside the iconic ‘Purple Rain’ album cover, play music producer and mix one of Prince’s greatest hits in Studio A, and get down to an audiovisual dance party. ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ and ‘Party Like It’s 1999!’ Tickets are available by clicking here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Let’s all go out for ‘Recess!’

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What’s the best way to celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday? Outside, of course! Preferably close to a fireworks display, and preferably, with your family, friends and loved ones gathered around you…even the family dog.

In the West Loop, that place is Recess. As one Infatuation reviewer wrote, “The outdoor space is huge (14,500 square feet), which means that there’s plenty of space for you, your friends, and the matching pair of Irish Wolfhounds you adopted during the pandemic. Hopefully you trained one of them to drive you home.”

Recess tries, and largely succeeds, at being all things to all people. They are open for events, and are kid-and dog-friendly, yet also serve a 21+ crowd with enthusiasm. They would be a perfect choice for a gathering over the upcoming Fourth of July weekend!

The owners say as much. “Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink,” they say. “The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while Alec Pignotti’s beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4.”

Whomever you are, you’ll find a place for you and your friends at Recess.

They recently introduced a new summer menu, which includes Mango Shrimp Ceviche, served with plantain chips. For those who like their food light, Recess serves a Strawberry Goat Cheese salad, replete with hemp seed granola, apples, pickled golden raisins, and prickly pear vinaigrette. For those who like their Fourth of July with grilled burgers, their BBQ Burger is an 8-ounce (yes, you read it right—twice the size of a Quarter Pounder) beef patty, served with pepper jack cheese, crispy onions, and BBQ sauce, on an onion brioche bun.

One starter of particular interest is The Quilted Hog, a Giant Pig in a Blanket, with smoked pork sausage, pickled shallots, and harissa aioli. Wash it down with a Crook County Cold Brew, which pairs la colombe cold brew coffee, raw sugar, and lemon zest, or a Bi-Partisan Bloody Mary with gluten-free vodka, savor and salt Bloody Mary mix, and served with meat, cheese, and celery.

If there’s one complaint I have about Recess, it’s that the menu items could be consistently, creatively named. For every Quilted Hog or City Hall Cheeseburger Slider, there’s a Chicken Sandwich (with fresh mozzarella, beefsteak tomato, pesto mayo, served on a brioche bun) or Philly Steak Taquitos (with roasted poblano and pepper jack cheese dip) dying for lack of a creative name. It doesn’t take away from having a delicious bite. But you’d be tempted to skip over them for a more creatively named dish. The owners have shown their capabilities. 

Bob’s Pizza is a separate kitchen that serves up traditional 16” pies deliciously at Recess. One specialty is the Spinach Pesto & Stracciatella, with prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, baby arugula, and lemon. A Korean BBQ pizza combines roasted chicken thigh with creamy apple barbeque, basil, scallions, house-made kimchi, and pea tendrils.

Recess is located at 838 W. Kinzie. They are open Mondays and Tuesday from 4pm-midnight; Wednesday-Friday, they open at 4pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, they are open at 11am for brunch.  For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

2022 4th of July

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Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Splitting household chores equitably

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Yes, it’s 2022 and we feel we have come far in equalizing the two sexes. However, research shows that women still shoulder the brunt of the housework. Even when the woman makes more money, she spends more hours per week taking care of the house than her male partner. Even among roommates, it’s found that the person who is most “bothered” by a mess should clean it. So, it’s not just domestic partners who need to wake up about sharing housework! 

We all have a different idea of what “clean” is. The person with the lower tolerance for mess is often the one that tackles the chores. If you are that person in your household, you need to have a serious discussion. It can open with “I think it would be good for our relationship if we could talk about expectations about the organization and cleanliness of our space. Would you be open to that?”. Make your preferences known. Showers clean of hair? No dishes in the sink? Beds made? Do not assume that others have the same idea of cleanliness that you do! Having a discussion can reveal much about ourselves. Talk about what chores you were responsible for in your childhood. That can have a great impact on how you feel about chores today. When it comes down to it, our belongings and surroundings deserve respect. 

When everyone has agreed to a standard of cleanliness, it will be easier to delegate chores. There are different ways to tackle this. A spreadsheet can work, with all tasks listed with each person having a column. You can divide according to a person’s schedule or what they prefer to do. There are also chore apps you can use that can provide notifications. Or a dry erase board can be used with chores color coded that can change weekly according to schedules. We also must realize we may think we can do certain tasks “better” than our housemate, but learn to appreciate the time and effort others put into the task and how it makes our lives easier. 

Parents: start with children when they are quite young. Even toddlers can learn to pick up their toys and put their dirty clothes in a hamper. Revisit chores every six months or so, especially with small children who may be able to take on more responsibility. While children need to know that helping out is part of being in a family, it’s still fine to give small rewards for chores. A trip to the ice cream shop or a small allowance works wonders to keep children interested. We can all agree our goal is to make our homes easier to live in! So do what you can, individually and collectively, to make your space the most enjoyable place to live.

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Wrapping Up the End of Pride Month!

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Chicagoans will be wrapping up the end of Pride Month this last weekend in June with a host of Chicago Pride celebrations and other events as another month of weekends comes to an end as well!

More than a dozen performers take to Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop for the two-day Pride in the Park festival on Saturday (2 p.m. – 10 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m. – 10 p.m.). This celebration of Pride Month, the city’s LGBTQ+ community is excited to feature two stages with top international and local musical talent; performers and activist speakers; and a wide variety of food, drinks, merchandise vendors, and more!  Plus, there are plenty of pre- and after party events taking place as well!!

Navy Pier’s annual day-long celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, Navy Pier Pride returns this Saturday (12 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.) to Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. Besides celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and support for the LGBTQ+ community, this free event features festivities that include live music, dancing, storytelling, and more for the entire family to enjoy all day and night!

Following a two-year hiatus, the 51st annual Chicago Pride Parade returns to the streets of Chicago’s Uptown and Lakeview neighborhoods on Sunday stepping off at Noon from Montrose Avenue and Broadway Street. Since this parade typically attracts over one million attendees, it would be wise to plan on staking out your spot along the parade route as early as you can! Also, bar and restaurant celebrations follow the parade and continue throughout the night in Boystown!!

This weekend is the last one for the Taste of Chicago pop-ups that returned this year to three Chicago neighborhoods. The Taste of Chicago Little Village will be featured on Saturday (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.) at Ortiz De Dominguez School (3000 S. Lawndale Ave.) in the Little Village neighborhood.  This pop-up features an exciting array of local and citywide food vendors showcasing the diversity of Chicago’s culinary scene.  Not only will attendees’ taste everything from authentic Mexican desserts to Auntie Vee’s mac & cheese, and more, but also enjoy a full lineup of free musical performances!  It’s an event not to be missed!!

Returning to the Logan Square neighborhood and celebrating its 12th year, the Logan Square Arts Fest takes place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.) at Logan Square Monument Park (2579 N. Milwaukee Ave.). This year’s event features two stages of live music, food and drinks from neighborhood restaurants, and locally produced beer and cocktails for a one-of-a-kind experience in one of the most iconic green spaces in Chicago! And it all takes place on the first official weekend of summer!!

From June through September this year, dozens of movies will screen in parks all over Chicago as part of the city’s annual Movies in the Parks program.  From recent blockbusters to classics, you’re sure to find something good to watch for free beneath the stars this summer.  Screenings typically begin at 8:30 p.m. each evening.  Here’s this weekend’s choices:

Saturday
“Spider-Man – No Way Home” – Pulaski Park (1419 W. Blackhawk St.) – West Town


“Encanto” – Unity Park (2636 N. Kimball Ave.) – Logan Square


“Legally Blonde” – Bartelme Park (115 S. Sangamon St.) – Near West Side

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News – Take PRIDE in Lincoln Square,  Lincoln Park, Streeterville, Logan Square, Northalsted

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It’s here! It’s finally here! Pride Month in Chicago goes out with a flourish, with neighborhood events, festivals, festivities, and after a Covid-related hiatus, the return of Chicago’s Pride Parade!

Farmer’s Market Pride For a pre-Friday lift, the Lincoln Square Evening Farmer’s Market, on Lincoln and Leland Avenues from 3pm-7pm, is a treat just waiting to happen. Adjacent to CTA Brown Line – Western ‘L’ Station, the market connects local farmers, artisans, and food purveyors to the Northside of Chicago. Thursday marketers include Aleka’s Kitchen, Edgewater Candles, Fons Empanadas, and Joe’s Blues. For a complete list of Thursday vendors, click here.

Pride at the Zoo On Thursday, June 23, Pride Weekend gets underway at Lincoln Park Zoo, North Cannon Drive and West Fullerton, at 6:30pm for Adults Night Out: Pride Party! This 18+ event is a chance to explore Lincoln Park Zoo after the gates close. In recognition of Pride Month, this evening features Drag Queen Bingo, a DJ featuring LGBTQIA+ artists, animal chats from the Lincoln Park Zoo team, and free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel. Cash bars and plenty of food for purchase! Tickets are $40 per person, and can be found by clicking here.

Take pride in Theater! A newmusical comedy is premiering at Navy Pier’s Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Avenue, through Sunday, July 24. ItCameFromOuterSpace was adapted from the ‘50s cult classic sci-fi film! The story goes, according to the website, “Amateur astronomer John Putnam encounters an alien spaceship in the desert and becomes the laughingstock of his small town—until the extraterrestrial visitors make their presence known and he must convince the gathering mob that they have come in peace. A clever musical score and creative physical humor puts a new spin on Ray Bradbury’s flying saucer tale, examining society’s fear of outsiders as it simultaneously embraces the wonder of what lies just beyond the stars.” Tickets are $50-60, and can be purchased by clicking here 

Take pride in Art (and Music!) While not officially a Pride event, The Logan Square Arts Festival returns to 3150 W. Logan Boulevard (‘The Square’) after a two-year hiatus Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26. The festival features, according to the website, two stages of live music, food, drinks, and a renewed focus oon”creating a one-of-kind experience in one of the most iconic green spaces in Chicago,” celebrating the diversity and vitality of  neighborhood. Hours are Friday, 5pm -10pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon-10pm. For more information, click here.

Navy Pier PrideCome to Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, on Saturday, June 25, from 12pm– 11:30pm for a day-long, family-friendly celebration of storytelling, music, dance,  diversity, inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Festivities include live music, educational programs, performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists, on-site resources from community partners and more. Free. For more information, click here.

More Pride in Music C’mon over to Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph Drive on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 from 1pm-10pm for Pride In The Park, and groove along to the pulsating beat of the annual outdoor music festival featuring LGBTQ+ performers, artists, and vendors! Headliners include the Chainsmokers, Swedish DJ Alesso, Daya, Rebecca Black, and so many more! Tickets are $75-$210; Free for kids 10 years old and under, with a paying adult. For tickets, click here.

Movies in the ParkHead to Logan Square’s Unity Park, 2636 N. Kimball Avenue, on Saturday, June 25, at 8:30pm (dusk) for a free showing of Disney’s Oscar-winning Encanto. More moviesthroughoutthecity’s beautiful parks! For a complete list of Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Park, click here 

The 51st annual Chicago Pride Parade marches through the city’s Northalsted (Boystown) neighborhood starting at noon on Sunday, June 26, at Montrose Avenue and Broadway. The parade features a rainbow of lively, colorful characters, as well as musicians, area businesses, politicians, and lots of floats! The parade marches south, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. Free. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Family-friendly, calorie-conscious Pastore + Brunch in Lincoln Square

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Swimsuit season has officially arrived! Happy second day of Summer, everyone. There are many reasons we like Lincoln Square’s Pastore + Brunch, including the quality of the ingredients, the innovative, Mexican-inspired breakfast, lunch and brunch options, and healthy selections. And in swimsuit season, you can keep track of every calorie you consume at Pastore + Brunch.

Yes, calorie counts on each item come with the menu. 

Take, for example, their signature brunch items. For a mere 348 calories, the Mexican Molletesbolillo rolls smothered with warm refried beans and melty Chihuahua cheese. And you can top them with their self-described “fresh, zesty” pico de gallo. Or their 1100-calorie Mexican-inspired Chicken and Mini Waffles, featuring a fresh, made to order, juicy chicken breast, which has been marinated in their special sauce (a house recipe,) accompanied with “a little waffles,” with your choice of ranch, honey mustard, or Buffalo dipping sauce. For just 447 calories (149 per slice,) you can indulge in their Lincoln Square Stuffed French Toast with three pieces of your choice of strawberries, Nutella, or sweet Ricotta cheese, which are topped with berries sauce, roasted marshmallow, and chocolate Pockys.

Their Lincoln Ave Frittata has thin slices of prosciutto, fresh wild mushrooms, roasted onions, roasted tomatoes and parmesan cheese on top for 470 calories, and their Mix Mex Frittata pairs chorizo, fresh pico de gallo, fire roasted poblano peppers, melted Chihuahua cheese on top for 520 calories.

Their appetizers are equally inspired. A favorite is the Mexican Street Corn, which comes covered with Hellmann’s mayonnaise, chile tajin and cotija cheese, and our choice of ‘on the cob’ or ‘plate’. All for a mere 240 calories! 

Another calorie bargain and specialty of the house is the P+B Burger. How is it possible that ahalf-pound of charbroiled cooked meat, pastor meat, grilled pineapple, grilled onions, and Chihuahua cheese, and waffle fries can clock in at 370 calories? 

Their signature P+B Tacos are served on double house-made corn tortillas (gluten-free). They note that all tacos and baos are available as a lettuce wrap, with your choice of lettuce and tomato, or cilantro and onions. Pastore + Brunch Fish Tacos come with red cabbage, pico de gallo, Valentina (hot) sauce, mayo, and lime wedge, all for 156 calories. Chicken Tacos come with a grilled chicken breast, pickled jalapeño, pico de gallo and queso fresco for 185 calories. Pastor Bao has shredded carrots, cilantro, and chipotle pineapple sauce for 190 calories.

And yes, there are salads! The 530-calorie P+B Spinach Berry Saladpairsbaby spinach and greens, which comes tossed with fresh strawberries, onions, blueberries, fresco cheese and yogurt dressing. Proteins like chicken or steak can be added for additional cost and calories. Their Cobb Iceberg Salad is served on a bed of romaine and iceberg lettuce, with bacon chips, fresh avocado, grilled chicken breast, fresh tomato, hard boiled eggs, and blue cheese, all for 630 calories.

A separate Kids Menu features kiddie-friendly favorites, like quesadillas and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, all for 500 calories and under.

Pastore + Brunch is BYOB and located at 4661 N. Lincoln Avenue. Their hours are Monday-Sunday, 7am-3pm. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Becoming a morning person

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I’m sure many of us believe that we are either morning people or a night owl. The truth is most of us are in the middle. So, if you are interested in becoming one of those morning people it is quite possible. Your circadian rhythm is a kind of internal clock that influences your daily schedule. It tells us when to wake and sleep. Much of it is genetic but you can train yourself to wake earlier.

Waking early does increase productivity. More than half of Americans say they feel most productive between 5am and noon. Early risers tend to be happier, and more goal oriented also. Of course, any change will take effort and time but is well worth it. 

Start to set your wake-up time earlier by just half an hour. If you usually rise at 8 you cannot just start getting up at 5 in one day. Each week set your alarm 30 minutes earlier and give yourself 5-7 days to get used to it. 

Of course, waking up early doesn’t do much good if you just stumble around in a haze. Exercising releases endorphins that can really get you going. Exercising in the morning gives you better sleep at night also. You sleep longer and deeper when you exercise in the morning, more than any other time of day. Have a small breakfast with protein as the main component, along with some fiber. 

Your bedroom environment is important too. Bedrooms should be neat, clutter free and as cool as possible (64-68 degrees). If you have annoying outside light, use black out curtains or shades. Too noisy? Use foam earplugs or a sound machine. There are apps that have thousands of different sounds, from thunderstorms and rain (My Favorite), to soft music. Use a pleasant alarm sound rather than a loud obnoxious one. With our smartphones now the choices are endless. It is just as important to have an alarm to sleep also. I have two notifications. One hour before bed to start the bedtime ritual. No more devices and blue light. 

Practicing yoga or meditation sets you up for peaceful sleep. Many people find journaling gets out those nagging thoughts that often keep us up. Make a list of tasks for the next day and get thoughts of tomorrow’s challenges out so restful sleep can commence. 

Get as much natural light during the day as possible. Studies have shown workers with limited light exposure in the workplace have poorer overall sleep quality than those with daily light. Natural light is good as opposed to the blue light that emits from our devices, and that includes television. That is why the one hour ban before bed for devices is so important. 

Keep to your wake and sleep schedule on days off as much as you can. Staying up past midnight and sleeping till noon on days off can ruin all the work you have done during the work week. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Upgrade Your Front Door Color for Instant Curb Appeal

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Your front door is the first thing people see when they visit your home and should serve as a welcoming point for your guests. Repainting your front door is an easy and affordable upgrade that will instantly increase your homes curb appeal. You can choose any color you’d like for this upgrade but the one you choose should be inline with your overall design style. Here are some tips on how you can make yours standout or match the overall aesthetic of your home.

MAKE A STATEMENT BY USING A BOLD COLOR

Don’t be afraid to use a bold color that makes a statement and really shows off your design style. This is where you can get creative, but remember this is something you’ll see everyday as you pull into your driveway. You can go with a bright color or set the mood with something dark and sleek. Some trending colors from this year are blacks, reds, light greens, and blue hues.

KEEP IT CLASSIC

Maybe using a bold color isn’t your cup of tea and using a classic color is more inline with your design taste. The good news is that classic colors can look great too. Classic colors have more neutral hues and consist of grays, browns, or blacks. These can also be incorporated into a stain if you’d like to showoff some wood grains as well.

WHAT ABOUT THE TRIM?

Think about your front door trim as the frame that surrounds your favorite piece of art. You can paint the trim the same color as your newly painted door or you can choose another color that might prevent it from blending in with the color of your home. It will look best if you keep the door trim consistent with the rest of the trim on your home if you decide not to paint it the same as the door.

EVERY HOME HAS A STYLE

The overall style of your home will guide your decision making process when choosing your new door color. But your personality and design style should not be overlooked as it’s important to make a bold cohesive statement. There aren’t any rules and it can always be repainted easily if you’re not happy with the result as time goes on.

TRY IT FIRST

Most paint stores offer small samples that are inexpensive and can be tested before you paint the entire door. You can test each color by painting small sections of the door which will allow you to see the results with proper lighting and textures. Or, you can make squares out of white poster board and tape these to the door. The poster board approach might be the best route to take if you’re unsure about the colors.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Celebrating Our Dads!

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This June weekend offers us many great events since Sunday is not only Father’s Day but it’s also Juneteenth which celebrates the end of slavery!  So, get out there and have a fun-packed weekend with your family and friends to celebrate our dads!!

Commemorating the liberation of African descendants from slavery, Juneteenth Village Fest takes place Saturday (12 p.m. – 6 p.m.) at Douglass Park (California Ave. between 12th Pl. and Ogden Ave.) in the North Lawndale neighborhood.  This free, family-friendly event features free carnival rides, games, inflatables, face painting, a rock-climbing wall, a petting zoo, food, community vendor booths and so much more! It Takes A Village Family of Schools is hosting the event and is being attended by local and celebrity artists as well as elected officials, community leaders, and activists supporting our new holiday!!

The Taste of Randolph Street returns to 900 W. Randolph Street at Peoria Avenue in the West Loop this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.).  This event brings together the biggest and brightest names in Chicago dining featuring over 16 restaurants for their delectable menus and unique flavors along with a DJ stage to entertain you while on your culinary adventure.  Plus, StarEvents has curated a list of the nation’s hottest up-and-coming bands and musicians, as well as the biggest names in Chicago house music, performing on two stages!  For 25 years, this street festival has been a staple here in Chicago!!

Taste of Chicago pop-ups return this year with events in three Chicago neighborhoods!  This weekend, Taste of Chicago Pullman will be featured on Saturday (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.) at Pullman Park (11101 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) in the Pullman neighborhood. This pop-up features tasty ribs, artesian sandwiches, exotic and gourmet sausages/hot dogs, a fun variety of DJ and live music performances, and more!  Plus, there’s even free introductory dance lessons to work off the pound or two you just gained!!

Chicago Pridefest returns Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.) to Northalsted (Halsted St. from Addison to Grace Streets) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  This festival features 3 stages of live music by headline artists and local favorites, food, drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJs, drag shows, games, giveaways and more!  And don’t miss the Proud Pet Parade at 12 p.m. on Sunday at the North Stage.  You can register your pet from 12 p.m.-12:30 p.m., then Miss Foozie will lead the contestants to the South Stage at 1 p.m. for prizes and fun as the Winner presentations take place!

Celebrating 64 years, the Gold Coast Art Fair returns to Grant Park, Butler Field (100 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in The Loop this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  This family-friendly art fair welcomes 200 juried artists from around the country to create an exceptional, shoppable art experience featuring jewelry, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media and more!  Plus adding to the festive atmosphere are live music stages located in various locations along with delicious food, beer, wine, and sangria!!

Finally, if your dad is a sports enthusiast, here’s who’s in town on his weekend:

The Chicago Cubs are hosting the Atlanta Braves this Saturday and Sunday (1:20 p.m.) at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.

The Chicago Dogs are hosting the Lake Country this Saturday (6 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.) at Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) in Rosemont.  Also, this Saturday is a Theme Night Special celebrating Jimmy Buffett.  Fans of all ages are welcomed for a one-of-a-kind experience!

The Chicago Fire FC are hosting D.C. United this Saturday (7 p.m.) at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop.

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago