Tips to Decorating an Odd-Shaped Living Room

An odd-shaped living room can be a decorating nightmare. Whether you’ve got harsh angles, recessed walls, or columns in the middle of the room, it can be tough to arrange furniture, decorate, and create a functional space.

But rather than seeing these weird features as obstacles, look at them as opportunities to get creative and decorate with some flamboyance.

Here are some ways to get around your irregular-shaped living room to create an awesome space that’s both functional and stylish.

Break the Room Down Into Segments

Living rooms with unorthodox layouts can be tackled by separating them into different segments, if the space permits. Then you can arrange specific furniture pieces and décor in these different areas to suit various tasks.

For example, one section could be reserved for a sofa and television, while another space can be dedicated to an office/study area. Or, you might choose to create a reading area with a chaise, small table and bookshelf.

If the room allows for different functions, then make use of this space accordingly so even the most bizarre spots can be functional without leaving them bare.

Arrange Around a Focal Point

Take the attention away from peculiar spots in the living room by creating a focal point. You can literally make this central point whatever you wish, whether it’s a large coffee table, fireplace, chandelier, wall art, or an area rug.

Once you’ve decided what you want your focal point to be, decorate around it. Just make sure that it’s placed in an easily visible spot. Going this route will draw attention to the center of the space, rather than showcase its unusual edges and corners.

Use Rounded Furniture Pieces For Harsh Angles

Sometimes you wonder what was going through the minds of the architects and builders when they designed and built a home with rooms that feature corners and edges with no rhyme or reason. Whatever the case may be, it’s now up to you to work around it.

And when it comes to harsh corners and angles, one of the best ways to tackle this issue is to place furniture pieces with rounded edges to soften the area. Pieces with equally sharp edges will only accentuate the severity of the angled walls and corners. The opposite is true with round furniture; these pieces work to soften the angles and take the focus off of them.

Be Consistent With Repeated Elements

If you’re going to have elements in the space that will be repeated, such as molding or window treatments, make sure to keep them consistent throughout the room. This will help to take the attention off the irregular shape of the room and make it appear more conventional.

All the trim should be consistent, and every window covering should be the same. While this might not sound like a lot of fun, it can be really effective at normalizing the layout of the room.

Give Purpose to Tight Corners

What are you supposed to do with a corner that’s less than 90 degrees? Simple. Transform it into a space of its own by placing items such as reading chairs, potted plants, tall vases, or small accent tables. While you might not necessarily hang out in that corner much, adding elements such as these can breathe life into the corner and give it some purpose.

Create Balance With Free-Standing Shelves

Rooms that have strange layouts can often appear off kilter. Your job is to bring back a sense of balance in the room, which can effectively be done by placing a free-standing bookshelf wherever the space calls for it. By including a shelving unit that can be accessed from all sides, it can make the room appear more symmetrical.

Make Odd Walls or Columns a Feature

Lots of older homes tend to comes with a random column in the middle of the room, or an unexpected wall protruding from the perimeter. If you’re faced with one of these traits, use them to your advantage and make them features in the room.

You might want to paint the wall or column a different color than the rest of the walls in the space, or use it as an area where you hang all your collective art pieces. Turning it into a feature is a much better option than trying to camouflage it in some way, which can actually make it stand out even more.

An oddball living room definitely makes it more challenging to outfit, but you’re really only limited to your imagination when it comes to making it work. In fact, an unusually shaped room can even turn out to be the most memorable part of your home if it’s used properly.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Welcoming First Full Weekend of Spring!

Welcome to the last weekend of March and the first full weekend of spring!  It may not be exactly the spring temperatures we were hoping for, but at least we’re out of hibernation.  In the meantime, though, kick back, relax and have some fun at these weekend events!

Sometimes you just need to unwind with some choice libations.  If that’s the case, head on over to Gourmet Expos’ 5th annual West Loop Spirits & Wine Festival this Saturday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington Blvd.).  Not only does this festival showcase dozens of local, national, and international producers of fine spirits and wines under one roof, it also features renowned purveyors of artisanal chocolates and specialty treats; an opportunity to chat with the representatives and artisans about their process; watch experts as they give informational demonstrations showing you the best practices of pairing beverages and foods; continuous live music by Big Dog Mercer Blues Band; and more!  Ticket packages start at $45 with limited free on-site parking.  Plus, 100% of the tastings and sales net proceeds will benefit Voice of Care which embraces, empowers, and engages those who experience disabilities and their families!

This Saturday, Eataly Chicago (43 E. Ohio St.) on the Near North Side will be celebrating all things Italian wine with their Vino & Food Festa.  This festa features two time slots from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. with unlimited tastings of over 25 regional Italian wines, a tasting of meats, cheeses, and bites, and a bottle of prosecco to take home with you!  Plus, enjoy a special 10% discount in their marketplace (valid on day of event only) to bring home your favorites and more!!

This Sunday only from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m., enjoy Jurassic Park in Concert at the Chicago Symphony Center (220 S. Michigan Ave.) in The Loop.  Relive the magic of Jurassic Park on the big screen with a thrilling performance of John Williams’ iconic score by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects will be featured as well.  Your ticket also includes a free pre-concert conversation featuring Richard Kaufman in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes prior to the performance and will last approximately 30 minutes.  Welcome to Jurassic Park!!

The biggest night in films takes place this Sunday evening with the 94th Annual Academy Awards and can be viewed LIVE only on ABC7.  However, there are several Oscar viewing parties being held around town if you prefer to go all out and celebrate in true Hollywood style!

The Chicago Actors Studio (2040 N. Elston Ave.) in the Bucktown neighborhood will be hosting their Oscar Viewing Party with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.  This event offers free admission, snacks, and drinks along with an Oscar Pool, but you need to enter before 7:00 p.m.  There’s also free parking at Best Buy located a ½ block north of the building!

The Oscar Party 2022 is being hosted at the Lark Bar Chicago (3441 N. Halsted St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  Their Red Carpet begins at 6 p.m. and features free award ballots and popcorn, $19 bottomless champagne (2-hour limit), and $5 Bud Light drafts.  Plus, all screens have sound!

The Academy Award Oscar Party is being hosted at My Buddy’s (4416 N. Clark St.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. with tons of giveaway prizes and a ballot competition!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Happy Spring from Belmont-Central, Lincoln Square, Chicago Loop, River North, Ravenswood

Spring has sprung, and with it, new opportunities for fun in Chicago. Don’t miss any of Chicago’s awesome opportunities to come out and enjoy all that our unique communities offer this week!

Take the kids to see the Stahl Family Theater’s latest production, ‘The Ugly Duckling’ premiering Wednesday, March 23, through May 6. Located at 5900 W. Belmont, in the Belmont-Central neighborhood, the one-hour musical tells the story of a new student, who “isn’t quite like the other ducklings on her first day at Lucky Ducky School.” The musical also provides age-appropriate lessons about uniqueness, bullying and becoming “up standers” rather than bystanders, featuring a script by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. For tickets and information, click here.

For a relaxing 90 minutes in a busy, stressful world, Lincoln Square’s Bloom Yoga Studio, 4663 N. Rockwell, presents Playful Yoga at the Wall on Thursday, March 24, from 6:30pm-8pm. The instructor prominently features wall work in standing, back bending and inverted shapes. Cost is $35, unless a Studio Member, where the rate is $25. For more information, click here.

Welcome to…. ‘Jurassic Park!’ The Steven Spielberg-directed 1993 classic featured an amazing score by Oscar winner John Williams. On Friday, March 25 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, March 26 at 3pm, relive the movie on the big screen at Orchestra Hall, 220 S. Michigan Avenue. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recreates Williams’ haunting orchestral score. Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum, the adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Ticket holders are invited to a free preconcert conversation featuring Richard Kaufman in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets required. Tickets start at $85. For tickets and information, click here.

At the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street, and Spiegeltent ZaZou – Cambria Hotel – 32 W. Randolph Street, the cast of Teatro Zinanni invites you to experience “the finest fine diner in the Chicago Loop.” According to Broadway in Chicago, the chef-Madame Z (Chicago’s own Bethany Thomas) and head waiter, Doily (Kevin Kent), have assembled a hardworking restaurant crew of unemployed circus artists from around the world. An old friend comes roaring up on his motorcycle, ready to bring their dreams to life. What will they wish for? Included in this theatrical production is a multi-course gourmet feast, including vegan options. NOTE: Ticket price does not include the $10 per person hospitality fee, beverages, or additional menu items and additional gratuity. A treat for all the senses! For tickets, click here.

Chicago Restaurant Week is in full swing, and at Eataly, 43 E. Ohio Street, is celebrating at their Vino & Food Festa. On Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26, you can enjoy unlimited tastings of more than 25 regional Italian wines, salumi, formaggi, and chef-curated bites. And… each ticket includes one bottle of prosecco to-go! The festa is taking place in three of Eataly’s private event spaces: La Scuola, Il Salone, and La Birreria. For tickets and information, click here.

Art lovers are invited to Ravenswood’s Cornelia Art Building, 1800 W. Cornelia Avenue, on Friday March 25 from 6pm to 10pm, and Saturday March 26, 11am to 3pm, to their first Open House of the new year!

The building has undergone extensive remodeling and welcomed many new artists. With one-of-a-kind artwork and special artisan-made gifts by the building artists, the event offers something for the whole family. Featuring the works of Nelson Armour (photography), Judy Zeddies (printmaking), and Tiphanie Spencer (painting and drawing). Many, many more! For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Chicago Restaurant Week Starts March 25

It’s the ‘Christmas in July’ of restaurant celebrations….after pandemic-muted Restaurant Weeks the past two years, Chicago Restaurant Week begins a 17-day odyssey of epicurean delights this Friday, March 25. The ‘week’ runs through April 10.

As Choose Chicago notes, the 15th annual event brings together hundreds of the area’s top restaurants, representing a near-endless array of cuisines. Foodies and curious eaters will enjoy the opportunity to sample all that Chicago offers for a low prixe-fixe for multi-course meals–$25 for brunch or lunch? Or…$39 and/or $55 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, gratuity, and delivery fees)? 

Time to celebrate!

This year, diners will continue to have the flexibility to experience Chicago Restaurant Week through dine-in or takeout/delivery options.

Several of the participating restaurants have already been reviewed by Dean’s Team Chicago. Among them are Dear Margaret, Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen, The Berghoff, and Batter & Berries, to name just a few. Now would be a very opportune time to visit and enjoy these locally-based spots specializing in French, Vegan, German and breakfast cuisine, among so many others. 

According to Choose Chicago’s FAQ, reservations are not required, but are HIGHLY recommended.

Many are going all-out to welcome guests back inside their restaurants after the pandemic. 

For example, the Argentinian steakhouse Artango, 4767 N. Lincoln Avenue. This North Center dining and dancing spot features authentic, mouthwatering  parrilla-grilled steaks, meats and seafood, teamed with a rotating line-up of pro Tango dancers, musicians, and singers in a clubby-chic setting. 

Wicker Park/Bucktown residents can enjoy Café Robey, 1600 N. Milwaukee Avenue, directed by Chef Keven McAllister, and serving up Modern American fare—boasting that “every seat is the best seat at Cafe Robey,” with double height ceilings giving way to the streetscape of Milwaukee and North Avenues. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner are served.

The Berghoff, at 17 W. Adams Street, features a $25 lunch and $39 dinner, serving German-American style cuisine. With traditional Berghoff dishes, contemporary American fare, seasonal menus, vegetarian and gluten-free options, the Berghoff promises “there is truly something for everyone…” including freshly-baked bread and freshly brewed beer from the Loop’s only brewery.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, 2024 N. Halsted Street, features tapas, pintxos, paella & sangria in a lively Mediterranean style atmosphere. They are offering $25 Brunch and $39 Dinners during Chicago Restaurant Week.

For a complete list of restaurants and offerings for 2022’s Chicago Restaurant Week, click here.

Bon appétit….Chicago style!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Companion Gardening

Spring is almost here in Chicagoland. Of course, that means temperatures one day can be a balmy 65-70 and the next it is 35 with driving rain. But, planting time is just around the corner, so it’s time to plan the flower and vegetable gardens!

 While you are planning, consider what we call “Companion Gardening,” placing plants together that can be beneficial to each other. 

Many of our vegetable plants need pollinators like bees, lacewings, and hoverflies, to propagate. Placing a scented flower near these plants will attract these pollinators and ensure success. Common Marigolds (Calendula) are wonderful for tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini. Sow marigold seeds in-between the vegetables. They look great too! French Marigolds (Tagetes) will deter whiteflies on tomatoes. 

Aphids are nasty bugs that can wreak havoc on your vegetables. Herbs like chervil and coriander repel aphids while providing flavor in your cooking. Chives will also keep aphids away from your tomatoes while adding mild onion flavor to your dishes. Dill left to flower will attract aphid eating insects like hoverflies and wasps. Another delicious herb Thyme has a strong scent and will deter black flies that love to munch on bean plants. 

Lavender plants are so fragrant and beautiful. They are wonderful for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Lavender can also be used for making sachets and even tea that can help with sleep. It’s always good to plant flowers that attract butterflies. We can all do our part to keep butterflies propagating. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Spring Cleaning Checklist: Don’t Forget To Clean These 6 Things

Most homeowners dread spring cleaning, but it’s a necessity when you think about how many things typically get overlooked as part of everyday cleaning. You might vacuum, wash dishes, and do laundry regularly, but there are plenty of other chores that get overlooked.

You should include the following items in your spring cleaning checklist.

1. Utensil Drawers

Pull out your utensil drawers, take everything out and thoroughly clean the insides, including the back, sides, and corners. Make sure to let them dry completely before you replace all of your utensils.

2. Coffee Makers

You should not only clean out your coffee pot, but also the filter. Take your coffee maker apart once in a while to give it a good cleaning in warm water mixed with white vinegar.

3. Ceiling Fans

The blades of your ceiling fans probably have a thick layer of dust on top of them. Imagine turning them on and allowing all that dust to enter the air you breathe. It is essential that you clean your ceiling fans as a part of your spring cleaning. You can use a vacuum cleaner with an extended nozzle, a duster, or even a damp cloth to remove all the piled-up dust.

4. Window Screens

Window screens are not just designed to keep critters out, they’re also intended to trap dust and debris. After a while, window screens can become clogged with particles, which can limit their effectiveness. Additionally, dirty window screens look disgusting. For stubborn debris, you will have to remove the screens from their frames and soak them in warm, soapy water before spraying them down and replacing them.

5. Oven

There’s a good chance that your oven will collect a layer of hard-to-remove grime at the bottom or along the interior walls. Those casseroles dripping with grease or those oven-baked pizzas covered with melted cheese can leave behind a layer of caked-on grease that needs to be removed. Your job just got a whole lot easier if you have a self-cleaning oven. But if you don’t, it’s going to take a few hours for oven-cleaning products to lift all that grease. Otherwise, you’ll have to use a lot of elbow grease to scrape it off that way.

6. Under & Behind Large Appliances

Even if you regularly vacuum your floors, dust and debris can accumulate underneath your large appliances over time. Pull out the refrigerator, oven, washer, and dryer and clean the areas that have been covered by these appliances throughout the year.

While spring cleaning might not be fun, it’s a necessary task. Make sure you’ve covered everything so you can enjoy a clean home throughout the rest of the year.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Last Chance to Go Green!

Even though St. Patrick’s Day is behind us, this weekend still offers Chicagoans a chance to “Go Green” especially if you missed out on last weekend’s live St. Patrick’s Day festivities.  Plus, there’s an added bonus! Spring officially arrives this Sunday and will begin to turn nature green!

Looking for some luck? Then join the Luckiest Bar Crawl ever at the 5th annual Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl sponsored by Crawl With Us this Saturday (4 p.m.-12 a.m.) with check-in at SPIN Chicago (344 N. State St.) on the Near North Side. Since this crawl draws such a large crowd, it’s a Make Your Own Adventure Crawl to prevent participants all showing up at the same venue all at one time. Ticket includes two complimentary drinks or shots; exclusive drink specials; amazing food at select locations; custom Lucky badge and lanyard; waived cover at all venues; professional photographers; exclusive access to the crawl map; and a $1,000 Grand Prize Costume Contest!  After the crawl, join the awesome after party at Bounce Sporting Club (324 W. Chicago Ave.) with a special guest DJ!

Show some support and love for the inaugural South Loop St. Patty’s Day Crawl this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at the Bureau Bar and Restaurant (2115 S. State St.). This crawl will have food and drink specials at every stop. You must wear green and have your ticket for entry.  And only 500 tickets will be sold to this first ever crawl. They’re waiting for you to join them!

Prepare to be charmed as Chicago’s first magical Irish pop-up experience Charm’d runs through March 27th at Deuce’s Major League Bar (3505 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  It’s an over-the-top, multi-room, multi-level magical Irish experience featuring wall-to-wall Irish décor, lucky charms, multiple bars, and social photo-ops.  So, frolic in the Leprechaun Garden, take a stroll through the Emerald Isle, enjoy a colorful cocktail in the Rainbow Room or meet your mischief at Shenanigan’s Shot Bar!  (FYI:  you need a reservation to enter, so be sure to make one online)

Returning for the first time since 2019, Bank of America’s Shamrock Shuffle heads back to Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop this Sunday.  The Shamrock Shuffle is one of Chicago’s best running events, kicking off the spring racing season, with a one-of-a-kind course that weaves its way through Chicago’s Loop, starting and finishing at Grant Park.  Join thousands of green-clad participants for an 8K run, a 2-mile walk, The Mile, or a Virtual 8K option.  Anyone who signs up will get a Shamrock Shuffle Nike race shirt, a festive knit hat, a drink ticket for one Michelob ULTRA at the post-race party, and an official finisher’s medal!  Even if you’re not a participant, come out of hibernation and cheer on the runners!

If you’ve had enough green already, here are two events that may pique your interest:

Celebrate the colorful Hindu springtime festival as Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood hosts the final Global Connections: Holi Celebration this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.). This free public event invites all to celebrate outdoors on the Pier’s South Dock by first throwing handfuls of colored powder (available for purchase on site while supplies last), then heading inside to the Aon Grand Ballroom to enjoy live music, dance, and educational programming to continue the celebration! Food and beverages will be available for purchase as well.

In honor of National Corn Dog Day, Welcome Back Lounge (2423 N. Milwaukee Ave.) in the Logan Square neighborhood will be hosting a Corn Dog Eating Contest this Saturday (12 p.m.-2 p.m.). For a $30 entry fee, contestants receive 20 corn dogs, a T-shirt, and 1 drink ticket. Whoever finishes their corn dogs the quickest will get their photo hung up on the wall and enjoy ultimate bragging rights!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News from Streeterville, Lakeview, Chicago Loop, Lincoln Park, Magnificent Mile, Grant Park

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!  (Happy St. Patrick’s Day, in Gaelic)

Very soon (March 21), winter will give way to spring. To herald the season of rebirth and renewal (and longer, warmer days!), Chicago’s communities are celebrating with outside activities and lots of spring celebrations! 

Holi, for example, is a Hindu spring festival. You and your family can experience this rite of spring on Saturday, March 19, from 1pm-5pm at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue. This free “festival of colors” welcomes spring with a vibrant-colored powder, and will feature live music, dance and educational programming in the Grand Ballroom, along with the iconic powder throwing and DJs outdoors at Navy Pier’s Beer Garden from 1pm-4pm. Ravi Baichwal, anchor at ABC7, and   Master of Ceremonies – Rahul Sharma from Funkadesi will appear.  For more information, click here.

“He’s Winnie The Pooh, Winnie The Pooh…Willy, nilly, silly old bear” At Lakeview’s Mercury Theater (the Hundred-Acre Wood), 3745 N. Southport Avenue, meet Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl, and Tigger as they come to life through life-sized puppetry in this musical stage adaptation, featuring a score from Disney’s famed Sherman Brothers, now through June 12.  A memorable show for children of all ages! For tickets and information, click here

It’s always spring inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive, as the Conservatory presents its annual Spring Flower Show, ‘Pillars of Spring.’ More than a dozen freestanding pillars are filled with colorful, fragrant geraniums, dianthus, larkspur and stock. Also, the website notes that azaleas and camellias will fill the room with “beauty and elegance and visions of spring.” Free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Now through May 8. To reserve tickets, click here.

“What would happen,” Broadway in Chicago asks, “ if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? Their answer? You’d get THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG! Hilarity ensues at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut Street, from March 15-May 29.  For reservations and information, click here.

Saturday, March 19 marks St. Joseph’s Day. What better way to celebrate the Patron Saint of Italy than by celebrating the grand traditions of Italy…say, opera? The Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Drive, is presenting Puccini’s Tosca, now through April 10. As the story goes, Tosca is the story of a diva who has all of Rome at her feet. A heroine who is brave and loving, extravagantly emotional, yet utterly irresistible. For tickets, click here.

For those who can’t get enough of St. Patrick’s Day…Bank of America’s Shamrock Shuffle is back! St. Patrick himself leads the first race of the spring running season at Grant Park on Sunday, March 20, starting at 8am. There are still spots left for the 8K run. Registration starts at $55 and will remain open on a first-come-first-served basis.  According to their website, ‘shufflers’ picking up their packets on Friday and Saturday are encouraged to enjoy a new experience…live music and activities around Buckingham Fountain, Columbus and Ida B. Wells Drive, after picking up their runners packets. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – The Best St. Patrick’s Day (Irish) and St. Joseph Day (Italian) Restaurants in Chicago

Patron Saints’ Days take center stage in Chicago in mid-March in Irish and Italian households. 

While the big parades and celebrations were held last weekend, St. Patrick’s Day—the patron saint of Ireland, is still celebrated on March 17 (Thursday) and the somewhat quieter St. Joseph Day, (also celebrated as Father’s Day in Italy and Southern Europe) the Patron Saint of Italy, is celebrated on March 19 (Saturday).

Just recently, Eat This, Not That ranked the best Irish pubs in the nation. In Illinois, they chose River North’s The Kerryman

Why? Their one-paragraph take: “This sprawling space,” (formerly a punk club…and a notorious gangster hangout, re: editor), they say, “Serves elevated takes on Irish favorites like Irish breakfast and beef and Guinness pie.”

To celebrate the holiday on Thursday, March 17, wear green. Then, try their Claddagh Wings, which pairs boneless wings with hot tangy sauce, bleu & ranch dressings. Or, you can upgrade to an Irish whiskey glaze for an even tangier take. Entrees include Shepherds Pie, with ground beef, vegetables, beef gravy, mashed potato, and cheddar, served with house Irish cheddar soda bread. The Irish Breakfast, a classic, combines sausage, bacon, black & white pudding, potato, tomato, eggs, beans, and toast. Or, Beef & Guinness Pie pairs a braised short rib with root vegetables, rich Guinness gravy, and puff pastry. 

The Kerryman’s half-pound Angus burgers are house-ground and served with your choice of steak fries, house salad, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, cup of soup, or shoestring fries. For an upcharge, you can also choose sweet potato or truffle fries,  curried chips, a bowl of soup, or mac n’ gouda cheese. The Irish Cheddar burger also has Irish bacon and  marie rose on a golden bun. The “Moloney” has fried jalapeno, Sriracha aioli, pepper jack cheese and avocado served on a golden bun. Earning raves from customers, the Bacon ]am Burger combines smoked gouda, bacon jam and roasted garlic aioli on a pretzel bun.

The Kerryman is located at 661 N. Clark Street. They are open Monday-Thursday, 12pm–2am, Friday & Sunday, 11am–2am, and Saturday, 11am–3am. The kitchen closes nightly at 10pm. For reservations, click here

Wear your best red threads to any St. Joseph Day celebration. And if The Kerryman is the best Irish restaurant, the best-reviewed Italian restaurant on Google in Chicago is Ciccio Mio (translation: my dear) in River North, with more than 200 reviews scoring 4.8 out of a possible five stars. 

This cozy space is billed modestly by its management as a “nice Italian restaurant” on its website. 

NICE? 

That’s like saying Michelangelo just painted pictures on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

“Fantastic dinner experience with excellent Italian dishes” said one recent Google reviewer. “We enjoyed the Buburrata (goes really well with the bread), lasagna, bugcatini,  and (vodka) rigatoni. The vesuvio potatoes are excellent as sides. Highly recommend.”

“The most stunning and delicious Italian restaurant in all of Chicago! If you’re lucky to land a reservation inside you have to gooo. The burrata and the complimentary bread table was incredible and we ordered the orecchiette. My friends got the black truffle and lamb gnocchi and loved it as well! Our waitress even gave us a free dessert ❤️ coming back here again very soon!”

“Honestly the best pasta I’ve ever had in my life. No wonder it takes months to get a reservation. 100% worth the wait!!”

Other treats mentioned include the 700-day aged prosciutto ham, the creamy Polenta, and the aforementioned free fennel bread.  

Ciccio Mio is located at 236 W. Kinzie Street, and is open daily for dinner from 4pm-10:15pm. Reservations at the 10-table spot are highly recommended. For reservations, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Backyard improvements that pack a punch at selling time

Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home anytime soon, or ever, it’s important to always have that in the back of your mind when planning home improvements. They can be costly, but if you plan well, your improvements will help pay for themselves with increased home value. 

Outside improvements are just as important. Here are a few projects that can really pump up the value:

Landscaping done well can make a 5-10percent difference compared to a home without it. Of course, professional landscaping can run into thousands of dollars, but over a few years you can DIY your backyard into a very pleasant place. A nice lawn along with well placed trees and shrubs for privacy can go a long way. Flowering perennials and other accent plants will bring it all together! 

Outdoor dining is all the rage now. Even in the Chicago area where inclement weather is the norm, everyone is setting up an outdoor oasis. If you have a decent amount of money to spend, an outdoor professional grill set up with stone surroundings will bring your backyard dining up several notches. Remember a quality grill set up will last upwards of ten years, versus a cheap one you’ll be replacing in five. This is especially true in climates like ours. 

A dining set will make that al fresco dining more pleasant. A good sturdy table with 4-6 comfortable chairs will make your guests feel welcome. An outdoor rug underneath is a nice finishing touch. There are so many new fabrics out there to choose from. It might be wise to upgrade to the higher quality outdoor fabrics, as they will hold up in harsh weather. For the same reason, it’s important to make sure that your outdoor furniture is the same excellent quality as your indoor furniture. And don’t forget to add a nice umbrella for shade!

Fire pits are extremely popular. Fire pits do double duty as a cozy gathering place for family and friends, and offering warmth when it might be just a little too chilly to be outside. There are so many types of pits to choose from and many different fuel types too. You can choose wood burning or propane. Many put out as many as 50,000 BTUs! Of course, prices vary widely but a decent unit can be had for less than $200.00. Most are also moveable so you can set up wherever you like. 

Then, we can’t forget the element that will set off our entire landscape: lighting. There are so many types of lighting, from string lights to path illumination to lanterns to tiki torches. They all show off your architectural design in addition to creating an inviting space and providing safety at night. 

So how will you adorn your outdoor space? Think of it as an extension of your indoor living space. Use excellent quality materials and workmanship. It will reward you with years of use and will help with value at selling time. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago