Restaurant Review – Luella’s Southern Kitchen

“In 1943, my great-grandmother Luella Funches moved to Chicago from Morgan City, Mississippi. She was the first person in our family to live in this city and now we have been here for 70 years!… I would pick Luella’s brain for recipes and techniques. She taught me how to make Cornbread and Gumbo, amongst other things.”

Chef Darnell Reed, Chef & Owner

Chicago’s Black Restaurant Week is upon us. What better way to celebrate visionaries like Chef Darnell Reed than spotlighting African-American culinary entrepreneurs during Black History Month? 

You’d be hard pressed to find kitchen preparation with more love and passion than Chef Reed’s Luella’s Southern Kitchen in Lincoln Square, which recently celebrated its 7th anniversary.

Luella’s Southern Kitchen is an ode to Reed’s beloved grandmother, and according to multiple reviews across many platforms, is the place for welcoming hospitality and home-style Southern cooking.

Not to be missed are Luella’s Shrimp & Grits, which pairs New Orleans BBQ shrimp with tangy cream cheese grits. Nor should diners miss Luella’s raved-about Nashville Chicken & Waffles. One Google reviewer recently wrote, “Ordered the Nashville chicken and waffles and it was delicious!”

And the Buttermilk Chicken…oooh, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, served with smoked honey & collard greens. 

The reviewer also raved, “Chicken gad a nice spicy kick while being very crunchy. Restaurant atmosphere is very cozy and the wait staff is hilarious and enhanced the experience. Definitely worth making the trip to Lincoln Square to try this restaurant.”

Pair these Southern delicacies with other Southern-inspired sides (sold separately) such as collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and skillet cornbread with honey butter. Or their Baked Macaroni and Cheese, bubbling with four different cheeses. 

But leave room–for the beignets and other Southern-based desserts, such as Hummingbird Cake! The dessert menu changes frequently, so don’t forget to ask. 

Also, their Facebook Page posts about their daily specials and upcoming events. 

“Best fried chicken on the city,  IMO,” wrote another Google reviewer. “Also best biscuits. The French toast is totally sinful and delicious, but not overly sweet or heavy. Kids devoured the corn bread.”

Weekend brunches are festive. Don’t miss their King Cake French Toast, made with a vibrant purple and gold center in the middle of French toast goodness. With Mardi Gras coming up on March 1, it’s the perfect time to celebrate!  Also, Luella’s boasts of their Biscuits & Gravy, as well as many of their dinner items, which are offered at brunch as well.

Luella’s Southern Kitchen is located at 4609 N. Lincoln Avenue. The BYOB restaurant is open for dining, takeout, and delivery, and is open Wednesday-Friday, 5pm-9pm, and Saturday-Sunday for brunch, 10am-3pm, and for dinner, 5pm-9pm. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Are you holding your phone properly?

Many of us hold our phones in the same position: the bottom of the phone resting on our pinky, holding the back with the rest of our fingers, and scrolling with our thumb. It seems like an intuitive way to hold the phone, but turns out it’s wrong! This hand position over prolonged periods of time can cause damage to your wrist, and other things too. 

We have all become aware of various maladies caused by too many hours on the phone or gaming. Texting tendinitis along with texting thumb, and gamer’s thumb are all caused by straining ligaments and compressing nerves. Now we have the “smartphone pinky.” It isn’t a medical term yet, but probably will be one soon. 

The pinky, as it is the smallest finger, is not tolerant of the pressure and weight of the phone. It can strain the ligament that connects it to your hand. The way you hold your wrist turned in can also cause ulnar nerve compression if held that way for an extended period (and we all know how much our phones are in our hands). The ulnar nerve starts at your armpit and runs down to the pinky side of your palm. It controls almost all the small muscles of the hand. Too much direct pressure on this nerve can cause pain at the least and nerve damage at the worst!

We all want smaller thinner devices, but our hands were not designed to work too long in this position. It is important to keep the wrist near neutral position, not turned inward and keeping your thumb away from the palm. A pop socket will help some, but the best way is to lay your phone on a flat surface and use other fingers to scroll whenever possible. Take frequent breaks and even consider using a neoprene splint to keep your wrist straight. Take breaks and stretch your fingers up and back. You might be wondering, “do I really need to worry about this?” Remember: severe tendinitis could put you in a cast for a month, or more!  

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Five Tips For Funding Your Next Vacation

There’s nothing quite like some well-earned time off in a cool new place, but vacations certainly don’t pay for themselves. Here are a few ideas for funding your next getaway.

1. The change jar: It’s not groundbreaking, but it works. Here’s an eye-opening stat: Putting $1.37 per day into your change jar adds up to $500 in a year!

2. Sell your stuff: We all have some clutter that we don’t need and have been looking for an excuse to get rid of, and that stuff can be pretty valuable. Think of what might be stored in your attic or basement—baseball cards, furniture, etc. It’s not junk, but it’s not doing you any good, and someone might find it valuable.

3. Set up a dedicated savings account: You could do this in your current bank account, or use one of several online services that are tailor-made for vacation savings. Have the money transferred directly from each paycheck so that you’re always saving on schedule.

4. Get the kids involved: Vacations are even more expensive when you’ve got a family. If your kids get money from jobs, chores, or an allowance, ask them to put a little money away for vacation here and there—it could end up paying for a meal or a night in a hotel.

5. Volunteer: Your church or community center probably organizes low-cost vacations where you can visit a new place and do some good by giving back to the community.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Myriad of Events Super Charges This Weekend!

Winter still has its grip on us, but Chicago is beginning to come alive as it thaws out from last week’s snow.  This weekend is no exception as it’s packed with a myriad of events to get us through yet another cold snap! Check out this super charged weekend!

There’s no better way to thaw out than at the 11th annual Polar Beer Festival this Saturday (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.) at the Rock Bottom Brewery (1 W. Grand Ave.) on the Near North Side. This winter strong ale fest will be held on Rock Bottom’s outdoor rooftop patio and will feature 50+ beers from local breweries such as Two Hound Red, Goose Island, Dry Hop Brewers, Haymarket, and many others! Tickets include a commemorative tasting glass as well. So dress warm and celebrate the thaw!

This Saturday only from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can roll right out of bed and go straight to The Pajama Crawl taking place at Wrigleyville’s best bars. Onesies, footy pajamas, or whatever you sleep in is all encouraged.  Tickets include admission to all participating bars and three free gift cards to use on the crawl, a breakfast buffet, drink specials, giveaways and more! So, throw on your PJs and join in Chicago’s coziest winter bar crawl!

It’s the biggest date night of the year! So, celebrate in style!!  Here’s a link for Chicago’s most romantic spots for Valentine’s Day Dinner. Treat your special someone to a great meal either this weekend or on Valentine’s Day this Monday!

If you’d like to get your special someone a gift to go along with the romantic dinner, Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Market this Saturday (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Vendors from throughout the city will set-up on the second-floor balcony and offer jewelry, pottery, greenery, vintage goods, and more great gifts throughout the afternoon. Plus, the Secret Sound bar will be offering tiki cocktails while Time Out Market vendors will be serving up pizza, barbecue, burgers, tacos, and more!

The City of Chicago has approved the permit for the Lunar New Year Parade celebrating the Year of the Tiger this Sunday (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.) at Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road in Chinatown. The parade will feature traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, decorated colorful floats, marching bands, and marching groups!

The Big Game Day is here! Welcome to Super Bowl LVI!  Two teams remain standing: the Bengals (10-7) and the Rams (12-5). Which one will triumph in this most important of contests and lift the Lombardi Trophy at midfield of SoFi Stadium this Sunday? Catch the big game at 5:30 p.m. (CST) on NBC, or attend one of Chicago’s viewing parties at:

McGee’s Tavern & Grille (950 W. Webster Ave.) in Lincoln Park. Attend their 7th annual Super Bowl Viewing Party and get a full all-inclusive package and win prizes too!

Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop.  Watch the BIG game on their HUGE screen!

Mac’s Wood Grilled (1801 W. Division St.) in Wicker Park. All-day drink deals, team specials, and more!  Seating is first come, first served.

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News – Lincoln Park, Chicago Loop, Ravenswood

With Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl, and the end of the Lunar New Year converging this weekend, there’s more fun than ever to be had in Chicago! 

“And the final rose goes to…”Bachelor: The Unauthorized Parody Musical!” Lincoln Park’s Apollo Theatre, 2550 N. Lincoln Avenue, presents this unauthorized tale of woah, singing his heart out to original tunes like ‘Sob Story,’ ‘Two-On-One Tango,’ and ‘The Date Card is a Riddle.’ With romance, competition, and contestants who “may or may not be here for The Right Reasons,” it may just remind you of someone you know/love/have loved before! Now through Thursday, February 17. For tickets, click here.

Facets Multimedia, 1517 W. Fullerton Avenue, celebrates your best friends in the world! From Friday, February 11 to Sunday, February 13, three films celebrating the power of women and their relationships. Galentine’s Weekend features ‘Set It Off’ on Friday, followed by ‘Mullholland Drive’ on Saturday, and two films on Sunday: ‘Frances Ha,’ and ‘Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion.’ For tickets, click here.

Nothing says love like…a new car! Or a day with the family! Take the whole family to the 2022 Chicago Auto Show starting Saturday, February 12 at the South Exhibit Hall, McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive. You’ll be humming “In My Merry Oldsmobile” Or “Baby You Can Drive My Car” before you know it! More than 1,000 shiny new cars of all makes, sizes and models, lots of demonstrations and kid-friendly activities make the nation’s largest Auto Show fun for the whole family! From Saturday, February 12 to Sunday, February 20, the show is open from 10am-10pm. On Monday February 21 (President’s Day) the show is open 10am-8pm. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 for seniors 62+ and children 4-12. Children 3 and under are FREE. For tickets, click here.

Tired of the same old Super Bowl fare? Think Greek! St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona, is hosting a Winter Greek Food Fest from Friday, February 11 thru Sunday February 13! According to Patch.com., you can keep warm with authentic homemade Greek food to take home for you and your family with favorites like souvlaki, gyros, pastichio and more. Due to Covid restrictions, they are offering this as takeout only. Party packs are also available. Opaaa! Pre orders are accepted.

And for those who are Anti-Valentiners…Safe House, 60 E. Ohio Street, hosts the ultimate Chicago Anti-Valentines Day Party.  The James Bond-themed restaurant say, “Calling all agents who have been burned by the flames of love! You’ve loved and you’ve lost. Now let it go at Operation: Bang and Burn, SafeHouse Chicago’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Party.

Drown your sorrows away with our “Better Than Happy Hour” specials, $5 Well cocktails, draft beer & house wine. Pour your heart out at the mic with live karaoke starting at 8pm.” For more information, click here.

Here’s to love and romance for us all!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Geja’s Café

Romantic celebrations of Valentine’s Day in Chicago ranges from the whimsical…linen-draped, candlelit tables with servers at White Castle (?) to the sublimely epicurean tastes of Michelin-starred restaurants like Alinea.

But for elegance, intimacy, and the epic experience of sharing the finest melted cheeses, prime meats, crustaceans and fine wine with your most precious love, there’s nothing quite like Lincoln Park’s candlelit, grotto-like Geja’s Café, named many times over “The Most Romantic Restaurant in…Chicago, North America… and America,” by USA Today, CNN, and the Food Network. According to the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, the nearly 57-year-old restaurant, as of 2019, has hosted more than 16,800 engagements, often set to the music of the live Classical and Flamenco guitarists who have entertained guests from the café’s earliest days.

February is Valentine’s Month at Geja’s Cafe, and owner Jeff Lawler is going all out. From special cocktails for lovers to their romantic, curtained private booths, St. Valentine himself would be proud. So would Cupid!

Your romantic adventure, according to Geja’s website, begins with a bubbling Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Follow that with a crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette. Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces. Their delectable, sinfully rich Belgian chocolate fondue is flamed table-side with orange liqueur and served with strawberries, banana, pineapple, cherries, pound cake, graham cracker crumbs, Rice Krispy treats, churros and marshmallows for roasting.

With 57 years in the business, it’s now a legacy for generations of families. One Google reviewer wrote, “Took my date to Geja’s Cafe 30 years ago and today we returned with our two teenagers to celebrate a special occasion. Not much has changed and that’s a good thing. The ambiance is as nice as ever, romantic if that’s what you want or perfectly cozy with some close friends. The menu offers excellent options for fondue, and they added outdoor fire tables 5-6 years ago (call ahead for all reservations). Geja’s Cafe is well-known to many Chicagoans, yet it seems that the restaurant boom in the last 10-12 years have lured many younger professionals away from this unique and flavorful dining experience. I hope to return to Geja’s Cafe again for a special occasion down the road.”

Geja’s is located at 340 W. Armitage Avenue. The café is open Mondays-Thursdays, 5pm–9pm, Fridays, 5pm–10pm, Saturdays, 4pm–10pm and Sundays, 4pm–9pm.  For reservations, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Delicious Homemade Dips For The Big Game

Homemade dips are the easiest appetizers for any party and especially this coming Sunday. Many dips are easy to make and are so much better than store bought!

French onion dip is one of my favorites and can be made the day before for even better flavor. Slice a large, sweet onion and drizzle with EVOO and salt and pepper. Grill on a grill pan on the stove till tender and charred, along with a large, unpeeled garlic clove. Peel the garlic and place in a food processor along with the cooled onion. Add 4oz. softened cream cheese, ½ cup full fat sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, two tablespoons of lemon juice and two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Pulse until all the ingredients are combined (but leave it a little chunky). This is great with crudité as well as chips!

Queso is another dip so delicious made at home. Simply mix Velveeta with your favorite salsa. There are endless possibilities with the large array of salsas available. You can go hot or mild, smokey, chunky, or smooth. Heat in the microwave till melted, stirring frequently. 

Everyone loves guacamole! The basic recipe is fairly simple. Mash ripe avocado and add chopped red onion, jalapeno, and seeded plum tomato. I add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Complete the dip with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice and of course, hot pepper sauce. Here, too, there’s so much room for adjusting for your taste! A popular addition to the dip is fresh cilantro; I’m part of the population that really doesn’t like it, but if that’s your thing, add a good handful, chopped. It’s also good to leave the guacamole a little chunky but again, many people enjoy a smooth dip. Always make guacamole just before serving. 

Buffalo dip is great for those who like a little heat in their dip. Combine ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup hot pepper sauce, two tablespoons of whole milk and one 1-pound brick of room temperature cream cheese. Use a hand mixer. Add one cup of cooked, chopped chicken. Spread evenly in a glass pie plate or small casserole. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 25 minutes. Top with sliced scallions. You can drizzle a little bleu cheese dressing on the top if you like too!

All these dips are great with authentic tortilla chips. These are available everywhere now. I recommend salt free, as the salted kind can be overpowering. Pita chips are great too. You can make your own pita and tortilla chips if you are ambitious!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Choose The Right Paint Finish

It can be intimidating to stand in front of the paint swatches at the paint or hardware store and try to make a decision. Picking a color can be difficult enough—and then you have to choose the finish. Choosing the color is up to you, but here’s a simple guide to choosing the correct finish for your project.

High Gloss
High gloss paint has the most sheen, and will be the most durable. That durability is best suited for the kitchen, on surfaces like cabinets, door frames, and window trim. It’s best to avoid using high gloss on walls, because it will be too reflective.

Semi-Gloss
It’s not as shiny as high gloss, but it’s still great for kitchens and bathrooms, because the sheen protects from drips, splatters, and other moisture.

Satin
Satin has a velvet-like look, but is still a durable finish, and works best in high-traffic areas. Be careful when applying, because satin paint will reveal sloppy brush strokes.

Eggshell and Flat
These finishes have the least amount of sheen, and are the least durable. They’re great for hiding imperfections in your walls, but the low durability means they should be avoided if the room is subject to wear and tear from kids or pets. Use these paints in dining rooms, bedrooms, and other low-traffic rooms.

2023 Uncertainty Equity Analysis

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THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Just Another Winter Weekend!

There’s no doubt whatsoever that we’re still dealing with the winter season and all its cold temps and snow!  However, this first weekend in February means we’re one month closer to the spring season! In the meantime, here are a few ideas for you to have a fun weekend.

There’s plenty of talent in town this weekend to take in a live show or two. Here are just a few:

Returning to the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.) in The Loop for its third appearance in the “Made in Chicago” Dance Series, the Trinity Irish Dance Company takes center stage on Saturday from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. with its unique blend of traditional and innovative Irish dance and live music. With a focus on the company’s powerful women dancers and its ability to incorporate various dance styles, you will simply be mesmerized by their footwork that seems so unreal!  It’s truly a pleasure to see!

If that weren’t enough, ABC’s number one entertainment show is hitting the road! That’s right, Dancing with the Stars will be live at the Rosemont Theatre (5400 N. River Rd.) in Rosemont this Sunday from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Not only will this tour recreate the most memorable dances from the program’s previous seasons, but it also will showcase brand new never-before-seen routines with a line-up that includes a host of famous names, some favorites from the show, a playlist of hot chart tracks and plenty of gorgeous costumes! If you thought the dancing was spectacular on TV, wait till you see it live!!

Resuming his mammoth farewell tour which began in 2018, Sir Elton John will be performing his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour at the United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) this Saturday from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.  The audience will be taken on a massive visual journey spanning his entire 50-year career! This most likely will be your final chance to catch the Rocketman live before he takes off for retirement among the stars!

Join the Uptown neighborhood this Saturday (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.) for their annual Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration. The community welcomes the Year of the Tiger with a parade kicking off at 1 p.m. sharp at Argyle & Winthrop featuring dazzling dragons, dancers, drummers and more! Plus, several local organizations are planning pop-ups with family-friendly activities!

If you’re climbing the walls and just want to get out for a few hours, the Chicago Winter Art Fair brings together more than 20 vendors at Sleeping Village (3734 W. Belmont Ave.) in the Avondale neighborhood this Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. This event is free to the public where you can shop for ceramics, jewelry, vintage, prints, paintings and more from vendors like Cherry Picked Vintage, Everyone Has Ambitions, Not a Plant Shop and many others! Plus, local musician V.V. Lightbody will be on hand spinning tunes throughout the afternoon!

Finally, the Countdown to Super Bowl LVI is complete! We’ve made it to the end and only one result is left to be settled: which team will lift the Lombardi Trophy at midfield of SoFi Stadium next Sunday? The Bengals or The Rams? See you then!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago