Chicago Neighborhood News: Grant Park, Logan Square, Wrigleyville, Loop, Virtual

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Grant Park: The recently reopened Art Institute of Chicago, located at 111 South Michigan Avenue, opens its newest exhibition, “Bisa Butler: Portraits,” on February 18. The talented textile artist showcases her quilts made exclusively from fabrics that highlights Black society’s marginalization, resulting in a colorful and vibrant collection of over 20 pieces. This exhibition is the first solo show for Butler, displaying her unique talent in using textiles as an art form. Access to “Bisa Butler: Portraits” is included in the price of admission. Find more info here.

Logan Square: Come check out the many arts and crafts showcased at the Handmade Happyhours at the Extraordinarium, located at 2800 North Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. Set up in the back area of the Extraordinarium, this socially distanced market features jewelry, tons of art, baked goods, apparel from local artists and makers. This bi-weekly event occurs next on February 19, from 4 pm to 9 pm, and again on February 26, from 4 pm to 9 pm. Masks are required. Find more info here.

Wrigleyville: On Friday, February 19, and Saturday, February 20, head out to Rizzo’s in Wrigleyville for the Winter Beer & Cocktail Tasting. Located at 3658 North Clark Street, this event lets ticketholders enjoy 12 tastings and aMichelob Ultra Seltzer at a private table in the heated atrium with a retractable roof. Tickets start at $30 for this socially distanced good time. Dates take place each weekend throughout the month at different times. Find more info here.

The Loop: Learn about the history of one of the city’s most famous national landmarks at the Auditorium Theater’s historical tour, located at 50 East Ida B Wells Drive on Monday, February 22, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The Auditorium Theater, designed by architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, opened its doors on December 9, 1889. This tour focuses on the theater’s rich history and the many artists who have appeared there while providing an in-depth look at the 24-karat gold-leafed ceiling arches, the stained glass muses at the entrance, and murals by Charles Holloway and Albert Fleury. The 60-minute tour costs $15, and only ten patrons are allowed per tour. If the tour sells out, check the website to find other dates and times. Masks and social distancing rules apply. Find more info here.

Virtual: It’s no secret that Chicago is home to a plethora of historical buildings. However, not all of them are safe from being demolished. Preservation Chicago and the Chicago Architecture Center present the 19th annual “Chicago 7,” a list of endangered structures at risk of being torn down, on Wednesday, February 24, from noon to 1 pm virtually. Preservation Chicago executive director Ward Miller will announce 2021’s endangered buildings and the story behind each one. Over the past 19 years, the “Chicago 7” list has helped keep many historic Windy City buildings from being gutted. Check out this Zoom event to learn more and see what you can do to help. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review: Superdawg

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For over 70 years, Superdawg has had customers returning for their delicious take on classic Chicago cuisine. Whether you crave hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, malts, shakes, or all of the above, this Windy City treasure, located at 6363 North Milwaukee Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood, is worth the trip each and every time. 

Whether you are a frequent customer or have yet to try this longstanding hot dog institution, Superdawg is pretty much the ideal spot to get a perfect Chicago hot dog. Their Superdawg is pure beef hot dog meaning no pork or any other weirdness disguising itself as a hot dog. Decorated with a symphony of trimmings, including golden mustard, chopped Spanish onions, relish, a hot pepper, and a Dill pickle perfectly situated in a poppyseed bun, this dog delivers memorable taste from the first bite to the last. 

Accompanying the Superdawg is the always reliable Superfries stuffed next to each other like cozy travelers in the famous Superdawg box, which features a brief history of the famous drive-in. If there could be any complaint about this heavenly duo, it’s that box may be a bit small to contain the plethora of classic flavors it holds inside, so be observant when attempting to take your dog out without ripping into it. Overall though, this “issue” is easily forgivable. 

Don’t think that despite the name Superdawg is strictly for hot dogs. The Superburger indeed lives up to its name with 100% freshly-ground beef, all the necessary trimmings, and, of course, the ever-present Superfries right alongside it. If your stomach is as big as your eyes when studying the menu, don’t hesitate to make it a double with their Whooperburger or add cheese to make it a Whoopercheesie. You simply can’t go wrong, and any worries about not finishing will quickly be eliminated after the first glorious bite.

Tired of dogs and burgers? That’s a strange sentiment in these parts, but no worries, Superdawg has you covered with tasty choices that stand right alongside the favorites in terms of flavor and quality. The Superchic (yea, a bit on the nose with the theme, but the food always backs it up) is a delicious charbroiled skinless, boneless breast of chicken served on a roll with grilled onions and a pickle. While many would offer a sideways glance at anyone ordering fish at a hot dog joint, there’s no reason to fear here. The Supershrimp featuring granddaddy-sized shrimp and sauce or the Superfish made of deep-fried boneless Cod, tartar sauce, and a kosher Dill pickle are excellent choices.

Indulge in Superdawg’s mix of cold and creamy malts and shakes that are so delectable it doesn’t matter if the temperature barely rises above zero. Brownies, cookies, and root beer floats are well represented here too. Do yourself a favor and order one or more of these savory desserts next time you visit. It’s so good that your sweet tooth won’t mind helping to pay for the next dentist appointment.

Superdawg is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 1 am, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 am. Just look for the giant rooftop figures of two smiling hotdogs, and you’ll know you reached this historic drive-in delicacy.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Cleaning Ideas for People With Allergies

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Many people think that warm weather is the worst time for allergy sufferers. Actually, when houses are closed up during the wintertime, it can be worse than the highest pollen count times in summer. If you are fortunate enough to have hot water or radiant heat, good for you. Unfortunately, many of us are stuck with forced air heat that spews dust in the air every time it is running. If you have forced air heat, do get your ducts cleaned, especially if you have pets. It will help tremendously. With a little diligence, you can ease the effect on your allergies with a few other cleaning tips. 

Do keep to a cleaning schedule. Folks without allergies can let cleaning go a bit but not those of us with them. Your main effort here is to keep down the dust. Do some cleaning every day to spread out the job throughout the week.

Dusting twice a week is a must. Do use a Swiffer type product that will trap dust and particles rather than feather dusters that just blow dust and allergens throughout the house. There is one that has an extending wand to dust above your head. A microfiber cloth works well too. Dampen it very slightly to grab and hold onto dust. Be sure to dust everywhere including, walls and baseboards, lamps, and ceiling fans in addition to tables. Do keep your furnishings simple. Try to avoid too many dust collectors. Even plants can aggravate allergies, so do not overwater. Excessively wet soil can produce mold, one of the worst indoor allergens. Use an exhaust fan regularly in the kitchen and bath to reduce moisture. 

Toss out the brooms! Not really, but sweeping, especially in dry indoor air, can stir up dust more than cleaning it. Employ your vacuum and all its attachments. Purchase one with a HEPA filter to trap even more allergens. Vacuum at least twice a week. Use attachments to vacuum under and behind furniture.

Wash your bedding weekly, especially if you have furry friends sharing your bed. Vacuum your mattress cover monthly and your comforter twice a week. You do not want to think about how quickly a nasty mix of dust mites, hair, and skin flakes can build up in your bed.

Speaking of laundry, if you have allergies keep away from the scented detergent. All makes a great scent and irritant-free detergent that is ideal for sensitive skin too. For that matter, any heavily scented cleaning product could be an allergy trigger. Stay clear of air fresheners and use natural products. You can throw some cut lemons in water and heat them in the microwave for a fresh scent. You can use this concoction to clean the oven too. Simmer some apples on the stove, and the whole house will smell great. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Your Guide To Recycling

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Recycling has a positive impact on the environment for many reasons. It helps conserve natural resources, prevent waste from piling up in landfills, and protect nature. However, if not done correctly, your recycling efforts can be in vain. Here are 5 tips to follow!

Know what can and can’t be recycled. Paper, plastic containers, glass, cans, and cardboard are the most commonly recycled materials. Items like plastic bags, plastic wrap, styrofoam, paper towels, tissues, and aluminum foil are commonly mistaken as recyclable materials. However, they should be placed in the trash. If you place materials that cannot be recycled into the bin, they can ruin the entire load and cause it to end up in a landfill instead.

Avoid small items. Avoid recycling small items, such as caps, pieces of paper, can tabs, plastic cutlery, and pen caps, even if they are made of recyclable materials. These items can get lodged in sorting machinery at the recycling center.

Clean before recycling. Containers should be free of food waste, rinsed, and dried before being placed into a recycling bin to avoid contaminating the entire batch.

Keep a list of recycling guidelines nearby. Every community has a different recycling program depending on what local facilities can process. Keep a list of the guidelines nearby to ensure you are recycling correctly.

Pay attention to the numbers. Not all plastic and glass containers are made equally and many may not be recyclable in your area. Make sure to check the numbers inside the recycle symbol on the bottom of the container and refer to your recycling guidelines to determine which types will be accepted by your local facility before placing them in the bin.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Spreading Some Love and Cheer!

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This weekend offers us a chance to focus on something other than our current situation – Valentine’s Day! It’s a great opportunity to reach out to those you care about and spread some love and much needed cheer!!

If you have little ones at home, here are some recommendations to make this Valentine’s Day weekend special for them:

Color a Vintage Valentine is available for download through February 15th from the Wilmette Historical Museum’s website. There are several 1930’s valentines to choose from. Just have the kids color their favorites and share with family, friends, and neighbors to spread some love during this socially distanced winter!

ValenSLIME Party is scheduled for this Saturday (12 p.m.-1 p.m.) for kids ages 3-12. This party features a virtual valentine scavenger hunt, playing a valentine game, making a valentine card, and then making valentine slime!

Virtual Valentine’s Victorian Tea is scheduled for this Saturday (2 p.m.-3 p.m.). Families will learn the origins of tea, High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea, and the rules of the Victorian Tea. Paid participants will receive a vintage teacup and saucer along with individually wrapped sweets that will be available for contactless pick-up!

As for us big kids, here are just a few suggestions to make our Valentine’s weekend special:

This year’s Cupid’s Undie Run went virtual, giving participants creative control over the type of one mile run they chose to do, then filming and posting it to social media rather than meeting up at a local bar. For those who completed their #MileThatMatters, don’t forget you’re invited to the Cupid’s party you’ve come to know and expect but this year from the safety of your home. Join the fun at 3 p.m. this Saturday for plenty of dancing, live entertainment, drinks, drinking games, drink tutorials, and much more!

Spend your Saturday (4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood for Valentine’s Shopping and a Show at Hazel (1835 W. Montrose Ave.). 

Watch the window displays of this beloved gift and apparel store as it’s transformed into a stage for glamorous performances that can be enjoyed from outside or inside. And, since different performances are every 30 minutes, why not shop around Hazel for your Valentine’s gift and grab some sweet treats from local vendors while taking in the shows!

If you could use a good laugh these days, check out this Valentine’s Day Comedy Jam on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of laughs from two of America’s rising stars in comedy, Ana Belaval and Eli Castro. This is a family-friendly event with proceeds supporting Chicago’s La Casa Norte, a non-profit that helps individuals experiencing homelessness!

Chicago restaurants are serving some unbelievably cute Valentine’s Day Specials such as heart-shaped pizzas, cakes, tacos, and more! These specials can be found at Eli’s Cheesecake, Portillo’s, Tacotlán, Lou Malnati’s, West Town Bakery, Lottie’s Pub, Roots Handmade Pizza, and French Quiche!

Finally, check out this link for more Valentine’s Day in Chicago recommendations!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Neighborhood News: Grant Park, Virtual

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Grant Park: With the Art Institute reopening, what better time to explore their excellent “Monet and Chicago” exhibition after being cooped up for so long? The Art Institute was the first to purchase the master’s paintings in America and host his debut solo show near the end of the 19th century. With such a shared history, it makes sense that the museum once again hosts Monet’s works, ranging from his popular classics to seldom seen sketches. The exhibit runs from February 11 until June 14 with a virtual exhibition line ensuring social distancing as you wait to enter this can’t miss event. Tickets are $7 in addition to general admission. Find more info here.

Virtual: For the truly daring, Cupid’s Undie Run is happening this year, albeit as a virtual experience. Yes, you can still run in your undies if you can brave the cold while raising money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s fight to end neurofibromatosis. Unlike years prior, participants won’t be meeting at Slugger’s in Wrigleyville for the post-run celebration. Instead, there is a virtual shindig online with dancing, drinking, and live entertainment taking place on February 13 at 3 pm. Registration is $30, and participants can run, bike, or walk on their own time. Find more info here.

Virtual: While we wait for live music to come back in full swing, the New Philharmonic brings their “A Night of Broadway and Opera” to music lovers virtually. The event features acclaimed artists Alisa Jordheim (soprano), Kate Tombaugh (mezzo-soprano), Jesse Donner (tenor), and Bill McMurray (bass/baritone), delivering many quintessential Broadway tunes. Selections include Bizet’s “Carmen,” Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi,” Saint-Saëns’ “Samson and Delila,” Berlin’s “This is the Army,” Rogers and Hart’s “Allegro,” and Herman’s “Hello, Dolly,” among many others. This streaming event takes place until February 28, with tickets running $40. Order a viewing through Valentine’s Day using the code ROSE20 for 20% off tickets. Find more info here.

Virtual: In keeping with the spirit and longing for live music from the previous entry, the Fulton Street Collective continues to roll out its jazz performances featuring local musicians throughout the month. This free streaming concert series on YouTube kicks off today, February 11, at 8 pm, with a set by the Chris Greene Quartet. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, tune in at 8 pm for the Myles Hayes Quintet with special guest Amanda Wolff. Follow it up the next night on February 15, with the great sounds of the Paul Mutzabaugh Trio. There’s no shortage of great music to enjoy from the comfort of home courtesy of the Fulton Street Collective. Find more info and dates here.

Virtual: If Valentine’s Day brings to mind gangsters more than lovers, we have the perfect way to spend V-Day with the Virtual Tour: Gangsters of Chicago (St. Valentine’s Day & Beyond!). Presented by Mysterious Chicago and hosted by acclaimed local author and tour guide Adam Selzer, take a deep dive into the gangster-ridden streets of early 20th century Chicago with true stories told via live narration over video and photos. This free event (donations suggested) occurs virtually on Sunday, February 14, at 10 am via Facebook Live on the Mysterious Chicago Facebook page. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Preview: Valentine’s Day Specials

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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and while this year will feel different due to the pandemic, there are still plenty of great options for having a memorable, romantic meal at home if you aren’t ready to venture out into the public just yet. Let’s take a look at where you can order some great eats in Chicago to share with someone special.

Momotaro: Located in the Fulton Market District, Momotaro offers dinner for two Valentine’s meals prepared by Chef Gene Kato. The first option is Cupid’s Plate featuring hamachi, yuzu vinaigrette, glazed chicken wing with gyoza filling, Kakuni beef short ribs, and mochi brownies for $140. The second choice is Fishing For Love featuring 12 pieces of Shige-San selected Nigiri, Momomaki and Negi Hamachi maki rolls, and mochi brownies for $95. Each meal comes with heating instructions. Go all out with a purchase from Momotaro’s impressive wine list featuring Maison Foucher, Jason Pahlmeyer Red Blend, and more. Click here to find pre-order.

mfk.: This Lakeview favorite located at 432 West Diversey Parkway has a delicious five-course tasting menu for your special night, which is available for pick up Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14. Choose your entree – either braised short rib with horseradish mash and asparagus, lump crab cake with old bayoli and tomato escabeche, or couscous with broccoli, hummus, fresno, and olive chimi. Each meal is complemented with suzuki crudo, brown butter broccoli, poached shrimp aguachile, and chocolate pot de creme tart with macerated strawberries. The whole spread costs $70 per person. Be sure to order fast as pick up times are selling out. Find more info here. 

Marz Community Brewing Company: Sure, you can pick up a pre-ordered meal, but how about making V-Day a more hands-on occasion with your significant other? Marz Community Brewing Company, located at 3630 South Iron Street in Bridgeport, supplies everything you need to create your own hand-rolled sushi with their temaki kit. The kit includes citrus cured hiramasa, ahi tuna, tea cellar smoked trout roe, tamagoyaki, seasoned tamaki gold rice, crab and cucumber sunomono, radish sprouts, pickled myoga, fresh wasabi and pickled ginger, and Ito Shoten 3-year aged tamari. And that’s just the starter. The main course consists of 16oz Carrara or Miyazaki Wagyu strip steak, potato puree, wasabi, and more. The meal ranges from $140 to $200 depending on your choice of steak. Don’t forget to add the I Love Pretty Cool Ice Cream Float Kit to top off the evening’s culinary celebration in style. Find more info here.

Uncommon Ground: Located at 3800 North Clark Street in Lakeview, Uncommon Ground has a three-course menu Valentine’s Day dinner package that takes the headache out of what to do for dinner. Choose from salmon cakes or roasted beet salad for your first course. For your second, choose either seared scallops or Pappardelle pasta with braised short rib. Round it out with your dessert choice: chocolate hazelnut tart or dark cherry bread pudding, bourbon caramel, and candied walnuts. The meal costs $45, and you must pre-order for pick up. Delivery must be placed on the day you’d like to receive the meal. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Snow and Ice Control

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We had our first big snow in Chicago this last month. We had 8 inches, with another 12 following less than a week later. Until then, the most snow we had was a couple of inches at best, which is easy to deal with. However, in Chicago, the recent snowfall can cause problems as our homes are close to each other, and we park in garages with alleys to deal with. Alleys do not get plowed as a rule, so four-wheel drive is advisable around here. 

When blowing or shoveling, do pay attention to where you are putting the snow. It will melt eventually, and you do not want water flooding where it can refreeze and cause problems. You know how water flows around your house, so try to keep these paths as free of snow as possible. Water flows away from our home along the fence line along our back sidewalk. All the snow melting from the yard flows towards this sidewalk. We blow the snow away along the fence line and keep it salted. Keep the entire path of the water free of ice. Any melting that comes in the winter will inevitably freeze again, so keep it flowing away as much as possible.

Roof problems can be caused by ice damming. This happens when downspouts and gutters fill with frozen water and the ice forms and refreezes creeping up the roofline. This can cause roof damage. The best bet here is prevention. When you replace the roof, install ice sheathing. This is a rubber-like membrane that prevents leaks from ice damage. You can use a roof rake also. A roof rake extends to reach above the roofline to remove excess snow. The less snow there is the less water to do damage. 

Snow can also weigh much more than you think. Only a few inches of snow can weigh hundreds of pounds. Of course, many home roofs are too high to rake, but even getting the snow off the top of the gutters can help with water flowing. Garages are the most in danger of roof collapse and the rake works excellent here. We had a collapse many years ago from snow and we are rakers ever since.

So, as usual, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A few hours of making sure the snow will have a suitable melting path will save you a lot of headaches later. Usually, large snows will be followed by freezing weather, so be prepared.  

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Credit Scores & Buying A Home

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Before you jump head first into searching for your dream home, you need to ensure your finances are in order. This includes reviewing and strengthening your credit. Here’s what you need to know!

Why Your Credit Score and Report Matters

As a buyer, a strong credit score and report makes you a more desirable loan candidate. When deciding to approve you for a home loan, mortgage lenders take a deep dive into past car loans, student loans, credit cards, bills, and more. They also review your history of repayment and public-record information. If their findings are positive, they will be much more likely to approve you for a loan and offer lower interest rates and better terms.

What Credit Score Do You Need

The credit score required for a loan depends on the type of mortgage you select, the size of your down payment, and your lender. According to QuickenLoans, most lenders require around a score of 620 or higher to be approved for a conventional mortgage with lower interest rates and flexible repayment periods. If a buyer would like a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, they require a minimum score of 580 and, for a loan through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), score requirements differ depending on the private lender.

How to Improve Your Credit

Reviewed your credit score and realized it may need some work? There are ways to improve your score. These include, but are not limited to, correcting payment errors on your credit report, ensuring you make all payments on time, making micropayments in between due dates, and paying down credit cards.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Arctic Blast Takes Up Residency Here!

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Are you ready for February’s first weekend? I hope so because an arctic blast is deciding to take up residency here for several days! But being Chicagoans, nothing stops us from enjoying our weekends!!

As temps drop, Chicago heats up with plenty of safe winter-themed fun at some of the city’s best locations. In fact, every Saturday through February 27th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Retro Ski Saturdays will be held at Hopsmith Tavern (15 W. Division St.) in the Gold Coast neighborhood. So, bundle up for their indoor/outdoor (but still outdoor) fully accommodated party lodge. Your ticketed reservation will guarantee you entry with preferred seating, one Coors Hard Seltzer per guest, a lively ski-themed party ambiance, a live DJ with concert themed videos, craft cocktails, party specials, brunch entrees, Yeti appearances, and more! Please note that this event is subject to strict arrival, socializing rules, and closing times.

So, you don’t want to bundle up and go out. Well, Valentine’s Day is next Sunday, so what better time than this weekend to prepare with these indoor activities:

Treat your Valentine while supporting Northcenter businesses at this critical time from the comfort of home. The Love Your Local Valentine’s Day Market offers a convenient way to shop for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, a nice dinner, beauty services, flowers, even beer, and cookies by featuring unique, curated gifts, treats, meal kits, and more from select Northcenter shops and restaurants! You will be able to order products and services through Friday, February 12th, with pick-up at each merchant’s location from February 11th-14th.

Keep the kids busy with these easy Valentine’s Day Crafts while you shop online for your Valentine’s. Crafts featured are Valentine Love Trucks, Heart-Shaped Dog Valentine, Cardboard Roll Heart Art, Rainbow Heart Suncatcher, Shake It Up Hearts, Conversation Heart Bingo, Painted Heart Toast, Butterfly Hearts, Love You to Pieces, Love Tray, and Paper Crepe Heart. Your kids will love making these, and you may too once you’re done shopping!!

The 4th annual Long Grove Cocoa Crawl takes place this Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. with some modifications. This year the crawl will combine a new virtual application with the traditional in-person model to provide a safer experience for all. Local merchants will team-up for a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend with a cocoa-infused scavenger hunt. Registered families will also receive take-home goodies, in-store offers from participating merchants, and be entered to win a prize donated by one of these businesses! You can also enjoy a Cocoa Crawl carriage ride throughout historic downtown Long Grove during the event this Saturday!! Pre-registration is required, so get to it.

Get ready for the Big Game when the Kansas City Chiefs (14-2-0) with their quarterback Patrick Mahomes takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5-0) with their quarterback Tom Brady as they duke it out for the Super Bowl LV championship title at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers! The game is on CBS and begins at 5:30 p.m. CST. Here’s Where to Order Super Bowl Specials & Watch the Big Game in Chicago!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago