CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – PORTAGE PARK OLD TOWN LAKEVIEW LOOP OAK PARK

PORTAGE PARK

Portage Park in the Portage Park community has long since been a neighborhood gem with its landscaping activities for kids and more than just a pretty picture for a 36.5-acre park. Be sure to mark your calendars now to register for one of the many spring programs available. Registration can be done online or in person. Online starts Monday February 25 at 9am or in person on Saturday March 2.

LAKEVIEW

Welcome to Kuma’s Too a new Lakeview spot of the famed take-no-prisoners burger spot now open. If you’re familiar with the original Kuma’s you’ll get the same atmosphere – blaring heavy metal whiskey and hard core beef burgers like the Black Sabbath High on Fire and Pantera. Don’t forget the bacon.

LOOP

Welcome Firecakes Donuts an extraordinarily distinguished pastries and pourer of piping hot coffee now open. It’s easy to be cynical about another fancy new donut shop but wait. Owner Jonathan Fox has gotten ahold of some turn-of-the-century recipes from his wife’s great-grandfather. Go in and enjoy lemon verbena donuts topped with torched meringue hazelnut long johns made with Nutella and blood-orange-and-raspberry-jelly-filled donuts.

OLD TOWN

Welcome Ay Chiwowa a funky Mexican tequila-and-taco dive from the owners of Rockit Ranch now open to give new blood into the fabled Martini Ranch space. It’s a nice after-work spot for rubbing elbows with the gallery and design-district folks. Later in the evening head toward the back where DJs spin sing-along favorites. You’re going to want a table too because you’ll need somewhere to set your giant 64-ounce margarita.

OAK PARK

Mark your calendars now to be a part of the Envision Oak Park Workshop on February 20 from 7:30-9:00pm. Village officials are urging residents to give their input into the development of the comprehensive plan. Village President David Pope said the Comprehensive Plan is too important not to get everyone who wants a say involved. Don’t miss your opportunity to help shape the changes in your community.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Posted: Friday February 15 2013 2:24 AM by Dean’s Team