Winter isn’t over yet but the spring-like temps from this past week sure felt good.  Unfortunately, we’re back to colder temps for this weekend’s winter activities which include celebrating another New Year!

It’s time again to ring in the Lunar New Year (February 15-March 1) here in Chicago with the following events taking place this Saturday.

Join Uptown United, local businesses, non-profit, and cultural organizations for this year’s Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Uptown neighborhood.  To welcome in the Year of the Horse, many pop-ups by local businesses will get the celebration started with free family-friendly activities such as the Year of the Horse Storytime & Craft at Bezazian Library (1226 W. Ainslie St.) with two sessions (10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.); a Lunar New Year Market (11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.); and more.  Then at 1:00 p.m. sharp, the Lunar New Year Parade will step off from Argyle Street and Sheridan Road featuring over 20 local community groups, cultural institutions, dazzling dragons, drummers, dancers and performers.  Afterwards, head on over to Argyle and Winthrop for post-parade performances by local groups, and more!

If you prefer to stay indoors to welcome in the Year of the Horse, then Global Connections: Lunar New Year is being held at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom (840 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  This free event not only brings traditional and modern artistry together with festive music, vibrant dance, and good fortune but it also brings an unforgettable celebration especially to the first 1,000 attendees who will be receiving a lucky envelope!

Didn’t quite make it to the Winter Olympics in Italy this year?  Well, downtown Chicago has brought the spirit of the Winter Games to Industry Ales (230 S. Wabash Ave.) with our very own Olympic Village Experience! which wraps-up this weekend.  Industry Ales has been transformed into a mini-Olympic Village complete with Ski Lodge themed décor; internationally inspired food and drink specials; and live Olympic coverage on all Beer Hall TVs.  This experience also includes an around-the-world bar snack tasting board; two drink pairing flights of either beer or wine; and two free plays at their Bag Challenge for a chance to win prizes like pints, pitchers, and gift cards.  It’s the next best thing to being there!

To help get you through the remaining days of winter, it’s time to book your upcoming vacation or vacations at the 2026 Chicago Travel Show this Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd.) in Rosemont.  Get started by exploring endless vacation options with 450+ of the top destinations, tour companies, cruise lines, and travel providers from around the world; meet and learn from the travel experts who are on hand with top travel tips; get advice from over 60 travel seminars; and meet your favorite travel celebrity (Samantha Brown, Pauline Frommer, and/or Peter Greenberg).  In addition, you’ll have access to over tens of thousands of dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals, all included with your ticket.  Don’t miss America’s premier travel event all under one roof and book your dream vacation on your budget!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

An important month in our calendar every year is February’s Black History Month. We celebrate Chicago’s rich history in the civil rights movement, and through February 22, Chicago is celebrating a culinary legacy in Chicago BLACK Restaurant Week.

History of Chicago BLACK Restaurant Week 

Chicago BLACK Restaurant Week was  founded by Chicago marketing executive Lauran A. Smith in September 2015 as a way to celebrate food/beverage/dessert businesses in the Black community.  The celebration also honors Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History Month,” who  established “Negro History Week” in 1926 as a way to celebrate the achievements of the Black Community.  celebrates a century this year, and is a perfect time to explore Chicago’s rich culinary legacy.

Participating Restaurants 

Restaurants throughout Chicago’s communities and suburbs are providing special menus and prices, some through Monday, September 23. Check individual restaurants if you have questions.   

Batter & Berries 2748 N. Lincoln Avenue. The Lincoln Park brunch spot is known for its World-Famous French Toast, especially its French Toast Flight, which samples  strawberry, blueberry, lemon and carmel French toasts. Also, We’re Moving on Up Executive, whichincludes a 7oz Linz Heritage Angus Rib Eye steak, grilled onions and mushrooms, Love Cork Screw “We’re Movin on Up” cabernet sauce, with 2 eggs cooked to order, and B&B cheese-crusted hash browns.  Green City Omelet has sauteed zucchini, summer squash, peppers, onions and mushrooms with herbed egg whites. Cluck-N-Gaufre (Goof) is a sweet potato waffle, stuffed with bits of fried chicken, topped with a buttermilk herb-fried chicken breast and nutmeg hot sauce.  They invite you to “join the waitlist” by clicking here. 

Chalet Chicago, 228 W.  Chicago Avenue. Located in the heart of River North,  Chalet was created to bring people together through delicious food.  While they did not publish a special menu online, they are known for their Chalet Smash Burger, with 4oz patties, aged white cheddar, arugula, garlic aioli, pickled red chilis, on brioche, and served with fries. Braised Half Chicken is browned over aromatic vegetables and served with mashed potatoes. Caprese Chicken Flatbread is mozzarella cheese, wild cherry tomato, and grilled chicken with a balsamic glaze. Pork Shank “Osso Buco” Style pairs a pork shank with aromatic vegetables and Italian white beans. For reservations, click here. 

Gaijin 950 W. Lake Street. The West Town spot, specializing in okonomiyaki and negiyaki, which are Japanese savory pancakes cooked on a griddle, has put  together special lunch and dinner menus with your choice of Okonomiyaki with pork belly with bacon  and bonito, tofu osaka with phoenix bean tofu and shichimi togarashi, among many other choices. Glazed Pork Ribs have a honey gastrique glaze and are served with rice, furikake, and lemon ginger turnips. Through Chicago BLACK Restaurant Week, take advantage of $30 three-course lunch special Tuesday – Sunday 11am- 2:30pm, or $45 four-course dinner special 5pm-10 pm, Tuesday – Sunday. For reservations, click here. 

Soul Prime 1969 N. Halsted Street. The Lincoln Park restaurant serves elevated soul food like Short Rib Street Tacos with cilantro & onion mix, with a cheese blend,  Fried Green Tomatoes are lightly dusted in seasoned cornmeal, lump crab, and Cajun ranch aioli. Follow that with the World’s Best Baked Chicken, which is a 4-hour slow roasted half chicken, with signature spices, and served with a roasted potato medley. Or, try The Branzino Experience, served pan seared with citrus butter sauce, mixed cajun collard greens, and creamy southern grits. For reservations, click here. 

Taste 222, 222 N. Canal Street. The West Town eatery specializes in Southern-inspired dishes, and its Rest Week menu includes their Chicken & Waffles,  which has Southern-fried buttermilk airline chicken breast, Belgian waffles,  and a spicy sriracha maple syrup, Shrimp + Grits, pairing Applewood smoked bacon,with cremini mushrooms, scallions, citrus crème, and  chives, and Steak Frites with grilled steak, truffle pomme frites, chimichurri, and compound butter. For reservations, click here. 

Many more restaurants have special menus. For a complete list of Chicago BLACK Restaurant Week participants, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

There’s something almost magical about a home that feels organized. Not sterile. Not sparse. Just intentional. When everything has a place, daily life runs smoother—and your home feels bigger, calmer, and more functional.

The good news? You don’t need a massive remodel to make that happen. These are the storage solutions homeowners consistently rave about because they’re practical, realistic, and actually make life easier.

1. Custom Closet Systems That Do the Heavy Lifting

If there’s one upgrade homeowners rarely regret, it’s maximizing closet space.

Adjustable shelving, double hanging rods, built-in drawers, and shoe cubbies instantly double (sometimes triple) usable storage. Even smaller reach-in closets can be transformed with simple vertical dividers and added shelving.

Why people swear by it:
It eliminates wasted vertical space and makes getting dressed less stressful. No more digging through piles.

2. Pull-Out Pantry Shelves

Deep pantry shelves are black holes. Things get pushed to the back and forgotten.

Pull-out drawers or sliding shelves allow you to see everything at once. You waste less food, stay organized longer, and grocery restocking becomes simple.

Why people swear by it:
You actually use what you buy—and you stop buying duplicates.

3. Built-In Mudroom Storage

Shoes. Backpacks. Jackets. Dog leashes. Packages.

Without a designated drop zone, clutter spreads quickly. Built-in cubbies, hooks, and bench seating create a landing space that keeps daily chaos contained.

Why people swear by it:
It keeps the rest of the house cleaner with minimal effort.

4. Under-Bed Storage (That Looks Intentional)

Whether it’s drawer systems, storage beds, or labeled bins, under-bed space is prime real estate—especially in smaller homes.

Seasonal clothing, extra linens, and keepsakes can all live there without crowding closets.

Why people swear by it:
It’s hidden, efficient, and surprisingly spacious.

5. Vertical Garage Organization

The garage doesn’t have to feel like a storage disaster.

Wall-mounted shelving, overhead racks, and pegboards for tools free up valuable floor space. When bikes, bins, and gear are lifted off the ground, the entire area becomes more usable.

Why people swear by it:
You can actually park in your garage again.

6. Furniture That Multitasks

Storage ottomans. Coffee tables with drawers. Benches with hidden compartments. Beds with lift-up frames.

These pieces blend seamlessly into your design while quietly solving storage problems.

Why people swear by it:
It doesn’t feel like “storage.” It just feels smart.

7. The “One In, One Out” Rule

Not all storage solutions are physical. Sometimes the most powerful system is a habit.

For every new item brought into the home, one item leaves. This keeps closets and cabinets from slowly filling back up after a big organizing push.

Why people swear by it:
It prevents clutter from creeping back in.

8. Clear, Labeled Bins

Especially for seasonal décor, kids’ items, or keepsakes.

Clear containers eliminate the guessing game. Add simple labels, and you’ll never dig through mystery boxes again.

Why people swear by it:
It saves time and frustration.

The Bigger Picture

Great storage isn’t about having less. It’s about making your home work better for your life.

When your home functions well, it feels larger, calmer, and more enjoyable. And whether you’re planning to stay for years or considering a future move, thoughtful storage improvements are upgrades that buyers consistently appreciate.

Because at the end of the day, a home that feels organized doesn’t just look better—it lives better.

Happy Lunar New Year on Tuesday, February 17! It’s the Year of the Horse, signifying a period of “high energy, ambition, and rapid change.”  

Chicago’s Chinatown, on South Wentworth Avenue between Cermak Road and West 26th Street, will be celebrating!

Chinatown is a vibrant community, known for its distinctive, ornate Chinatown Gate at West Cermak Road & Wentworth Avenue, and its Nine Dragon Wall, 170 W. Cermak Road, modeled after the wall in Beihai Park in Beijing. Over a third of Chicago’s Chinese population resides in Chinatown, making it one of the largest concentrations of Chinese-Americans in the United States. The area is home to bustling small businesses, authentic restaurants and spectacular parks maintained by the Chicago Park District. 

History of Chinatown 

According to Wikipedia sources, Chinese men and women first came to Chicago around 1869, following the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. They were escaping anti-Chinese violence that had broken out on the West Coast. 

By the late 1800s, 25% of Chicago’s 600 Chinese residents settled along Clark Street between Van Buren and Harrison Streets. In the mid-1870s, the Kim Kee Company opened a store selling imported Chinese goods and ingredients, and in the basement of the same building stood a Chinese-owned restaurant.

Racism and a Move Southward

While Chinese people in Chicago had been relatively welcomed by the locals in the past, the renewal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1892, in tandem with the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, escalated anti-Chinese sentiment. 

As Wikipedia tells it, by the turn of the century, numerous powerful clans and family associations rose up among the Chinese population in Chicago and led the resistance. 

The first and most powerful was the Moy clan, who were the de facto leaders of the Chinese people in Chicago from 1898 to 1940. The Moy Family Association came to be the largest association in the city. The Moy Association Building, originally built in 1928, still stands as one of the more impressive and beautiful buildings in Chinatown. 

Following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Chinese Americans arrived in Chicago in droves.  

In 1912, Chinese people living in this area began moving south to Armour Square, fueled by anti-Chinese sentiment along the Clark Street. 

Despite that, economically, by the 1930s, a large portion of Chinese businesses in the new Chinatown were large grocery stores stocking imported goods. Through transnational associations, these initial Chinese-owned stores substantiated a strong link between Chicago’s Chinatown, other Chinatowns in the United States, and East Asia. 

Before World War II, Chicago’s Chinatown remained a largely insulated enclave. The influx of refugees and educated Chinese people into Chicago dramatically changed the importance of Chinatown to Chicago’s Chinese residents. 

Further, as Chinese immigration came to be more accepted following the passing of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, young, educated Chinese Americans began to take a greater role in Chinatown. 

The young immigrants also built bridges to the Greater Chicago area through the Chinatown Gateway, built in 1975, which encouraged visitors to learn more about the neighborhood and Chinese culture, as well as history more broadly.

In the decades that followed, Chinatown’s business and civic leaders built an extensive roster of shops, cafes, dim sum spots and teahouses, as well as creating lasting business and cultural associations, making it a destination for tourists and staycationers alike. 

Civic Leadership Spurs Development, Cultural Appreciation 

Chinatown’s most noted civic leader of the latter 20^th Century was Ping Tom (1935-1995). A lifelong resident of Chinatown, Ping Tom formed the Chinese American Development Corporation in 1984. The private real estate firm transformed a 32-acre rail yard site into Chinatown Square, a $100 million dollar residential and commercial expansion of Chinatown. The  two-level mall consists of restaurants, beauty salons and law offices, flanked by 21 new townhouses. Today, Ping Tom Memorial Park, 1700 S. Wentworth Avenue, honors his memory and continues his appreciation of Chinese-American culture. 

For a deeper dive into the often fractured, ultimately triumphant history of Chinatown, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC), 238 West 23rd Street, is a great resource for the appreciation of Chinese American culture through exhibitions, education, and research. It preserves the past, present, and shines a light into the future of Midwestern Chinese Americans.

Event: Lunar New Year Celebration 

Chinatown’s Lunar New Year parade will take place on Sunday, March 1. Traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands and marching groups will begin at 1pm at 24^th Street and Wentworth Avenue and travel north on Wentworth towards the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth. 

Prior to the Chinatown parade, Gangnam Market in River West is holding its annual Lunar New Year Celebration from Saturday, February 14–Sunday, February 15.

The celebration runs from 8am– 11pm each day with free Asian food options like candied fruit skewers or “Tanghulu” along with beverages, plus beer and wine samples from market vendors.

Lion dancing and drum performances will take place each day between 2pm and 4pm, and roaming Pokémon characters will be available for photo ops.

新年好!

Happy New Year to all!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Deep within your gastrointestinal tract lives a community of microorganisms. This is known as your gut microbiome, and it heavily influences our wellbeing! A poor one likely plays a role in every dysfunction in your body, from skin issues and weight gain to chronic fatigue and depression. The good news? There are easy ways to boost your microbiome and improve your overall health.

Monitor your diet. Your microbiome is largely determined by your diet. Fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut and miso contain beneficial live microbes that go directly to your gut, supporting the balance. These are referred to as probiotics. You should eat a variety of fermented foods as we don’t really know exactly how much bacteria they contain or what the effects are.

Include prebiotic foods. Prebiotics are the nutrients that probiotics feed on in the digestive tract. Most are specific types of fiber found in foods like oats, almonds, beans, peas, onions, cabbage, asparagus, and eggplant. Soy products like tofu, miso, tempeh and soy milk are also

rich in prebiotics, as well as sweeteners like honey and agave. Eating more fiber in general can boost your gut health while also easing digestion and alleviating constipation. 

Include dairy (if you can). If it doesn’t disagree with you, dairy is also a good class of foods to support your gut health. Milk containing lactose feeds healthy bacteria. Undigested lactose passes on to the large intestine and feeds beneficial bugs there. Consuming yogurt, milk and kefir can increase lactobacillus and bifidobacterium bacteria, both beneficial. Yogurt and kefir are also fermented foods!

Take a probiotic supplement. Supplements contain different strains proven to confer a health benefit, and have to adhere to strict standards. They can be more accessible and effective than fermented foods, so it might be beneficial to consume both!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago